Stand-up paddle boarding, also popular as SUP is an amazing water activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages with any fitness level. All you need is a calm water body, paddle boarding gear, and a basic technique. I will share that basic technique of stand-up paddle boarding.

Basic Technique

Getting out for a SUP paddle boarding with an instructor is the best thing as he or she will guide you on every step. But, if you’re going solo, then here is a step-by-step guide for you to paddle board in a right manner.

  1. Measure Your Paddle Length

Your paddle board should be equal to your height. So, I will suggest you invest in an adjustable paddle board. You can conveniently do so by standing the SUP board next to you and lifting your arm straight up adjacent to your head. Your fingers should simply catch the handle with a completely expanded arm. It's important to adjust the paddle as it influences your stroke totally. If it is too short you'll need to bend a lot more to paddle proficiently and if it is too big, you'll experience difficulties maintaining the flow.

  1. Put on Your Protective Leash

In case you fall, you are likely to lose your board. A leash can save you from swimming after your board, or much more terrible, losing it totally!

It is recommended to put on a leash on your dominant foot. In paddle boarding, regular and goofy are the two stances, which decide in which direction you’ll be facing and ultimately controlling your moves and turns.

In order to find your stance, you can ask someone to push you and try hard to not predict the push. At this time, notice which foot you take out first as it is your dominant foot.

  1. Launch Your Stand-Up Paddle Board

If you’re trying to find a launching zone without anyone else’s help, you can wade into the water from it easily. If your friend accompanies you and if possible, hold each other’s paddle boards.

Once you’ve achieved stability, you can try standing in the board’s middle, generally on either side of the handle of the SUP. If you’re not feeling stable while standing, you can try kneeling at the initial stage, and then slowly stand up.

  1. Way to go Straight on a SUP
  • Keep your head raised and concentrate on the direction you want to head to rather than focusing on your feet or the nose of the SUP.
  • Slightly bend your knees while keeping your back straight.
  • Put the paddle in the water towards the board’s front and pull it backwards in the direction of your foot.
  • It’s important to put the paddle blade completely in the water when you pull through.
  • Make sure the paddle is as near to the SUP board as possible.
  • If you’re just using your back and arms to pull the paddle, you’ll get tired really quick. So, you should try twisting a bit with the strokes for additional power and to use the whole body.
  • It is important to switch sides every few strokes to remain in straight line otherwise you’ll go around in circles.
  1. What to do on Falling

Paddle boards are sturdy, and you can lie down or stand up conveniently on it. But, in case you fall, it’s too easy to get back on the board.

Follow this technique to get on the paddle board, launch it, and head straight to enjoy stand-up paddle boarding.