How to Stand Up Paddle Board : The Best Stance for Beginners

Do not be that girl or the boy. Avoid the most common beginners mistakes by following our list of best stances for beginners in SUP.

Whether you are renting a paddle and SUP, have just bought your gear, or have been out a couple of times, this info might make a big difference to your future boarding experiences.

How to Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP)

Use a leash

This goes for all SUPs, but the sooner you’re aware of how strong a SUP leash is in any condition, the safer you and everybody else will be when you’re paddling.

There’re different sorts of leashes and other kinds of attachment points depending on what type of paddling you’re doing.

Ensure Your paddle is the right way. 

We have all done it because it looks right at the time. You want the SUP paddle to scoop the water as you try to balance and paddle without falling in.

Though every eventually finds out, the paddle goes the other way as it works more efficiently when in the standing position and also outcomes in a smoother paddle stroke and less on your elbows and shoulders.

As the shaft is the leading edge, you push the blade via the water in s bit trailing position that helps blade stability. The blade is vertical as you perform the paddleboard stroke, offering the most proper angle via the middle of the stroke for the most power.

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Face the right way 

The non paddlers or regular water gores, it’s not immediately obvious which end is the nose of the SUP. Several beginner boards are big round tail and nose SUP with good stability, often a big EVA deck area so you can move quickly.

So, before you jump on the paddleboard, check where the fins are and ensure they’re in the back when you paddle!

Fins at the back aid keep the SUP straight while you paddle. This is called tracking and helps with solid grip while your surf waves. Fins up front make for a twitchy board that would not go straight no matter how hard you try!

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Look at the horizon

When we first start paddling, the temptation is to look down at the paddleboard, watch the water lapping at the sides, and pray we will not fall in! For the best stability, you want to keep your head up, your back straight, and your whole weight over your toes.

It sounds a bit silly, but with your head down watching your toes, you’re likely to rock back on your heels and then say hello to water!

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Paddling with your core

I.e., Do not use your arms. This might sound a bit weird at first, but your core best does paddling.

These are the solid muscles of your body and give the most efficient power for your paddle stroke. Standing up tall and using your arms to paddle will be tiring, and you would not get very much power.

Stay out of the way

The sea is vast, rivers are comprehensive, and lakes are big. Yet we always look to want to paddle on a similar square inch of water! SUPs are enormous, and they can damage you when they hit you.

Be mindful of water paddlers and learn the art of paddleboards. Ensure you have a bunch of room to practice standing, paddling, and falling.

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Fall off your paddleboard the right way 

Even the pros fall off, so this is forever going to be a part of your SUP boarding. What is vital, though, is how you fall. Just like you practice tricks and wave riding, practicing falls or at least being aware of how to slip and fall safely can make sure your session is not cut short by injury.

SUPs are big can easily hurt when they hit you when you fall, and you want to fall away from your paddleboard.

Do not worry. You are connected to it with your leash, and it would not go away, but falling well clear of the board will allow you to fall gracefully into the water falling on the SUP or the fins. This is particularly vital in a location with current or waves as the paddleboard will move freely of your input.

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Watch the wind

When you are standing on your paddleboard, you’re a sail in the wind. It is vital to know the condition when you paddle out. Also, you’re aware of possible changes coming to see the forecast.

If you are ever caught in an unfavorable wind change, lay down with your paddle tucked underneath you and paddle the board like a standard surfboard. This is called water paddling prone.

Ride waves you can handle

I have been around the ocean most of my life. Bodyboarding, sailing, body surfing, paddleboarding… Huge waves still scare the crap out of me sometimes. Mother nature is a powerful being, and you have to respect that and how your limits.

We do this for fun, and 99 percent of us are not out there to provide anything. Just be smart and ride waves in suitable conditions for your riding skill level.

That goes for while waterboarding too. Be sure to know the flow of the river and the power of water.

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Look after your SUP and paddle.

Stand-up paddleboards for beginners are big. To make them maneuverable, manageable, and robust, they need to be built out of super light and high-tech material, making them an expensive option.

Look after your paddleboard and paddle. They’re fragile when thrown around on land. Your paddleboard will thank you!

If you need some extra SUP boarding tips, are not sure which board to get, or need some advice about paddle gear, we’re happy to assist you.

Feel free to contact us now!

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