About Paddleboard Disc Golf
What is paddleboard disc golf?
Paddleboard disc golf combines paddle boarding with disc golf. If you have ever played golf, miniature golf, or disc golf, then you understand the object of the game: try to hit the target in as few throws as possible. Standard PDG is scored like golf, miniature golf, and disc golf: the lowest score wins. The Paddleboard Disc Golf Association has developed official rules that govern the sport.
Where can I play?
The best place to play is a body of water with a fair number of anchored buoys at varying distances. If you don’t have buoys or some natural elements protruding from the water, you can use a floating ball that you throw ahead of you as your target.
How hard is it to play?
Throwing a disc is simple and something most everyone has done at some point in their lives. Paddle boarding requires balance but can be learned in an afternoon. The trick is putting the two together, because the throws can put you off balance and into the water. Thus, many players start out kneeling when making their throws until they get their sea legs. Weather plays a significant role in ease of play. Calm water and no wind make standing much easier. But experienced players will seek the adrenaline of playing in high winds and waves.
Can beginners play with more experienced players?
The great thing about PDG is that the rules allow for two divisions: one where you must stand at all times, and one where you can kneel. At the start of a match, everyone starts out in the “stand up” division. Those contestants who kneel by choice or accidentally fall are then relegated to the “open” division, and no longer competing in the “stand up” division. All players (including stand up players) compete in the open division, allowing novices to continue to compete against more experienced players.
Are there variations on the sport?
Yes! Speed PDG is a race to complete the course, irrespective of how many throws it takes to hit each target. Combination PDG combines throwing score with time to complete the course (each throw adds one minute of time to the final score). Cutthroat PDG suspends the interference rules, for the more gladiatorial players out there. Ramming an opponent, chucking an opponent’s disc out to sea, and pretty much anything else goes in a race to hit the target first – except touching an opponent with your paddle or keeping possession of an opponent’s disc for over five seconds.
Why should I play Paddleboard Disc Golf?
Aside from the health benefits, PDG is fun, challenging, and can be played alone or with friends. You can make it as difficult as anyone can handle by playing in wind and waves, or just take it easy playing in calm water. And because of variations in the wind and waves, you can play the same course over and over without ever playing the same terrain twice. Assuming you already have a paddleboard, the barrier to entry is low – all you need is a floating disc and a floating target. If you do not have a paddleboard … wow, you are missing out! Aside from being the best way to tour a body of water, paddleboards are now very affordable, have gotten lighter, and are easier to carry. In fact, paddle boarding is the fastest growing sport in the world, according to a report by the Outdoor Foundation.
What are the health benefits of paddleboard disc golf?
When you combine paddle boarding with disc golf, it is like a cross fit workout on water. Every single muscle is engaged, as well as your core. But don’t just take our word for it … Samir Becic was named the #1 fitness trainer in the world four years running.
He says the benefits of paddle boarding include:
• Improved balance.
• Full body workout.
• Low impact.
• Reduced stress.
• Increased strength.
• Cardio workout.
• Useful in rehabilitating injuries.
• Improved endurance.
• Better cardiovascular health.
• Connecting with nature.
Similarly, according to the Professional Disc Golf Association, disc golf provides “upper and lower body conditioning, aerobic exercise, and mental stimulation. Concentration skills increase by mastering shots and negotiating obstacles, and players of limited fitness levels can start slowly and gradually increase their level of play.” By combining these two great activities, you increase the overall health benefit. Or, you can take it easy with a leisurely round of PDG. In any event, PDG will clear the mind, improve concentration, and place you on the most beautiful, calming golf course imaginable. Until, that is, you are two feet from the target and miss by a fraction of an inch. That’s not so calming. Check out Samir’s full list of benefits here: https://www.healthfitnessrevolution.com/top-10-health-benefits-standup-paddleboarding/, and the Professional Disc Golf Association here: https://www.pdga.com.
Is Paddleboard Disc Golf safe?
Anytime you are on the water, there is a risk of drowning. That is why the Rules of Paddleboard Disc Golf require every player to properly wear a personal floatation device. No exceptions. You can further decrease the risks by staying away from areas with submerged rocks and rocky shorelines, not playing when lightening is present, and following the Rules of Paddleboard Disc Golf. One positive aspect of PDG is that it is low impact, so you can get a high intensity workout without significant wear and tear on your joints and tendons.
What skills are most important in paddleboard disc golf?
Being able to throw the disc accurately is important. But equally important is developing the skill and strength as a paddle boarder to put yourself on a line for the target before making the catch (the catch is when you use your paddle to pick up the disc from the water). Situational awareness is also important. Is there a current? Is the wind against you? These factors help you decide whether to make a throw short or long of the target. Balance is also critical, because one fall relegates you to the open division for the match. Being able to focus, concentrate, and perform under pressure are also meaningful.
Why am I having so much trouble paddle boarding when my kids make it look easy?
The key is having a paddleboard long enough to support you. The taller and heavier you are, the larger your board should be. If you are using the same size board as your shorter, lighter kids, then boarding will be more difficult for you. Also, feel free to kneel while paddling until you get your sea legs.
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The Paddle Board Disc Golf Organization
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