Here are our top tips on how to stand up on your paddleboard and conquer the open sea!
Paddleboarding is a board sport accessible to all that gives paddlers the chance to walk on water with ease. If you want to go exploring on the water, try your hand at SUP surfing or take part in SUP races, you first need a good grasp of the basics to get your balance and improve your technique.
Is this your first time paddleboarding? Find out what equipment you need and how to get out on the water for the first time, here hyperlink how to SUP for the first time). If you're all set to hit the water, take note of our tips for standing up on your board. On average, it takes 30 minutes to get your balance and start paddling on a suitable area of flat water (hyperlink to criteria for choosing your spot coming soon) for beginner paddleboarders.
Before you try paddling standing up, there are several steps to go through that will help you to be stable on your SUP... And they start off with getting on your board 😉! If you are launching in the water, walk in until the water comes up to your knees then lie down on your stand-up paddleboard at first if you are not comfortable on your knees, and paddle away from the water's edge. Then get yourself into a kneeling position.
If you are launching from a pontoon or jetty, depending on the height of the latter, try kneeling directly on your board.
Get into position in the middle of your SUP with your knees either side of the carry handle. Pick up your paddle and start paddling on either side of your board while keeping yourself stable. The kneeling position is used as a transition so that you can get your bearings the first time you SUP; you will quickly move onto your feet.
Once you have got your balance on your knees, put your paddle on the front of your board and try to gently get yourself into a standing position.
For better stability, make sure your feet are positioned correctly on your board: either side of the carry handle and shoulder-width apart.
Top tip: once standing, hold your paddle out in front of you like a tightrope walker and focus on a spot in the distance. In this position, try to stabilise your stance. If necessary, spread your feet a little wider, your balance will be better.
The position of your body on a paddleboard is similar to that of a skier: facing the front of your board with your feet shoulder-width apart, legs bent and back straight. In this position, you will be able to cope with and absorb any shocks so that you can spend more time on your board than in the water!
As you go, you will get your bearings and you can start making your first paddle strokes by alternating on either side of your board.
CTA: Anchor "how to paddle" in hands/feet positioning article
Most paddles have an adjustment system so that you can size it to suit your height. The handle of your paddle should be level with your wrist when your arm is raised.
Next, learn how to position your hands on your paddle for an efficient stroke without tiring yourself out or causing injury. Grab your paddle by the grip (the handle) with one hand and by the shaft with the other hand then hold the paddle above your head. When it touches the top of your head, your elbows should form a 90° angle. And that's it, your hands are correctly on your paddle!
Consider marking the position of your hand on the shaft to get back to it quickly when you swap sides while paddling.
Are your feet in place, your posture well balanced and your hands correctly positioned? It's time for your first paddle strokes!
To paddle correctly, reach out as far as possible in front of your board then pull the blade of your paddle back to your feet using the hand on the shaft. Remember to engage your whole body in this movement to protect your elbows, shoulders and lower back, and to develop a better technique.
With time and practice, your stroke will become more powerful and you will save your energy. Improving your technique has two advantages: you will be more efficient and also faster!
If you fall off, the first thing to think about is to try not to fall onto your board but to land in the water instead to avoid injuring yourself.
Once in the water, put your paddle on your board so that you have your hands free to get back on your SUP. Then get yourself to the middle of your board (level with the carry handle) and grab the opposite side of your SUP to pull yourself up onto the board. If your SUP is too wide and you cannot reach the opposite side, you can grab the carry handle and use the same technique.
You can then get back into position on your knees, stand up and continue paddling along!
It's all a matter of patience when it comes to getting your balance on your paddleboard. By following the different stages of learning to SUP you will improve quickly... don't skip any of the steps!
