Stand-up paddleboarding is generally considered to be an ‘easy’ sport because individuals of all shapes, sizes, and ages can learn enough to start having fun in no time. Of course, perfecting your technique takes time and practice, but most people can stand up, paddle, and turn on their first time out in calm seas without spending much time in the water. It’s a great way to spend some time outside, get a full-body workout, and enjoy both the scenery.
But why is it easy? Paddleboards are much more stable and comfortable to balance on than a typical surfboard, and you can take all the time you need to get to your feet instead of ‘popping up’ at just the right moment to catch a wave. From a standing position, it’s just about keeping your knees slightly bent, your weight slightly forward, and leaning over to take your first stroke.
After a few times out, you’ll have the basics mastered. Then it’s up to you how challenging you want to make each session on yourself. You can quickly build a solid foundation with just a bit of practice and pick up more advanced techniques as you go along. You can even have a blast just splashing around with friends and family, or you can train seriously, build up your skills and endurance, and tackle ultra-distance, big surf, or whitewater paddling.
How To Make SUP Less Difficult
- First, make sure you get yourself the right size and type of board.
- Second, choose your waterway wisely. For a beginner, it’s best to start on calm, sheltered waters. That way, you won’t have to fight the wind, waves, and current just yet. Once you’re more confident in your skills, it won’t be a struggle; you’ll be riding waves with the wind at your back.
- Third, get comfortable balancing on your board. You don’t have to start on your feet. You can lay, sit, kneel, or stand up to paddle. For your first time out, we recommend a comfortable kneeling position to get started. Then, once you feel stable paddling from your knees, you can give it a go standing up.
- Fourth, now that you’re on your feet pay attention to your posture and stance. These two elements will help you build an effective and efficient stroke, all of which adds up to you becoming a better paddler. For a full run-down of the best paddle stroke for beginners, head here.
From SUP Difficulties To Simple Steps
There’s undoubtedly more to dig into, but if your goal is to get out there on the water and give it a try, then you already know everything you need to start. And don’t worry about falling off. It doesn’t hurt, and depending on what time of year you’re paddling; it can be quite refreshing. Heading out to snorkel or dip from your board is all part of the fun. We’ve certainly seen our fair share of dives, cannonballs, and even flips from the deck of a SUP.