easy breezy sup
How to Paddle a SUP Board:
A Complete Guide for Beginners
A Complete Guide for Beginners
SUP (Stand Up Paddleboarding) is a fun and accessible water sport suitable for all ages and skill levels.
It helps improve balance, strengthen core muscles, and enjoy nature from a new perspective.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to paddle a SUP board correctly — techniques, common mistakes to avoid, and tips for making your rides safe and comfortable.
It helps improve balance, strengthen core muscles, and enjoy nature from a new perspective.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to paddle a SUP board correctly — techniques, common mistakes to avoid, and tips for making your rides safe and comfortable.
How to Choose a SUP Board
Before heading out on the water, it’s important to choose the right SUP board.
Inflatable SUP boards are the perfect option for beginners — they are easy to store, transport, and offer great stability on the water.
When choosing a board, pay attention to its length, width, and weight capacity.
The wider the board, the easier it is to balance on it.
Choosing a Paddle and Gear
Paddle length — it should be 15–20 cm taller than your height.
The longer the paddle, the easier it is to paddle in a straight line.
Leash — attaches to your ankle and prevents the board from drifting away if you fall.
Life jacket — an important safety item, especially for beginners.
Clothing — in hot weather, choose light, quick-drying clothes, swimwear, and a hat for sun protection.
In cold weather, wear a wetsuit.
Before heading out on the water, it’s important to choose the right SUP board.
Inflatable SUP boards are the perfect option for beginners — they are easy to store, transport, and offer great stability on the water.
When choosing a board, pay attention to its length, width, and weight capacity.
The wider the board, the easier it is to balance on it.
Choosing a Paddle and Gear
Paddle length — it should be 15–20 cm taller than your height.
The longer the paddle, the easier it is to paddle in a straight line.
Leash — attaches to your ankle and prevents the board from drifting away if you fall.
Life jacket — an important safety item, especially for beginners.
Clothing — in hot weather, choose light, quick-drying clothes, swimwear, and a hat for sun protection.
In cold weather, wear a wetsuit.
Always attach the leash to your leg.
Adjust the paddle height.
How to Stand Up on a SUP Board
Find a calm, shallow place for starting.
Kneel in the center of the board with the paddle placed in front of you.
Keep your hands on the board for balance and slowly stand up, placing your feet parallel and shoulder-width apart.
Keep your knees slightly bent and your back straight to stay stable.
How to Get Back on a SUP Board After Falling: Step-by-Step Guide
Falling into the water is a normal part of paddleboarding, especially for beginners.
The main thing is to stay calm and get back on the board correctly.
Let’s break down what to do if you fall off your SUP and how to safely climb back on while in deep water.
1. Find Your SUP Board and Paddle
Hold on to the leash so the board doesn’t drift away.
If the paddle is far away, reach the board first, then paddle with your hands to the paddle.
Move calmly — don’t waste energy on sudden moves.
2. Swim to the Center of the Board
It's best to climb from the side, not from the front or back — the board will be more stable.
Stay near the center of the board.
3. Grab the Board and Position Your Body
Grab the edge of the board with both hands.
Keep your body horizontal on the water surface, legs behind you with heels up — this reduces resistance.
Don’t let your legs get under the board — it may flip!
Take a deep breath and get ready to climb.
4. Climb Onto the SUP with Your Chest and Knee
In one motion, pull your chest onto the center of the board.
At the same time, bring one knee up for support.
Don’t rush to stand up — balance first.
5. Shift Your Weight and Sit on the Board
Bring your second leg up and sit in a kneeling position.
Take a few seconds to restore balance.
Make sure your paddle is within reach.
6. Stand Up in the Correct Position
Once you feel stable, slowly stand up with your feet shoulder-width apart.
Keep your knees slightly bent, your back straight, and take your paddle in hand.
If you don’t feel confident, continue paddling on your knees.
Common Mistakes When Getting Back on a SUP
Now you know how to get back on a SUP after falling.
The main thing is to stay calm, move confidently, and follow these step-by-step instructions.
If you want to learn more about balance techniques and SUP safety, check out our article How to Keep Balance on a SUP!
Remember — falling into the water is a normal part of SUP riding, especially for beginners. Stay calm and enjoy the process!
Find a calm, shallow place for starting.
Kneel in the center of the board with the paddle placed in front of you.
Keep your hands on the board for balance and slowly stand up, placing your feet parallel and shoulder-width apart.
Keep your knees slightly bent and your back straight to stay stable.
How to Get Back on a SUP Board After Falling: Step-by-Step Guide
Falling into the water is a normal part of paddleboarding, especially for beginners.
The main thing is to stay calm and get back on the board correctly.
Let’s break down what to do if you fall off your SUP and how to safely climb back on while in deep water.
1. Find Your SUP Board and Paddle
Hold on to the leash so the board doesn’t drift away.
