Can I Sail with a Paddle Board
Being on the water is just an amazing experience. I have always wanted to try sailing, but the price tag for a sailboat is a little too steep for my wallet at the moment. I also have no idea where I would store a sailboat. When I discovered that they made sails for a paddle board, I was beyond thrilled.
Can you sail on a paddle board? Absolutely! There are a few different types of sails that can either be attached to your paddle board or is attached to your paddle. Once the sail is opened up it replicates an experience similar to that of a sailboat. Let’s take a closer look at how it works and some of the different types of sails built for paddle boards.
How to Sail with your Paddle Board
Sailing with a paddle board is relatively easy.
There are a few basic tips to keep in mind when navigating with a SUP sail.
Start out with the sail in front of you.
Turn the sail downwind, meaning the sail is pointing straight out in front of you, and the wind is traveling past the sail.
The sail should be luffing.
Luffing a sail mean that the sail is flapping in the wind.
If you turn the sail 90 degrees to either direction, it’ll help to propel you forward.
Switching the direction of the sail to the opposite side of the direction you want to turn, will allow you to turn in the direction you want to go.
What Makes Sailing on a Paddle Board Fun
- Having another way to control your paddle board.
- The freedom of being able to move across the water without always paddling.
- The sounds of the wind filling the sail.
- The feeling of tranquility gliding across calm waters or a more extreme experience over choppy waters.
- It can get your paddle board moving fairly fast.
- A way to clear your mind as a relaxing activity.
- Creates versatility with your SUP experiences.
- Brings out the free spirit in us.
Using a Sail Paddle
A company called Sailpaddle, has created a paddle that converts into a sail.
This creates a unique experience where you can quickly go from paddling around to sailing in a matter of seconds.
The sail stores in the shaft of the paddle and is released by opening a cap at the handle.
The sail pulls right out and aligns with the paddle.
The base of the sail connects to the downhaul ring in the middle of the paddle.
You can then stand your paddle upright to catch the wind and guide your paddle wherever you want to go.
The sail can easily fold back up into the paddle and you can resume paddling.
Downwind Sail for Paddle Board
This option is super low cost, but does have its limitations.
If you are just looking to try something out to get a sail type feel, then this could work.
This option is really easy to store and folds up into a small pouch.
The sail opens up into a dome that catches the wind, similar to a kite sail used in kitesurfing.
This sail easily straps on your board and sits at the base of your board.
One of the limitations of this is that it is a little difficult to control and steer you in different directions.
It still is a fun option to try to get a taste of going paddle free on your SUP.
Traditional Sail Kit for Paddle Board
This option is the closest to actually sailing or windsurfing on your paddle board and the option I recommend.
This sail contains a more traditional large mast which is 12 feet high and a surface area of 40 square feet.
Due to the size of this sail, it’ll hold up better in stronger winds.
It has a metal T-Frame that connects to the front of your paddle board securing the sail in place.
This sail does all the work for you so you don’t necessarily need to be holding it all the time like the paddle sail.
You can still use your paddle as needed.
In summary, there are many great options to transform your SUP into a sailing adventure.
Adding a sail can create a unique experience and give you a taste of what sailing is all about at an affordable price.
Who knows, you may just discover another exciting recreational hobby on the water.
Please comment below on anything that you enjoyed from this post or share your paddle board sailing stories.
Check out my recommended paddle board that I ride.