Stand up paddle board (SUP) is a fun, full-body workout that connects you to nature, allows you to enjoy the water, and improves your balance and strength. If you’re new to the sport, with the right instruction and practice, you can easily get into paddleboarding. In this blog, we’ll share some must-have tips for beginner stand up paddle board.

While you can find a variety of inflatable stand up paddle boards on the market, a stable, all-around inflatable paddle board is usually the best choice for beginners. All-around SUP boards are wide, stable, and versatile, making them perfect for beginners to learn basic SUP skills.

Second, choose a paddle that is lightweight and comfortable to hold, and that is set about 6 inches higher than your height.

Always wear a PFD before entering the water, especially if you’re just starting out or are unsure of your swimming ability.

Also tie the leash around your ankle or calf to prevent the blow up paddle board from moving away and causing a dangerous fall.

For beginners, practice on flat, calm water for the first time to get used to the transition from kneeling to standing, keep your knees slightly bent, and center your body on the inflatable stand up paddle board. It is normal to feel a little wobbly at first. However, the more you practice, the more stable you will become.

Here are some tips to help you find your balance:

Keep your feet parallel and shoulder-width apart, plant your feet firmly in the center of the board, toes forward, and knees slightly bent.

Keep your head up and look toward the horizon, not down at your feet. This will help you keep your balance and prevent dizziness.

Keeping your core engaged will help you maintain stability. Stand up straight and keep your body aligned while paddling.

Once you get a feel for your balance on a blow up stand up paddle board, you can try paddling. Here are some basic SUP paddle board techniques:

Hold the paddle correctly: The top hand should hold the handle, while the bottom hand should hold the paddle shaft. The paddle blade should be facing away from you as you paddle.

Take a smooth, even stroke: When paddling, reach forward and fully immerse the paddle blade in the water. Pull the paddle down in a straight line and alongside the board, then pull it back in front for the next stroke.

Switching Sides: To paddle in a straight line, alternate paddling on each side of the SUP board. If you want to turn, paddle hard on one side to paddle the stand up paddle board in that direction.

Falls are inevitable when learning to paddleboard, but the good news is that falls are easy to recover from. When you fall, try to fall into the water, not onto the blow up paddle board. This will minimize the risk of injury.

After a fall, swim to the side of the stand up paddle board, grab the edge, and place your hands on the deck to pull yourself up. Kick your legs to help lift your body back onto the inflatable stand up paddleboard from the side, then return to a kneeling or standing position.

Before stepping onto a SUP board, always pay attention to the conditions. Check the following:

Wind: Avoid windy days, which can make paddling more challenging and unstable.

Currents: Watch for currents, as they can pull you off course.

Weather: Always check the forecast to avoid thunderstorms, which can be dangerous.

Safety tips include always wearing a PFD, staying within your skill level, and avoiding crowded or boat-heavy areas.

Stand up paddle board is an incredibly rewarding sport that offers countless benefits, from improving balance and core strength to providing an immersive, natural experience. By following these beginner tips, you'll build confidence on the water and enjoy all the fun and relaxation that SUP board has to offer. So grab your paddleboard, head to the water, and start paddling today!