Stand Up Paddle in Eze, France

Take the Bus Line N°100 from The Port to Gare SNCF Eze, Price 1,50€

Take the Train to Gare de Eze sur Mer, Price 2.80€

No. We will give you instructions, everything you need to know about Stand Up Paddle to stand on a board and paddle away.

You do not have to be an Olympic athlete, but it does help if you are fit to really enjoy stand up paddle. So, if you can stand on one foot for 30 seconds :), get from a kneeling position to a standing position without using your hands and pull out of the deep end of a pool without a ladder you can do this easily. By the way, if balance and strength aren’t really your thing then a Kayak rental is also available and super fun.

Here is a short guide on how to paddle board:
-Get into the water carrying your board and set the board on the surface
-Get on the board, hold the paddle in your hand and get on your knees on the board first
-Then, try to stand up by first lifting one leg and then the other, get up from a squat position
-Once you stand on the board, start to paddle slowly first
-Make sure to have your knees slightly bent, keep your head up straight and have your vantage point always forward.

Practicing the stand up paddle is not hard at all. Especially when doing this kind of water sport on flat water it is quite easy to learn. You don’t even have to be the fittest or sportiest person to be a good stand up paddler.
Besides the therapeutic benefits stand up paddling brings with it, it is also super fun and can be a great group activity!

If you are a beginner, you should be aware of the most common mistakes you should try to avoid making. Here is a list of a few tips on how to make your first paddle board experiences easier:

1. Try to think you are riding a bike! Don’t think about floating on the water and don’t look down.
2. Make sure to stand in the center of your board to maintain balance.
3. Bend your knees slightly to be prepared for slight waves.
4. Engage your core.
5. Focus on a certain point on land or in the sea/lake in order to keep your balance.

It is not necessary to wear super expensive clothing for paddle boarding. As you are on the water, and will maybe fall into it at some point, you can just wear your swimming clothes such as a bikini or bathing shorts.
If you are advanced and sure you will not get wet, normal active or casual clothing is of course also possible.

Usually you do not need to wear any protection, as the most dangerous thing that could happen is falling into the water 😉

Stand up paddling can be executed in many different ways. Either you can knee on it, sit on it or stand on it while paddling.
Beginners may first feel more comfortable with sitting or kneeing on the board. Once you get used to your board and the body of the water it will be easy for you to stand up on your board.

After you’ve stood up immediately do a first stroke of paddling. This supports you to stand firmly on the board and find your balance. Make sure your feet are parallel and equidistant to your hips. Slightly bent knees are also important to maintain balance.
Don’t look down if you feel you are losing your balance, even if it might be tempting. The key to get your balance back is to look forward and focus on a certain point in front of you.
In the case you fall off your board, try to fall away from it and not land on the board.

To hold the paddle properly is an important issue and fundamental to execute the paddle movement in the right way.
The most important thing is to make sure that the paddle blade angle is looking away from you. Also, the paddle needs to be held vertical to the water surface.
Further, gripping your paddle properly will help you to steer your board correctly and to perform steering manoeuvres. Put one hand on the top of the paddle and grip the shaft with your other hand. The hands on the paddle should be about an arm's width apart.
If you hold your paddle properly in this “T”-bar and dive it into the water fully vertical when doing a stroke, you will be surprised how easily you are moving forward on the water.

If a bigger wave hits you or you just lose you balance, you may fall off your paddle board.
As you’ve made sure that your leash is attached before you started your paddling session, you do not have to worry about your paddle board floating away. The most difficult thing will be to get back on your board after falling into the water.
First, focus on swimming back to your board and do not worry about your paddle, as it is usually floating. The easiest way to get back on is to swim to the center and grab the handle with one hand. Support your other arm on the board and push yourself up with both arms. Make a few strong kicks with your legs in the water to get an upwards thrust.
Kicking your feet and pulling your arms will get you back on the board. Once you are back on the board you can lie down in the surfing position and use your arms to get to your paddle.