How to Get Started With Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Like a cross between surfing, kayaking and skateboarding, “Paddleboarding is like walking on water,” says Jimmy Blakeney, interim president of the watersports division at Solo Brands.

Need more reasons to love paddleboarding?

“You can surf, tour, fish, explore, hang out and more,” Blakeney says. “And, unlike a kayak, a paddleboard gives you lots of mobility, and you can get in and out of the water as you like.”

Though SUP’s roots are in surfing, the majority of SUP boards are now used for flatwater touring and fitness paddling. Whatever way you wanna paddle, your Gear Guy brings you everything you need to know about SUP.

STAND-UP PADDLEBOARD BASICS

Hard boards are the lightest and most efficient — and usually more expensive. Inflatable boards are more
affordable. Plus, they roll up into a carry bag, so they’re easier to transport. Inflatable paddleboards also usually come as kits with a paddle, dry bag, leash and inflation pump.

Beginners might look for a planing hull board, which is wide, stable and easy to steer. Displacement hull boards are faster, cutting through the water with their pointy noses instead of skimming the surface. These slender boards track straight, which is great for covering long distances, but they don’t turn as easily.

SUPs usually come with a hollowed-out handle on the deck roughly in the center of the board for easier carrying.

A single fin or cluster of three or four fins on the bottom keeps your SUP moving in the right direction.

SAFETY FIRST

• Always wear a life jacket and an ankle leash so you don’t lose your board if you fall off.
• Before heading out, check the four W’s: wind, water, waves and weather. If conditions aren’t safe, don’t go out.
• Carry a whistle in case you need help. It’s required in most states.
• Make sure you’re at or under the paddleboard’s listed weight capacity.
• Bring a light source if you’re paddleboarding after dark.
• Follow Scouting America’s Safe Swim Defense guidelines, including having a buddy.

SUP SIZING

SUPs range from 14-foot touring boards to 8-foot surf-specific boards and everything in between. Longer and narrower boards are the fastest and best for long-distance touring. The wider the board, the more stable it is. Shorter boards are more maneuverable and often better for surfing or running rapids. There are also some youth-size boards that are lighter weight, shorter and narrower for easier paddling.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF SUP CONSTRUCTION

Soft-tops are made of a lightweight foam core wrapped in a soft rubber-like covering. These SUPs are lightweight and durable and a good choice for beginners.

Hard boards are generally made of EPS foam covered in fiberglass and hardened epoxy. They are lightweight, relatively durable and higher performance than a soft-top. Some hard boards are made of EPS foam wrapped in hard plastic, making them heavier but nearly indestructible.

Inflatable SUPs fit inside a bag for easy storage and travel and can be pumped up in about seven minutes. While it’s not as rigid as a hard board, a good-quality inflatable SUP can be very stable.

THE PADDLE

A SUP paddle looks like a canoe paddle with a really long shaft. The main difference is the SUP paddle blade is bent forward slightly.

Always paddle with the bent angle of the paddle facing away from you. When paddling on the right side of the board, hold the shaft in your right hand and the handle grip in your left. Do the opposite when paddling on the left side of your board.

Paddles come in many different constructions, from super-lightweight and stiff carbon-fiber models for racing and touring to more affordable paddles with thermoplastic blades that are heavier but ultra-durable.

PADDLE SIZING

Your paddle should be about 4 to 6 inches taller than you. SUP surfers generally prefer shorter paddles. While many paddles have fixed length, an adjustable paddle is a good choice if you’ll be sharing your SUP with friends and family.

THE LEASH

All SUPs have an attachment on the tail of the board for a leash. Wrap the leash around your ankle with the Velcro cuff and attach the other end to your SUP. This keeps your board within easy reach when you fall off.

Coiled leashes are best for most types of paddling because the tight coils keep the leash on the deck of your board rather than dragging behind in the water.

Straight leashes are best for SUP surfing. If you’re whitewater SUPing, NEVER attach the leash to your ankle because it can be a drowning risk. Instead, attach the leash to your life jacket with a quick-release clip.

OTHER SUP ACCESSORIES

Look for accessories that fit your adventure. Most paddleboards have bungees for carrying drybags and other gear. Some have straps to hold your paddle while you’re fishing or swimming.

GET UP, STAND UP

It’s best to stand in the middle of the board (near the carry handle) with your feet parallel and about hip-width apart. If you have gear strapped to the front of your board, shift your weight farther back toward the tail of the SUP.

The easiest way to get started is to first kneel on the board with the paddle placed horizontally across the deck in front of you. Apply even pressure to your hands as you slowly pull one foot, and then the other, under your body to stand up. Once standing, you can use your paddle to brace and balance.

If you’re feeling wobbly, don’t stare at your feet. Instead, keep your eyes fixed on a spot on the horizon.

CARING FOR YOUR STAND-UP PADDLEBOARD

Once you’ve chosen your board, take care of it. Don’t drag it across rocks. Store it out of direct sunlight, and dry it before you pack it away.