Getting Started with SUP

Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) is one of the best means of accessing your local water-ways. Whether paddling lake, ocean, inlet or river, a Stand Up Paddleboard can be the ideal watercraft. It will give you a sense of connection with nature while providing a healthy, fun and spirit enriching activity. You can paddle however you like; casually just to get out on the water, cruise in a touring mode to cover more distance, or paddle with more purpose and speed for increased heart rate and exercise. You can add Stand Up Paddling to your cross-fit training program, enhance your skills even further with some paddle surfing and downwinding, or combine SUP with yoga, pilates and resistance for fitness with zen. Whichever way you choose, you’re going to engage your entire body and discover, as so many people already have, that Stand Up Paddleboarding may just be the perfect match for you.

 

Equipment 

To start with, you’ll need the following key items:

Paddleboard – Your board will be a significant investment and the one you choose will be based on a few factors. Our choosing your paddleboard page will help you figure out which paddleboard(s) could be the right one for you.

Paddle – Your paddle is an important piece of equipment that can determine how much enjoyment you hope to have. Our choosing your paddle page will help you figure out which paddle(s) could be the right one for you.

Leash – A SUP leash is one of the most important pieces of safety equipment you can wear especially when in water deeper than yourself. Should you take a spill, a leash will keep you connected to your board and ultimately make getting back on easier and in some cases, even possible at all. Coil cord leashes are most commonly used for Stand Up Paddling but you may want to consider a straight cord leash if wake or paddle surfing in order to increase your distance away from the board should you take a spill in waves.

PFD (Personal Flotation Device) or life jacket – Stand Up Paddleboards are classified as watercraft or vessels so a PFD and a whistle is required to be with you at all times. We recommend you wear your PFD and whistle whenever paddling navigable waters. Light weight, clip or zippered, vest-style PFDs provide the best safety though another PFD option commonly used are inflatable belt-style PFDs. The inflatable belt provides a very minimalist feel when worn around your waist and can be deployed in an instant when needed but can also be manually inflated and worn as a standard keyhole PFD, or bladder style PFD (recommended for shoreline paddling). Check out our Mustang PFDs.

Proper clothing – Wearing the proper clothing can depend on where and when you decide to paddle. For cool off-season conditions where hypothermia may be a concern, wearing a wet suit or dry suit is usually recommended. In milder conditions, lightweight paddling pants, shorts, bathing suit, t-shirt or paddling shirt are all good choices. All clothing should provide good range of motion, be able to get wet without getting heavy and be able to dry quickly. When planning to paddle, we recommend checking local weather and wind forecasts as well as prevailing current and/or tide conditions. This will also help ensure being prepared with the appropriate paddling garment.

Sun Protection – It’s recommended you wear sunscreen, sunglasses and possibly even a hat when out paddling on warm sunny days. Water can also reflect UV rays if the sun is beating down so make sure to have the proper protection. Most lightweight athletic wear tops will have UV protection built into the fabric and can be a very good choice despite hot sunny days as well. We carry a variety of light weight UV paddle wear in store.

 

Paddling

Getting out on the water:

Carrying your board to the water – Paddleboards generally have built-in carry handles (or slots) positioned centre of the deck (standing area). By leaning the board onto its edge (rail), simply reach the handle or slot then lift and tuck the board under one arm and away you go! You can carry the paddle with your other hand or tuck it under the boards deck bungee if available. Make sure your hard board doesn’t hit the ground while carrying as you can cause nasty dings that could require repair.

Getting on your board – When you’re brand new to the sport, it’s a good idea to start out in flat calm water, away from obstacles like boats, docks and buoys. To get used to the board and its balance points, we suggest starting on your knees, before graduating to a standing position. Here’s what to do:

• Stand alongside the board in shallow water, far enough out to ensure that the fin is not hitting the bottom.
• Place your paddle across the deck of the board just forward of the centre point.
• Hold the board near the edge (rails) and over the top of your paddle.
• Give a little push forward while popping yourself onto the board on your knees just behind the centre point of the board.
• From that kneeling position, immediately centre your knees side to side and get a feel for the balance point of the board which should be level on the water.
• While on your knees, with both hands on the paddle and the blade angle forward, start paddling. Paddle on either side of the board and remember to switch hands when you switch sides.
• Once you’re comfortable, it’s time to stand up. Something to consider is that a board is more stable when it’s moving, so ideally you want to have a little forward momentum when you attempt to stand though not entirely necessary.
• Give yourself a few paddle strokes as you prepare to stand and then place your paddle across the board (ensuring it’s not dragging on the water) and with your hands across the paddle shaft, brace and get to your feet while still keeping your hands on the paddle and board.
• Ensure that your feet are shoulder width and centred on the board side to side, typically on either side of the handle (the balance point).
• Stand up slowly and keep your knees slightly bent, and again, feet should be inline and roughly shoulder width apart.
• Start paddling right away. Your paddle also acts as a stabilizer so getting it in the water is important.
• When stand up paddling, one hand should be on the shaft while the other on the t-grip at the top of the paddle shaft.
• When paddling on the left side of the board, your left hand should be holding the shaft while your right hand will be holding the t-grip, and vice versa when paddling on the right side.

 

Paddling stance – To ensure you are balanced on your paddleboard:

• Your feet should be parallel, about hip or shoulder width apart and centered between the boards rails (edges). Don’t stand on the edges.
• Keep toes pointed forward, knees slightly bent and your back straight.
• Balance with your hips — not your upper body.
• Keep your head and shoulders steady and upright and shift your weight by moving your hips.
• You should be looking forward or at the horizon and avoid staring at your feet.

