Stand up paddle boarding is a fun activity you can do on oceans, lakes, rivers, and bays. It’s a great full body core workout and way to experience the beauty of the outdoors. Best of all, it’s perfect for people of all ages, body types and skill levels.

Before paddle boarding for the first time, there are a few basics, techniques, and helpful tips to learn. 

HOW TO STAND UP ON A SUP

  • Always start in calm, flat water with a nice wide board.
  • Get the board out into in water so the fin is free from hitting the bottom
  • Start in a kneeling position – on your knees take a few strokes on each side of the board
  • Slowly, stand up with one foot at a time and stay in the middle of the board with your feet parallel to the handle – about shoulder width apart
  • Keep a slight bend in the knees and your core centered over the board
  • Keep in mind you may fall off, when you do, hop back up and try again. If you get cold easily, we recommend wearing a thin wetsuit.

HOW TO PADDLE FORWARD

  • Keep your bottom arm straight and relatively still.
  • Pull your top arm toward your body to extend the paddle forward.
  • Rotate your top shoulder forward and extend your reach.
  • Insert the paddle into the water as far forward as possible and bury the paddle into the water.
  • Rather than pulling you paddle through the water, think about pulling past your paddle.
  • To stay in a straight line, take a few strokes on one side then switch to a few strokes on the other.
  • SUP Beginner Tip: Always remember to switch the position of your hands when your paddle changes sides to efficiently paddle your SUP.

To ensure you have the best time on your SUP use our top paddle boarding tips to avoid making the common SUP mistakes.

  • DO: Always hold the paddle with one hand on the top of the handle and the other on the shaft.
  • DON’T: hold the paddle like a broomstick, with both hands on the shaft.
  • DO: Keep your feet parallel, spread shoulder width apart, and your toes pointed toward the nose.
  • DON’T: Get in a surf stance – everyone wants to, but that makes paddling on the flat water ten times harder. Plus, you will fall. Save your surf stance for the surf.
  • DO: Make sure your grip on the paddle is shoulder width apart — short grips will give you a powerless stroke.
  • DON’T: Only use your arms – you’ll get tired faster and not paddle efficiently. Let your big back muscles do the brunt of the work.
  • DO: Dip the blade fully into the water and take a long stroke, letting your large back muscles do the work.