A Quick Beginner’s Guide to Stand Up Paddleboarding

Since 2005, stand up paddleboarding has exploded in popularity. It’s no wonder why. Paddleboarding is an easy and fun way to explore local water areas and get some exercise.

If you’ve seen paddleboarders and feel ready to try it yourself, you’re in the right place. Once you start paddleboarding, it’s easy to improve, but you need some tips to get you started. Let’s look at everything you need to know before you begin paddleboarding for the first time.

Find a Good Location

The first step in paddleboarding for beginners is to choose your location. You don’t want to take your new paddleboard right out into fast-moving water like the ocean. Your best bet is to start on a calm pond, lake, or enclosed bay.

Try to find a spot that doesn’t have a lot of boat traffic or wind. If you know that boats are in your location a lot, try going in the morning or evening in order to avoid them. 

The best time to start paddleboarding is the summer because you don’t have to worry about the risk of falling into cold water. If you are paddleboarding somewhere cold, make sure that you wear a wetsuit.

Get to Know the Right Stand Up Paddleboarding Gear

You should familiarize yourself with the paddleboarding gear you need. 

To start, you’ll need to buy a paddleboard good for beginners. You can check out iSUP Reviews to find the right paddleboard for you. Note the length of your fin to be sure it doesn’t drag on the bottom in the water.

Learn how to carry your board by the handles, and notice any bungees you can use to attach water bottles and other gear.

Learn how to hold your paddle. Most blades have a curve to them. The curve should be angled forwards as you paddle. Attach the velcro strap on your board to your ankle, and you’ll be ready to go!

Stand Up Paddleboarding Tips

Now that you’ve chosen a location and the best gear, it’s time to start learning to paddleboard! It’s generally a good idea to take a lesson or two from someone who can show you the ropes, but these tips will get you started.

Start on Your Knees

You can practice the paddle strokes you’ll need on your knees. When you start on your knees, you lower your center of gravity so that it’s easier to balance. When you don’t have to worry about balancing as much, you can make sure that you really understand the strokes before you move to your feet.

Move to Your Feet

To get to your feet, put your hands on the board and move into a crouching position using your hands to steady you. Slowly rise to a standing position, and start paddling. The more your board moves forward the easier it will be to balance on.

Paddleboarding for the First Time

When you finally get out and start to stand up paddleboarding, you’ll never want to stop. This water sport is sure to become your new favorite hobby and will provide you with amazing adventures and great exercise.

Want to know more about other fun and energizing activities? Check out our Sports articles for more!