Paddle boarding has grown in popularity and is accessible for both beginners and experienced paddlers. Attempting a new watersport can be intimidating at first, but this shouldn’t leave you waiting on the shore.
Most of us learn by experience. After a few falls and some good laughs, you should be gliding smoothly. Being aware of a few tricks ahead of time will, however, make your learning process smoother.
What should a paddler do—or avoid—to prevent injuries and have an amazing time? Read further, we list the 20 best paddle boarding tips to have a blast on the water.
#1. Get the Right Equipment
Your board, as well as your paddle, will have a considerable impact on your paddling experience. If your stand-up paddle board—or SUP—is too big or unstable, it’ll take a lot of the fun away. If your paddle is too short, you won’t go very far.
Choosing Your Stand Up Paddle Board
If this is your first time paddle boarding, all-round boards with planing hulls are better to maintain proper balance. Inflatable models are popular among beginners and are also one of the most economical options to get started.
When choosing your first SUP, don’t only focus on your board’s length. Its width and thickness should also be considered as they impact the overall weight capacity of the board. For more information on how to pick the best paddle board, read our article here.
Choosing Your Paddle
After the SUP, your paddle is the second most crucial piece of equipment to acquire. Ensure that it’s properly fitted to your height. When placed vertically in front of you, the T-handle should stand about 6 to 10 inches above your head.
When your paddle is too short, you need to bend lower to entirely submerge the blade. If you’re looking for a relaxing SUP time, that may be more exercise than you intended.
#2. Try Your Board Before Committing
Before purchasing a SUP, we suggest trying it directly on the water. This can be achieved in a couple of ways.
Most rental places will carry well-known brands. Try out a few different types of boards and hulls and see how they feel. Rental shops often sell new or second-hand boards so you can try and buy your board in one place.
When possible, try the SUP both on a lake and on the ocean. A board can be ideal for flat waters but very unstable when taken to the ocean.
Take advantage of special events organized by your SUP community. Shops often display their products close to the shore, allowing potential buyers to try them out.
#3. Take Lessons
If you feel nervous getting started, or if you’d like to learn it correctly from the beginning, taking lessons is a good idea. The help of a professional should make you feel more confident, teaching you the following:
- The most efficient and simplest strokes. To know more about paddling techniques, read our article here.
- How to hold your paddle.
- The best techniques to stand up and stay stable.
- How to fall and recover your board.
- Important safety guidelines.
#4. Use Your Paddle Properly
If you’re not up for taking lessons, here are two common mistakes beginners make when it comes to their paddle.
Face the Blade Angle Forward
Our common sense tells us that if the blade comes with a ‘scoop angle’, we should use it this way. SUP blades are actually meant to be used in the opposite direction.
The blade angle—or curve—should be facing forward, away from you. This will prevent you from getting splashed and potentially losing balance.
Hold It Right
Holding your paddle correctly will make it easier on your arms and keep you paddling for longer. One hand should hold the T-handle, while the other one should grab the shaft about 2 feet below. Keeping your two hands side-by-side is more strenuous and provides a weaker stroke.
Ensure a loose grasp from your lower hand. Sometimes, keeping a few fingers detached from the shaft can help you loosen up the grip.
#5. Paddle in the Right Direction
This might seem obvious, but it isn’t always that evident. If you have a touring or surfboard, the pointy shape should indicate which direction to face.
All-round SUPs, however, feature the same rounded shape in the front and the back of the board. Beginners are often seen using it the wrong way and therefore have a hard time moving forward.
All boards—even inflatable ones—should come with at least one fin. When placing your SUP on the water, make sure it’s located at the back of your board. When paddling, the fin should be located behind you, not ahead of you.
#6. Start Easy
Even if you’ve taken lessons, be conservative when it comes to your skills and abilities. Start paddle boarding on flat waters, such as a lake. It’s safer and will make a more pleasant first-time experience.
Try to keep your first trip under an hour long. Ideally, the wind should be blowing from behind on your way back to the shore. You’ll get home excited rather than exhausted.
When you’re ready to tackle more, start with small waves. Even for experienced paddlers, waves can be a safety hazard. Be cautious and only go for what you can handle.
#7. Create a Float Plan
If you’re heading out for the day, make sure you have a float plan in place. This should be at the top of your safety checklist. It’s meant to inform your loved ones of your route and should include the following information:
- Where you’ll be launching from.
- When you’re leaving and when they should expect you back.
- Who you’re going with and their contact information.
- Actions to take in case of delays.
You can even download the U.S. Coast Guard mobile application—available both for Android and iOS devices—to create your customized float plan.
#8. Bring a Friend
Paddling solo has its advantages. It gets you closer to nature and provides a quiet environment for self-reflection. For beginners, however, we suggest bringing a friend along.
