23 Top Tips to Get You Stand-Up Paddle Boarding Quickly (2024)

Even though you’ll be attached to your board by a leash and will wear a life jacket—SUP is a water sport. Know how to swim and you’ll not only enjoy it more, you’ll be safer.

When you’re comfortable in the water you won’t be afraid of falling in either, which you probably will do a few times as you learn! It’s quite easy to climb onto a paddle board from the water, so swimming can make your SUP experience even better on hot summer days.

The easiest way to learn the technique of standing up on a paddle board for the first time is to learn on solid ground first. Get used to the motion of going from your knees to your feet while holding onto your paddle. Once you can do that in one fluid motion you're ready to try it on the water.

You want to be comfortable with the technique before attempting it on the unstable surface of the water.

Give yourself as many advantages as you can with your water conditions. For example, when you first start out, choose a nice warm day in calm conditions when you’ll enjoy getting wet. Launch from a sandy, shallow beach at a body of water that’s warm enough to swim in.

Since you may end up in the water occasionally while you learn, stay away from mucky lake and river bottoms and rocky areas. If you don’t like swimming among water vegetation, steer clear of those areas, too.

Hopefully, you’ve already practiced this a few times on solid ground. When you’re ready to stand up, remember what that felt like. Get to a standing position in one fluid motion, bringing your paddle with you.

As you stand upright, plant your paddle in the water or in front of you on the board for extra stability. Just like a tripod or 3-legged stool, using your paddle as a “third leg” will help you balance on that unstable surface.

When you're starting in your kneeling position, look to be sure a knee is on either side of the handle that's in the middle of the board. Keep your knees wide, and then as you stand keep your feet wide, too.

Once you’ve stood up, it’s hard to move your feet into a different position. And if your feet are too close together you won’t be as stable, and therefore more likely to lose your balance

It seems counter-intuitive, but it’s simple mechanics. With that slight bend, the paddle blade will complete each stroke with less drag on the water as you bring it out again each time. This means more efficiency and less fatigue for you than if your paddle is facing the wrong way.

Place one hand on top of the paddle grip and the other down the shaft waist or hip-high, where it’s comfortable for you.

Just like riding a bicycle, paddle boarding is easier when you’re in motion. As soon as possible after you stand up, get your paddle in the water and start moving. Then keep moving!

If you want to stop to look at something or chat with a friend, either keep your paddle blade in the water or rest it gently on the board in front of you. Remember the three-legged stool!

If you fall, the momentum will usually push your SUP board away from you. By the time you’ve surfaced, it could be many feet away—especially in windy conditions or if you’re in current.

So the leash is an important safety item. One end should be attached to the back of your board and the Velcro wrap on the other end should be around your ankle or calf. Be sure it’s tight enough that it won’t fall off if you end up in the water.

While it may seem inconvenient, you’ll be happy your board stayed within reach!

When you’re learning to SUP, plan to fall. Have that expectation so you can relax and take it as it comes.

Practice falling away from the board. If you're on a hard paddle board (also called solid or rigid) you don't want to injure yourself. Inflatable paddle boards are much softer to land on, but it’s still good practice to fall away from it.

Also, practice hanging on to your paddle when you fall so you don’t lose it. While it will float, it could be 20 feet downstream or across a windy lake before you’re able to start swimming after it. Not a good scenario!

Don’t poke at the water with your paddle, but reach out in front of you with your knees bent, plant the blade in the water and pull it back to your feet as you straighten up.

Use your core muscles and upper body with each stroke, not just your arms. You’ll get more efficient, powerful strokes and put less strain on your shoulders.

Almost all beginning paddle boarders keep their eyes down on their feet while they paddle. It’s understandable, as you’re trying to keep track of several things at once.

But keep your eyes focused on the water and horizon ahead of you instead. It’ll be easier to keep your balance and stability.

Relax your body, keep your legs and knees flexible and feel the water movement under you. If you encounter waves or wake from motor boats, allow your knees to move up and down with the motion of the water.

Remember, you’re doing this to have fun! Enjoy it. If you need to, take a break by kneeling or sitting on your board for a while.

If SUP is an activity you want to become good at, the best way to increase your skill level is to learn basic paddle strokes. Learn to steer from either side, turn, brace and stop with ease.

If you already know how to canoe or kayak, you’ll have a head start with paddle technique on a SUP board. If this is your first paddling activity, consider getting proper instruction to decrease the learning curve.

“Bracing” is when you use the face of the paddle blade on the water to help you regain your balance when you feel tippy.

There are a couple different simple braces you can practice until they become second nature. Check out this short article and video from our friends at Paddling.com.

Like any outdoor activity, the weather can make or break your fun and even your safety. Check the forecast before you head out for temperatures, wind speed and direction, and possible threatening storms.

Paddle boarding in high winds isn’t much fun, especially for beginners. And if you hear thunder it’s time to get off the water. You don’t want to risk a nearby lightning strike.

If the weather and water get to be more than you bargained for, you’ll be more stable if you drop to your knees to paddle back to shore. In high winds, standing up is like having a sail—great if it’s pushing you in the right direction. Not so great if you’re struggling against it. Getting on your knees removes some of that resistance.

If you meet waves like boat wake, turn your board to meet them head-on and you’ll stay more stable than if the waves hit the side of your board. You can drop to your knees for extra stability.

Your body loses heat rapidly when you’re wet. That’s great news when the air is hot and the water is refreshing. But it can be dangerous with cold air temps and especially with cold water temps.

Hypothermia is no joke. Unless you’re wearing a wetsuit or a dry suit, stay off very cold water—or stay very close to shore. Safety is your first consideration.

Lots of paddle boards—especially budget and mid-range boards—come with a paddle when you buy one. But in almost every case, this paddle will be heavy and feel clunky in your hands.

It’s so worth it to invest in a lightweight, comfortable and well-designed paddle that's sized right for you. Think about it: the paddle is what you’ll hold in your hands all day long. It’s your motor. It’s your connection to the water. You’ll be amazed at the difference a good paddle makes.