6 Tips to get started with Stand Up Paddling
SUP three letters that stand for Stand Up Paddling. A sport that has become more and more popular in the last few years. The good thing about it: you don't need to be an expert to enjoy yourself! It's suitable for all skills, but you should know how to swim. That seems obvious, but sometimes people think, because they are technically on a board, it wouldn't be necessary. Still, it is recommendable.
Curious? You should give it a try.
1. What you need to SUP
Obviously what you need depends on where you are, the weather conditions, if you paddle on a lake or the sea, etc. In any case, to start with, you need a board and a paddle!
If it's the first time you try it, it doesn't make sense to buy the equipment. Have a look to find somewhere to rent a SUP board. That's also the safest way to go, because they surely have an instructor who will guide you through the first steps, explain everything and have some useful tips for you.
Remember the water might be cold, even if it's sunny outside, ask for a wetsuit. Also, double check the leash of your board (that's what you call the long rope that helps you not to lose your board in case you fall into the water), sometimes it can be lose. Depending on the SUP center you might also get a life jacket.
2. How to "walk" the board
SUP boards can be quite big and heavy, which is good because it's easier to keep the balance once you're in the water. But when you walk your board towards the water, it can be quite uncomfortable.
The best way to carry your board is under your arm, holding it on the grip in the middle of the board. The other hand will be free to carry the paddle or to help out, if the wind pushes your board into the wrong direction. When you reach the water, make sure you go in as far as necessary, so that the fin of your board doesn't hit with the ground.
3. How to stand up
Once you and your board are in the water, you start kind of like a dog: on all fours. Hold your SUP on either side and climb on it with your knees, go on all fours to the center of the paddle board. Once you're there you can stay sitting on your feet or staying on your knees and start to paddle just to get a feeling and find your balance. There's no rush!
When you feel more secure you can slowly stand up. Hold your paddle horizontally in front of you and use it to help you keep the balance, while you get on your feet. The wider you place your feet the more balance you'll have.
4. What to do with your paddle
Now that you're on your two feet, it's time to check your paddle. The most important thing is to hold it the right way round, which is also the most common mistake. The paddle is not totally straight, but slightly curved, this curve should face away from your body, not towards your body. The curved part ist usually coloured or printed with a logo so you can identify it easily.
Then, check your hands, one should be placed on the top of the paddle, holding the handle, and the other one in the middle. A good way to measure the right distance between your hands is to hold the paddle horizontally over your head, one hand holding the handle of the paddle and the other one more or less in the middle. When your elbows are at a 90 degrees angle you have the right posture.
Now you can start paddling. It doesn't matter on which side you start, you will anyway swap all the time. But keep in mind that every time you swap the side you paddle on, you adapt the position of your hands, too. If you paddle on the left, your left hand should be the lower one and the other way round on the right.
5. Everybody falls sometimes
Don't be afraid of falling into the water. If you think too much about falling, it's very likely that you lock your body. You have to stay relaxed in your legs though, keep them slightly bended and adapt to the movement of the water, especially if you are on the sea and it's a bit wavy. The upper body should be straight. In case you lose your balance, don't worry, just let go of your paddle and try to fall in the water and not on the board to prevent injuries. And anyways, who wouldn't want to go for a swim on a hot summer day?
6. How to stay on your board
Ok, in case it is not so hot and you prefer to stay dry, there are a few tricks. First of all, as we said before, keep your feet shoulder wide and stay in the middle of the SUP board.
Keep your knees slightly bended and, the most important part, don't look down. Basically, you always go the same way you look at. So if you look down, down you'll go. Once you feel more secure try to focus on the horizon, it will give you more stability.
Also, don't just paddle with your arms, try to involve your whole body and keep your legs strong without locking your knees.
If you want some more info about stand up paddling or the different paddle techniques, check out this very complete article on SUP Basics that shows you everything you need to know to improve your paddle skills.
With these instructions you should be good to go for a first try, though! The most important part is: don't think too much! Just let go, try to find the right feeling, trust your own reactions and - have fun!
