Myth No. 1: "Paddleboarding is effortless"
Contrary to popular belief, paddleboarding is a complete exercise that requires a lot of muscle power.
Maintaining balance on the board requires the use of trunk, leg and arm muscles. What's more, paddling strengthens the cardiovascular system.
According to an American study, a paddling session can burn between **305 and 430 calories **per hour for the average person. That's roughly comparable to a brisk walk!
Myth no. 2: "Paddling is only a leisure sport"
Eh... not true! In fact, the sport has been practiced competitively in France since 2009, under the supervision of the French Surfing Federation.
What are paddle competitions like? There are short sprints, but also** marathons on the water**, which involve both *strategy and endurance*.
Incidentally, France's Sables d'Olonnes was the venue for the last paddle world championships, in 2023. And just so you know, the French won the title for the third time last year!
" Myth No. 3. Paddling is only for adults"
There's no strict minimum age for taking up paddling, but in general, children can start as soon as they can swim and are comfortable in the water, often around the age of 6 or 7.
It all depends on their physical development, their confidence in the water, and their ability to follow safety instructions.
To ensure they get off to a safe start, there are a few rules: wear a lifejacket adapted to their size and weight, choose **broader, more stable boards **to facilitate their balance, start in very calm waters and be accompanied by an adult, especially during the first few sessions.
Myth No. 4: "Paddling is dangerous"
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**As with any water sport, there is a certain amount of risk, of course, such as falling into the water, colliding with another paddler, getting a cramp or being swept away from the shore.
But risks are very rare when you start paddling with a prof or on a calm lake , which is certainly the best way to start.
Finally, there are a few tricks to avoid risks: wear a lifejacket, use a leash (rope connecting the ankle to the board), check the weather conditions before setting out, and practice only in suitable areas.
**Myth #5 "Paddleboarding is only practiced on calm lakes"
Paddleboarding is in fact quite an adaptable sport, and can be practiced in a wide variety of aquatic environments.
Then of course there are the rivers and streams, which can be very tranquil, but also quite extreme, depending on the flow and the presence of rapids. In fact, there's a sub-discipline called whitewater paddling, which requires advanced skills but offers a more adrenaline-filled experience.
You can also paddle on the sea or ocean. It can be a leisurely stroll on the water, or a surf mode where paddlers catch waves. Here again, it's a different technique and requires more strength and agility than on a calm lake.
But paddling can also be practiced on urban canals, inland waterways, or even mangroves, why not!
In Paris, for example, the Seine Paddle Club offers regular sessions on the Seine, to see the city from a different angle.
