Basics and First Attempts

SUP boarding is an activity that not only brings a lot of joy but also offers health benefits. Improved fitness, strengthened muscles and joints, enhanced endurance, and stress reduction are among the key advantages. Stand-Up Paddleboarding is gentle on the joints and spine, making it a sport that anyone can enjoy, regardless of age.


How do you start SUP boarding? Is mastering this skill very difficult? These are common concerns for many beginner SUP enthusiasts. Before they move on to learning how to paddle standing up, they need to choose the right, well-fitted equipment (we discussed boards for beginners in our previous post, “Beginner’s SUP Board: How to Choose Your First Gear Without Getting Discouraged”), and the right attire. Remember, an important element is the paddle and accessories that provide protection—like a lead and a life jacket. Only then can they begin learning how to SUP board.

 

How To Paddleboard on an SUP? Essential Tips for Beginners

 

If you’re just starting out with stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), it’s crucial to choose the right location for your initial attempts. Ideally, opt for calm, shallow, still waters. It’s also beneficial to pick a windless and sunny day. Remember—especially at the beginning of your SUP journey—to wear a life jacket. This will help you feel more confident and secure, allowing you to focus better on your training.

 

Your first attempts should involve paddling in a kneeling position. Before you start standing on the board, try paddling in this less demanding and safer posture. It’s an excellent exercise for maintaining balance. Use the paddle to your advantage—position it perpendicular to the board to help stabilise it. Once you feel confident, you can start paddling slowly. Initially, avoid reaching too far with the paddle; lift it when it reaches knee height. Only after mastering this training and feeling more secure on the board should you attempt to stand up. Start by standing with slightly bent knees, gently shifting your body weight from side to side to maintain balance. To make it easier, hold the paddle flat in front of you and use it as a support. Then, dip it into the water and gently push away from the board.

 

How To Stand on an SUP?

 

To start paddleboarding on an SUP, you need to learn how to stand on the board. A proper stance helps maintain balance and allows you to paddle efficiently. What should this position look like? Your feet should be parallel to the board’s axis, ideally on either side of the SUP’s carrying handle. Ensure they are spaced hip-width apart. What tips can be offered to beginners?

 

  • Avoid stiffening your legs; your knees should act as natural shock absorbers.

  • Begin paddling immediately after assuming the correct position; the board is most stable while paddling.

  • Keep your gaze forward—this helps in maintaining balance.

SUP Boarding—How To Hold the Paddle?

 

The SUP paddle has a distinctive shape, with the blade curved to one side—during paddling, it should be angled towards the front of the SUP board. How should you position your hands on the paddle? This is crucial because the correct grip allows you to move efficiently on the water. Hold the paddle from below with the hand on the blade side. Your fingers should wrap around the paddle comfortably, not tightly. The other hand rests on the top of the paddle, where there’s a special handle—grip it overhand, similar to holding a bicycle handlebar.

 

Both hands should be straight and widely spaced on the paddle. When raised above your head, your silhouette should form a Y shape. Paddle alternately on both sides of the board, making full strokes with the paddle. It’s important that the movement doesn’t come solely from your arms but involves your whole body—arms and back. Initially, focus on learning the correct paddling technique rather than speed or power. It’s recommended to maintain a steady pace to avoid quick fatigue.

 

Movino GARDA Allround 10'10'' (navy blue-green)

 

SUP Basics—What To Do After Falling Into the Water?

 

Enhancing your SUP boarding skills with knowledge on how to handle falling into the water is beneficial. First and foremost, return to your SUP board as quickly as possible. If the board has flipped, turn it over and place the paddle on it. The first step is to swim to the board and lie on it on your stomach. Your legs should remain submerged in the water to help maintain balance. Climb onto the board gradually until your entire body is on the SUP.

 

When falling into the water, try not to let go of the paddle. Also, be careful not to hit your head on the SUP. Beginners are advised to use a life jacket.

 

At Movino, you’ll find inflatable all-round SUP boards perfect for beginners, as well as touring models for those ready to take their adventure further.