Stand Up Paddle Board Tips For Beginners

Stand Up Paddle Board Tips For Beginners
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Stand Up Paddle Board Tips for Beginners

Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) started in the 1960s when Hawaiian surfers began standing on their longboards and using outrigger canoe paddles to venture out for a better view of the surf. It wasn’t until the 2000s that the sport began to gain momentum.

SUP combines the best of kayaking and surfing, offering you the option to cruise in calm lagoon waters or charge waves in the open ocean. Test your balance and work out your core while you enjoy your time in the water.

Here are a few tips to ensure a safe, fun, and memorable paddling experience:

Learn the basics first. Sign up for a class to learn the fundamentals before you paddle out. Our SUP Lessons are available 7 days a week and our instructors can teach you the basics of SUP and how to stay safe in the water. Sign up for a SUP Lesson today!

Prepare to fall and learn the proper way to do it. Falling from your board is part of the learning experience so you'll have to get used to that idea when you're starting out. Make sure you fall away and to the side of your board. Also, check that the water you are standing in is at least shoulder deep and clear of obstacles, so you won’t hit anything when you fall. Don’t worry about losing your board, as it will be on a leash attached to your ankle.

Choose the right gear. When doing SUP, you will need a stand up paddle board, a paddle, and a board leash. Consult with your instructor or surf shop to get the gear that’s right for your height, weight, skill level, and budget. You may also be required to wear a personal flotation device (PFD) or carry other safety equipment.

Make sure your board and paddle are facing the right direction. Place the paddle blade forward and the bend behind you. For beginners, it may not seem obvious which end is the nose of the board.

Paddle with your core. Use your core rather than your arms since your core muscles are stronger. This will give you more power with every stroke and it won’t tire you out as fast.

Look at the horizon.
Stay alert and always keep your site and awareness of the horizon. You may fee unstable at first and look down at your board to gain balance. Try not to do this as looking out toward the horizon will raise your head, straighten your back, and more evenly distribute your weight over your feet.

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