Dr. William B. Clark is the owner and primary physician of ENT Associates of Northwest Florida in Pensacola, Florida. Dr. William B. Clark served in the United States Navy as a Battalion Surgeon and then as the Chairman of the Department of Laryngology at the Naval Hospital in Orlando, Florida. In his spare time, he enjoys cycling and paddle boarding.

1. Paddle Boarding
Basics

2. About Dr. William B. Clark
Dr. William B. Clark is the owner and
primary physician of ENT Associates of
Northwest Florida in Pensacola, Florida. Dr.
William B. Clark served in the United States
Navy as a Battalion Surgeon and then as the
Chairman of the Department of
Laryngology at the Naval Hospital in
Orlando, Florida. In his spare time, he
enjoys cycling and paddle boarding.

3. What is Paddle Boarding?
Paddle boarding is a fun and relaxing activity that was
once a common form of transportation for island-
dwelling peoples. Today the sport has been modernized
for safety and efficiency and is enjoyed mostly for
recreation. Boards should be chosen based on the height
and weight as well as experience of the rider. Wider and
flatter boards are better for beginners.

4. The Proper Equipment
Boarders should also be equipped with a
personal floatation device, appropriate clothing
for the weather or water temperature and, of
course, a paddle.

5. Getting Started
Starting out in the prone position, boarders will use their
arms to propel themselves through the water and get a feel
for the board and how it moves. Getting to one’s knees is the
next step and it is important to find the point in the board
where it will support the weight of the rider while still
remaining relatively flat on the water’s surface. This achieved,
paddle while keeping one’s arms reasonably straight and use
the core muscles to move through the water.

6. Final Steps
It is important to keep the paddle blade, which
is set at an oblique angle, pointed away from
the rider. Standing is the final step; riders should
try to keep their center of gravity low and their
knees bent in order to maintain balance.

7. Progress…
Once riders become proficient with these
basics, they will be ready to take on choppier
surf and the subtle art of turning.