 

Paddling strokes – Once you are comfortable standing on your board in flat water, it’s time to take off for a longer excursion where the real fun begins! Here are some pointers on basic paddling strokes:

• If you’re paddling on the right side of your board, your right hand will be lower and holding the paddle shaft while your left hand is higher and on top of the t-grip.
• The blade angle of your paddle should always face forward. This may look or feel counterintuitive at first but it will make perfect sense once you start paddling. Generally the logo on the blade will be facing forward.
• Keep your arms straight and twist from your torso while your arms pull and push the paddle stroke simultaneously. Think of using your core in conjunction with your arms to paddle. Much more energy is generated with the additional strength in those abdominal muscles.
• Reach out as far forward as you can when planting the paddle in the water. The most effective part of the stroke is when the paddle is in front of you.
• Plant the paddle in the water quickly pushing the entire blade under the surface then immediately pull it back to your ankle, then out of the water.
• Keep your paddle strokes fairly short and close alongside the board… no need to overpower it though.
• To go in a reasonably straight line (ie. if water is calm and flat), paddle about 4 or 5 strokes on one side, then switch to the other.
• Of course when you switch sides, you’ll switch hand positions.

 

Paddling turns – There are a few ways to turn your paddleboard:

• Side Stroke: Simply paddle wide on the one side until the nose turns in the direction you want it to go. If you want to turn right, paddle on the left side. If you want to turn left, paddle on the right side.
• Back Paddle: A faster way to turn or reverse direction is to simply drag the paddle through the water or paddle backwards on either side of the board.
• Sweep Stroke: Plant your paddle towards the front of the board and take a long sweeping stroke towards the tail.
• Stepping back on the board or looking over your shoulder to the direction of your turn also helps in making a turn.
• Although usually requiring more practice and balance, another method of turning that works well, especially in surf, is to paddle on your dominant side (left foot forward, paddle on right side). Really bend your knees and put more weight on your back foot. This allows the board to pivot and turn quickly.

 

Should you fall – Stand Up Paddleboarding is relatively easy to learn, but expect to take the occasional fall as you’re gaining skills. For those times when you may lose your balance, note the following tips:

• Be sure, when standing, to paddle in depths where falling in the water does not cause injury.
• When possible, aim yourself to the side so that you fall into the water and not onto your hard board. Falling onto the board may cause injury or damage.
• If you get separated from your board and/or paddle, get your board first. Climb back on and using your hands as paddles, maneuver to retrieve your paddle. The ankle leash is always a good idea to keep you connected with your board.

 

Common mistakes to avoid when learning – These mistakes are easy to make when starting, so try to avoid them and you’ll have a lot more fun on the water:

• Avoid remaining in a hunched over posture when standing on your board. Keep your back relatively straight unless leaning forward to start your paddle stroke, shoulders should be level.
• Avoid staring at your feet instead of forward to the horizon.
• The angle of the paddle blade should always point away from you.
• Avoid having both hands on the paddle shaft. When stand up paddling, one hand should always be on the t-grip.
• Avoid standing with your knees locked straight. It’s much easier to balance with knees slightly bent.

 

Once you’ve mastered the basics there’s almost no limit to the watery worlds you can explore on your SUP!

 Frequently Asked Questions:

Q:  Do I need calm water in order to paddleboard?
A:  You don’t need total calm/flat water in order to enjoy this self-propelled sport. Though flat water is preferred for initially building your paddleboard skills, most boards can handle mild chop, swells and waves and still provide stability and fun!.

Q:  Where can I rent a board?
A:  Most watercraft rental operators will rent you a board. You can visit any of our Okanagan Beach Rentals locations to rent paddleboards as well. 🙂 It’s a great way to test out the sport before you commit to buying.

Q:  What size paddleboard is best for me?
A:  Board size is generally determined by intended use, paddler size/weight and skill level, and desired water/paddling conditions. At LakeSUP we’ll help you choose the right paddleboard for you.

Q:  What should I wear for paddleboarding?
A: Wear clothing that lets you move freely and can get wet: shorts and t-shirt or swimsuit work well in warm climates. In cold weather when hypothermia is a concern, wear a wetsuit or drysuit. Have your leash, PFD and whistle with you at all times.

Q:  How do I transport the board on my car?
A: A roof rack with SUP pads attached to the cross bars is generally best, but flat bottom pads can also be placed directly onto the roof with the tie down straps going over the board and through the vehicle. Be sure to stack your board(s) fin side up and use cam buckle straps (not ratchet style) to avoid over tightening.

Q:  Can the fins on a paddleboard be removed?
A:  With the exception of some inflatable models, fins can easily be removed for travel or storage. Fins keep the board tracking straight so be sure to paddle with them attached otherwise you may find yourself paddling in circles.

Q:  Where is the best place to stand on a paddleboard?
A: Generally standing with your feet on either side of the carry handle (centre point) or slightly back is the best place to stand for optimal stability, comfort and performance. The board should be trimming out level on the water.

Q:  Can I take my paddleboard on rivers?
A:  Yes, you can paddleboard almost any navigable body of water but be sure when paddling rivers to watch for rocks, log jams or any obstacles that may pose a potential hazard. White water paddling with inflatable boards, a quick release leash and helmet is also quite popular but generally reserved for the more hardcore experienced paddlers.

Q:  Can you surf with a paddleboard?
A:  Yes, generally smaller to moderate size waves with all-rounder boards, but learn to surf in an empty break before you enter the lineup. When you get good, remember to share the waves!

HAPPY PADDLING! 🙂