7 SUP Secret Tips to Paddle Like a Pro

A big part of SUP is paddling! The right-size paddles can help you to stay on the board and move around. The ideal length should be from the ground to your wrist when your arm is raised above your head. Most paddles are easy to adjust.

You’ll need to carry your board a little way to the sea. Most boards have a handle in the middle for just this reason. Gripping the handle and tucking the board under your arm would honestly be a comfortable way to carry it. 

It’s easiest to start paddleboarding from a kneeling position. Once you’re feeling confident that you’ve got your balance, you can start rowing on your knees – it’ll give you a chance to practise the paddling action without immediately falling off. 

You want to place your feet in the middle of the board, about shoulder width apart, across the board. Don’t put one foot ahead of the other – it’s a lot less stable. Your knees should be slightly bent to improve stability. Keep your back straight, even throughout the paddling action.

To paddle while you’re standing, plunge the paddle into the water well forward, bending your body at the waist and stretching out your arms. You then push with your top arm and pull with the bottom. It’s best to swap sides every 3 or 4 paddles to keep you going in a straight line.

You’ll need to make sure that the large, flat face of the paddle is facing towards you and fully under the water to make the most thrust. It’s best to start with short strokes, close to the board. Once you get better at keeping your balance, you’ll be able to reach further with your strokes without falling off.

Falling off your SUP board is all part of the process. The important thing is knowing how to fall right so you don’t get hurt. Don’t dive off the front or back of your board as it’ll probably hit you. To get back up on your board, get to the middle and climb up. Place the paddle perpendicular to the board and start the whole process again from the start.