Learning how to Stand-Up Paddleboard is the first step in experiencing a wide variety of different skills and disciplines from a relaxing float to roaring whitewater and everything in between. Here at SUP-Ology, we’re all about getting people on the water in a safe and fun way.
The vast majority of users fall into the casual cruising form of SUP recreation. Hanging out with friends and family on the water, enjoying a simple sunset paddle, or even laying down for a quick nap on the water.
Many people see SUP as a casual sport with no real learning curve or technique. Many recreational paddlers choose to stay on this simple route, never wandering more than a few dozen yards from shore and never seeking to experience what else SUP has to offer. And that’s great. More people recreating on the water means more people using that resource and eventually helping to protect it as a public resource.
But, for those who want to venture further, feel more confident on the water, or explore a different aspect of the sport, there is a lot to learn.
Stand-Up Paddleboards at a Glance
Stand-Up Paddleboards come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and constructions. Most paddlers start with an “All-Around” or “Cruiser” style paddle board. These SUPs are usually between 10-11′ long and 31-33″ wide. They often fit a wide variety of paddlers and do a good job of being a first board that is stable, easy to maneuver, and can generally paddle short distances with little issue. Some are even capable of beginner SUP Surfing.
There are many more styles and sizes of paddle boards for different types of paddling, and we’ll get into those in future topics.
SUPs are also classified by how they are made. “Hard” paddleboards have a solid foam core and are covered in a composite material. These can be fiberglass, carbon fiber, wood veneers, and even plastic coatings. Some brands make hollow plastic SUPs through injection-molding.
The most common group of stand-up paddle boards are inflatable, or iSUPs. iSUPs are made with a fabric core. Thousands of “drop-stitched” fibers connect two layers of fabric material. Flexible PVC or TPU layers glued to the fabric make the board airtight and rigid when inflated to a high pressure (12-20 PSI).
There are many benefits and drawbacks to each construction type, but for a very general overview – hard boards can offer better performance while surfing or racing, but are more expensive, delicate, and difficult to store and transport. Inflatable boards offer equivalent performance to hard boards for most uses, are more forgiving regarding paddler size, more durable, easier to transport and store, and are generally less expensive.
What You Need to Start Paddleboarding
You’ll need a few basic items to get on the water with your paddleboard:
- Stand-Up Paddleboard
- SUP Paddle
- Fin
- Leash*
- Personal Flotation Device (aka PFD, BA, Life Jacket)
- Personal items (sunscreen, appropriate clothing, water, etc)
- Safe environment to begin your journey
*Leashes are generally considered to be an important piece of safety equipment unless you are on moving water. They can become extremely dangerous entrapment hazards in moving water. New paddlers on rivers, streams, and tidal flows should not wear a leash. Always wear your PFD. It’s better to lose your board than lose your life!
Where and when to start learning how to Stand-Up Paddleboard is important. Choose locations with easy access to shore for launching and landing, low boat traffic, and always check the weather. Avoid days with winds over 5 MPH for your first few sessions. Make sure the wind is blowing in a safe direction. Coastal paddlers should avoid offshore winds (blowing from shore to the ocean) as they can carry you far out to sea and make it difficult to return. Also avoid ebbing/outgoing tides as they can also carry you swiftly out beyond your comfort zone.
Get Help Learning How to Stand-Up Paddleboard
Taking lessons is a great way to learn the basics of paddleboarding and paddleboarding safety. There are all sorts of ways to get help in learning how to SUP. You can seek out certified SUP instructors, like American Canoe Association SUP instructors, or connect with local paddling communities in your area.
But the best is to do both! Taking a lesson with an instructor is a great way to learn how to stand-up paddleboard as well as learn about your local paddling scene.