How to Use SUP Boards?

Once you have made your purchase, it is time to get started learning how to use your new SUP boards. Paddle boarding can be a bit challenging, especially if you are just starting out.  But don’t worry, with enough time and practice, you will figure it out. It is just like with any sport – it just takes time and practice. Some of this may seem like common sense. But it is better to be safe and prepared than to be sorry. Here are a few things you should know:

1. Take it Slow

You will not be able to jump from the start and ride all of the killer waves you have been dreaming about. Take things slow at first and the build up your intensity as you progress. Anything that is worth doing usually takes time and practice. This is true with paddle boarding. If you go for the monstrous waves on your first few tries, you could get hurt. Or it even damage your confidence. Water is a powerful force and even the most experienced paddle boarders know when to ride and let the wave go. Remember why you wanted to start paddleboarding – think first and take things slow.

2. Your Leash is Your Friend

Though you may think it is uncool to use the leash, you will soon realize the importance of it. It is there not only for your safety but for the safety of those around you. Do not be that girl or that guy who is too cool for safety. Decide which leash is best for you and then use it!

3. Mind Your Space with SUP Boards

Whether you are in the ocean, a lake or a river, there is enough room for everyone. You do not have to be in the same space as others who are paddleboarding. Give yourself and others plenty of room to do their thing. There are plenty of waves to go around, you do not have to share the same wave, just the same body of water. Be considerate of other paddle boarders and you may even make some new friends and get some helpful advice in the process.

4. Falls Happen, Proper Falling is Important

Everyone falls of their board from time to time. It does not matter if you have been paddleboarding for ten minutes or ten years, falls are unavoidable. However, you can help yourself to avoid getting seriously into injury if you will simply learn to fall properly. Paddleboards are not soft plushy pillows so they can hurt pretty badly if you fall on them or you get hit with them after you fall. The most important thing to remember is to fall away from your board. If you fall on the board or the fin, it can cause serious injury and no one wants that to happen.

Though it is so much more fun to practice tricks and catching waves, it is probably a good idea to practice wiping out a couple of times, too. When you think you are going to fall, think fast and fall away from the board and in the opposite direction that the board will be in push by the waves. If you are using the leash like you should do, you will not have to worry about losing your board because it can not go far if attached to you.

5. Make Sure You are Facing the Right Direction on SUP Boards

This may seem like the most obvious thing in the world but for those who are new to paddleboarding, it is an important reminder. If you are not sure, that is okay, what better time to learn than now. Take a look at your SUP paddle board and find the fins. If you are riding the board correctly, the fins will be at the back of the board. This will help you to paddle more easily.

If your fins are at the front of the board you will be fighting against the waves and your board will be fighting against you, making you more likely to fall off the board when you try to catch a wave. The fins are in the use for something called tracking which keeps the board straight when you are paddling and helps you to holding on to the wave once you catch it.