The first step to learning how to paddle board is getting on the SUP and then standing up. This is actually easier than many beginners think because most boards have a wide, stable design. This feature makes standing and balancing much simpler.
In addition, you can start paddling from a sitting or kneeling position before you even stand up. This keeps your center of gravity lower, which is also a way to stabilize yourself even in windy or choppy surf conditions.
You can stay in this position for as long as you like, even as you start paddling. Once you are comfortable, simply lay your paddle across the SUP like a “T” and place one foot down and then the other.
You are now in a low squatting position, which keeps your center of gravity more stable and balanced. Are you seeing a theme here? =)
Finally, look out straight in front of you instead of down at your feet. This is another balancing technique that works well on an SUP. Now stand up!
How to Get on a Paddleboard:
Once you start stand up paddleboarding, there will come a time (many times) that you fall off the board. It happens to all of us.
Just like getting on an SUP, getting back on it after you have fallen in the water is not that difficult. It does take a little more effort however, especially if you are in deeper water. The video below demonstrates how to do it with minimal effort so you don’t spend lot of time flailing around in the water.
How to Get Back on a Paddleboard if You Fall Off:
Most beginner paddleboarders fear falling off an SUP into the water because they think it’s difficult to get back on. Actually, getting back on the board from the water is easier than you might think. The video below demonstrates how to get on a paddleboard once you’ve fallen off it.
