If you are carrying children they must be able to swim, and choose a heavier board, perhaps less stream lined, but better good for passengers.
A Hamble based paddle board instructor told me it is not as easy at it looks. I was tempted to say, “You would say that wouldn’t you”. But having seen his clients learning to paddleboard, I see he is right. Before the family takes to the water, spend a couple of hours on a lesson. Schools usually recommend ten years and upwards. A 60 minute lesson aims to:
- Teach you how to standing up which can be a challenge.
- It is from the waist not the shoulders.
- Balancing by placing your weight.
- How to move up and down the board.
There are tutorials on youtube etc. but best to invest in a practical lesson. Most people start on lakes, and then take on the sea and waves and tides which challenges the balance.