Staying hydrated is necessary all the time. But it is even more crucial when something such as stand-up paddleboarding is concerned.
Paddling on your paddleboard is fun and very entertaining. It might be more interesting for you to notice the effects of the sun or your body overworking.
And just like any other sport, you need to stay hydrated while paddleboarding. If you do not drink a lot of water, you may get to a point of dehydration.
Dehydration can lead to heart problems, weakness, muscle cramps, or even worse. Therefore, proper hydration is vital when paddling or enjoying any other water sport. Below are a few tips on how you can stay hydrated while paddleboarding.
10 Tips on How to stay hydrated while paddleboarding
- Avoid alcohol
Even though alcohol is a drink, you should avoid taking it while paddleboarding. It is unsafe and not a good drink to keep you hydrated.
Drinking alcohol before or when paddling will leave you more dehydrated. It will make your body lose more water than you might have consumed.
Alcohol causes someone to become dehydrated in many ways. It makes you feel warm and causes you to sweat unnecessarily.
- Do not wait to be thirsty
Before you become thirsty, the body is already dehydrated. Therefore, do not wait to be thirsty. When paddleboarding, keep a bottle of water nearby. This will make you drink more water than usual.
- Hydrate in the morning
Studies show that it is beneficial to drink water in the morning than in the evening. Therefore, if you want to stay hydrated throughout the day, make sure you drink water in the morning.
However, do not forget to carry more water as you head out. This will make you feel more energetic and be at your best on the water.
- Check weather forecast
Another great tip that will help you stay hydrated while paddleboarding is to know the weather forecast. Knowing how the climate is will help you estimate the amount of drinking water to carry.
For instance, during hot climates, you need to carry more drinking water. And during the cold seasons, you will need less amount of water. However, make sure you have enough water during the cold and hot seasons.
- Do not overdress
How you dress can make you more dehydrated. By being too hot, you will sweat a lot leading to dehydration. Therefore, make sure you dress according to the weather.
Before you leave for stand-up paddleboarding, make sure you are well dressed for the right weather.
- For short paddles have plain water
If you are planning to go for short paddles, carry plain water. This is the best drink for someone who wants to paddle for a few hours or you are not so much into stand-up paddleboarding.
If you do not like plain water, you can add lime or a slice of lemon. This will give your water a good flavour so that you can drink more.
- For longer paddles have sports drinks
If you are planning to paddle for long distances, you may need to have plain water and some sports drinks. This will ensure you replace the components you might lose when paddleboarding.
Paddleboarding for a long distance will make you sweat a lot and feel exhausted. Thus, taking sports drinks will help a lot. However, sports drinks should not be overdone. They contain artificial sweeteners and sugars in significant amounts.
- Hydrate as you paddle
To ensure you are not dehydrated, you need to drink more water as you paddle. This will help battle dehydration and help you remain focused as you paddle.
Therefore, sip water after every twenty minutes. Whether you are paddling for leisure or as a sport, make sure you drink water at regular intervals. You need to drink more water if you are paddling in hot weather or if you are paddleboarding at a faster pace.
- Drink coffee in the morning
According to recent studies, drinking coffee in the morning can decrease the risk of dehydration. It is a drink that does not make you lose a lot of fluid during the day.
However, that does not mean you should only drink coffee. You are advised to drink a lot of water as well. Make sure to pack a significant amount of drinking water before heading out to paddle.
- Make it a habit
Whether you are paddling or you are relaxing in the sun, make it a habit to stay hydrated. This will keep your body strong and ready for any assignment such as paddleboarding.
When your body is well hydrated, you will be able to paddle for a long time without feeling exhausted. In addition, you will be able to stay focused.
Final Word
Staying hydrated is important for your performance and safety. By drinking water, you regulate your body temperature and ensure you remain active throughout the activity.
By following the above tips, your paddleboarding exercise will be fun and safe. If you are taking sports drinks, make sure not to take too much. You are advised to drink more plain water than sports drinks. Are you ready to paddle board? Don’t forget to read these beginner tips.