If the paddle is far away, reach the board first, then paddle with your hands to the paddle.
Move calmly — don’t waste energy on sudden moves.
2. Swim to the Center of the Board
It's best to climb from the side, not from the front or back — the board will be more stable.
Stay near the center of the board.
3. Grab the Board and Position Your Body
Grab the edge of the board with both hands.
Keep your body horizontal on the water surface, legs behind you with heels up — this reduces resistance.
Don’t let your legs get under the board — it may flip!
Take a deep breath and get ready to climb.
4. Climb Onto the SUP with Your Chest and Knee
In one motion, pull your chest onto the center of the board.
At the same time, bring one knee up for support.
Don’t rush to stand up — balance first.
5. Shift Your Weight and Sit on the Board
Bring your second leg up and sit in a kneeling position.
Take a few seconds to restore balance.
Make sure your paddle is within reach.
6. Stand Up in the Correct Position
Once you feel stable, slowly stand up with your feet shoulder-width apart.
Keep your knees slightly bent, your back straight, and take your paddle in hand.
If you don’t feel confident, continue paddling on your knees.
Common Mistakes When Getting Back on a SUP
- Panic and rushing — sudden moves only make it harder.
- Trying to climb from the very edge — this may flip the board.
- Standing up too quickly — stay kneeling until you feel stable.
Now you know how to get back on a SUP after falling.
The main thing is to stay calm, move confidently, and follow these step-by-step instructions.
If you want to learn more about balance techniques and SUP safety, check out our article How to Keep Balance on a SUP!
Remember — falling into the water is a normal part of SUP riding, especially for beginners. Stay calm and enjoy the process!
Basic Paddling Techniques
Paddling on a SUP board requires proper technique for efficient movement and to avoid getting tired quickly.
Correct Paddle Grip
Your top hand holds the handle of the paddle, and your bottom hand grips the shaft closer to the middle.
The Paddle Stroke
Fully immerse the paddle blade into the water and pull it along the side of the board.
Don't be afraid to dip the paddle deep — it gives you better control and power.
Angle the paddle blade slightly towards yourself — not strictly parallel to the board — this will help you move straighter.
Remember: your paddle should move along the side of the board in a straight line — not in an arc around your body.
This will help you paddle straight.
Arm Movement
Avoid bending your arms too much at the elbows.
Use your whole body — especially your torso — for power.
Think of pulling yourself forward rather than pushing the water back.
Turning
To turn the board, switch paddling sides or use a reverse stroke (paddling backwards).
Paddling on a SUP board requires proper technique for efficient movement and to avoid getting tired quickly.
Correct Paddle Grip
Your top hand holds the handle of the paddle, and your bottom hand grips the shaft closer to the middle.
The Paddle Stroke
Fully immerse the paddle blade into the water and pull it along the side of the board.
Don't be afraid to dip the paddle deep — it gives you better control and power.
Angle the paddle blade slightly towards yourself — not strictly parallel to the board — this will help you move straighter.
Remember: your paddle should move along the side of the board in a straight line — not in an arc around your body.
This will help you paddle straight.
Arm Movement
Avoid bending your arms too much at the elbows.
Use your whole body — especially your torso — for power.
Think of pulling yourself forward rather than pushing the water back.
Turning
To turn the board, switch paddling sides or use a reverse stroke (paddling backwards).
Hold the paddle correctly — with the blade facing away from you.
SUP Control Tips
How to Paddle Against the Wind
Lower your body or sit down on the board to reduce wind resistance. Use short, quick strokes.
How to Avoid Falling
Distribute your weight evenly and try to look forward — not down at your feet.
What to Do in Waves
Bend your knees to absorb the motion of the water and keep your center of gravity low.
If you don’t feel confident standing, paddle while sitting.
Common Beginner
SUP is not only a great way to enjoy active outdoor time but also an easy and fun sport suitable for everyone.
The key is to use the right technique, stay calm, and enjoy every ride.
If you want to rent a SUP board or book a lesson — contact us!
We’ll help you take your first steps in the world of SUP.
How to Paddle Against the Wind
Lower your body or sit down on the board to reduce wind resistance. Use short, quick strokes.
How to Avoid Falling
Distribute your weight evenly and try to look forward — not down at your feet.
What to Do in Waves
Bend your knees to absorb the motion of the water and keep your center of gravity low.
If you don’t feel confident standing, paddle while sitting.
Common Beginner
- MistakesStanding too narrow — makes it easier to lose balance.
- Holding the paddle incorrectly — reduces paddling efficiency.
- Panicking when falling — stay calm and hold on to the board.
SUP is not only a great way to enjoy active outdoor time but also an easy and fun sport suitable for everyone.
The key is to use the right technique, stay calm, and enjoy every ride.
If you want to rent a SUP board or book a lesson — contact us!
We’ll help you take your first steps in the world of SUP.
You can book your SUP via social media or messengers.
