Robert Stehlik covers some of the most common mistakes people make on their first downwinders while Stand Up paddling and shows how to do it right. For more downwinder videos, watch this playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0SxFTHHwMFVW7xQaHEMLSvZgyPktUhTw
These are the 5 most common first time downwinder mistakes discussed in the video:
1) Paddling too much at a steady pace.
Downwinders are about quick acceleration and resting, you need to relax and rest so you can accelerate quickly when needed
2) Paddling at the wrong time. It's all about timing, paddle into the back of the wave that just padded you and try to follow it, once it starts pulling you along, relax and rest for the next opportunity.
3) Not using the paddle for balance. The paddle is your third leg, skim it when gliding/ resting, this will keep you from falling in.
4) Using the wrong board: boards that are fast on flatwater often don't work well in downwinders. Use a wider, stable board with more rocker, this will make it more fun and you will learn faster.
5) Not standing in the right place. Generally speaking your weight needs to be further back on the board than in flatwater conditions. It may seem easier to catch bumps by standing more forward but the board can't get on a plane and release if you don't move your weight further back.
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Robert is using the 14' x 28" Blue Planet Bump Rider model and Kai Zen paddle in this video.
Aloha!