In case you need some assistance, it will be safer to have someone you can rely on. A SUP partner should give you more confidence and can help you recover your board in case you flip. It should also make the trip more fun with memorable moments to remember.
#9. Weather and Water Forecasts
Always check the weather and water forecasts before taking your SUP on the water. Both can quickly change, making your trip turn from a relaxing one to a quick rush back to the shore.
Pay close attention to the forecasted wind and potential warnings. Avoid winds blowing you offshore as they may bring you further than desired within minutes. You’ll also have a hard time paddling back to your launching point.
#10. Wear a Personal Flotation Device
Even if you’re a good swimmer, you should be wearing a personal flotation device—or PFD—at all times. If you hit your board while falling or get entangled in your leash, you’ll be happy to be wearing one.
Your PFD should be suited appropriately according to your chest size and height, allowing you to move your arms freely.
#11. Wear Appropriate Clothing
In the summertime, most stand up paddlers wear a swimming suit under their PFD. If you’re going on a longer journey, you might want to bring an extra layer. Most boards come with bungee cords to place a drybag.
If you’re paddling in cold waters, proper clothing should be your main priority. Wear a wetsuit and bring a set of dry clothes with you. Water shoes will also help keep you warmer.
#12. Watch Out for the Sun
Paddle boarding is a multipurpose activity. You’re tanning, having fun, and working out all at the same time. Yet, watch out for the sun, after a short time it can become your worst enemy if you’re not prepared:
- Wear a hat.
- Apply and bring a waterproof sunscreen with you.
- Bring plenty of water and a few snacks.
- Don’t forget your sunglasses and an elastic rope to keep them in place.
- Wear a rash guard with SPF for added protection against UV rays.
#13. Plan for Transportation
Remember that before the fun starts, you’ll need to bring your board to the water. Transportation is even more important if you’re planning on paddling solo. You’ll only have one set of arms to lift and carry the board.
A trailer can be used and might be the simplest way to transport your board. It can, however, represent a significant investment to budget for. A few car rack models will assist you in lifting it across the vehicle’s roof and on to the roof racks.
Finally, if lifting your board isn’t an option, an inflatable might be a good alternative. They’re easy, light, and most take as much space as a sleeping bag.
#14. Keep Your Distance
The ocean is vast and offers plenty of room to work with. Keeping your distance from your SUP partner but also from passing paddlers isn’t only important, it’s a safety measure. Passing boards create waves that can be destabilizing, making you lose balance.
Stay away from swimming areas. Swimmers aren’t always easy to spot and a paddle kick can be more painful than you may think.
#15. Plan on Falling
Don’t be afraid of falling. It can even be refreshing and fun on a hot day. To remove the apprehension of flipping, practice close to the shore.
When you feel you’re losing balance and there is no coming back, push on your legs to fall away from your board. You’ll avoid hitting the board in the process.
To get back on your board, hold it on both sides and pull yourself up. Place one knee, then the other, before making your way back to a standing position.
#16. Proper Body Positioning
Positioning your body correctly on the board won’t only make your paddling technique easier, but it will also help you maintain stability.
Use Your Core
Don’t solely rely on your arms to advance. Using your core muscles will make your job easier. Keep your torso engaged and rotate it to follow the paddle stroke movements.
Look Ahead
Avoid looking down at your feet or your paddle blade, as this is the best recipe to lose stability.
Instead, keep your head up and look ahead. This will help you stay steady and you’ll also be able to spot and avoid any paddlers or swimmers coming your way.
#17. Bring Your Mobile Device
Bringing your cell phone doesn’t mean spending your time on Facebook or Instagram rather than enjoying the moment. If you’re paddling close to the shore, your mobile can be used as a communication device if you need assistance.
If you’re planning on trying SUP yoga, you might want to take beautiful shots of your best yoga poses. Just don’t forget your waterproof case!
#18. Get a Leash
A leash should be one of the top accessories to bring with you. Wrapped around your calf or ankle, a leash keeps you attached to your board. In case you flip, it will prevent it from drifting away.
To avoid tangles, the cord shouldn’t be longer than your board’s length. Two types exist—extensible coil or hard cord—and is a matter of preference.
#19. Take Care of Your Board
Even the most budget-friendly SUP can represent a significant investment. Take care of your board and it will take care of you:
- Don’t keep or store your paddle board under direct sunlight. Ultra-violet rays will discolor it and cause cracks to form.
- Use a protective bag during transportation.
- Remove the fin while not in use.
- In shallow waters, prevent your fin from hitting the ground.
- Always rinse your board and equipment after every use, especially if you’re paddling in saltwater.
Have Fun and Get Gliding
The number one paddle boarding tip remains to have fun and enjoy your time on the water. Without this, nothing else matters. Don’t expect your technique to be perfect from your first trip, it will come with time and experience.
Once you’ve reached your comfort zone, try something new. Learn how to surf or even give SUP yoga a try.