Conquer the Fear: How To Stand Up on Your Paddleboard Like a Pro

Exploring the world from the surface of a paddleboard is a magical experience. Gliding along the water is peaceful and can take you to places you never knew existed. If you’re new to paddleboarding, it’s critical to understand how to stand up on a paddleboard. Knowing how to stand up on your board will not only make the experience more enjoyable, but it will also increase your safety.

In this post, we’ll discuss the steps to stand up on your paddleboard with ease. We’ll provide professional tips and tricks so you can confidently stand, paddle, and explore the waters. In no time, you’ll be standing up on your paddleboard like it’s second nature.

Paddleboard Essentials

Choosing the Right Board

The first step in standing up on your paddleboard is selecting a board and paddleboard paddle that is suited for your skill level and body weight. A heavier person may need a bigger board or one with added stability features to stay upright, while a beginner may need an extra large board for stability. It’s important to know your skill level and choose an appropriate option to help you remain stable when standing up.

Safety Gear

When paddleboarding, it is crucial to have safety gear to protect yourself in an emergency. You should wear a life vest while on the water and have a leash connected to your board.

Proper Paddling Technique

Before standing up on your paddleboard, you must familiarize yourself with the proper paddling technique. Learn how to turn, stop, and move forward efficiently, so you can use your strength effectively when standing up.

Getting Started

Launching Safety

Before stepping onto your board, be sure to check the area for any potential hazards, such as hidden rocks or debris in the water, that could cause injury or damage to your board.

Positioning Yourself on the Board

Once ready, find the center of your board by kneeling in the middle and feeling for the center. Make sure you are facing forward and begin paddling gently until you feel comfortable enough to stand up.

Finding Your Balance

Once in position, locate points of stability, such as your toes, heels, and hips, by rocking gently back and forth until you find a balance point. When confident, slowly stand up straight, with one foot at a time, keeping your knees bent slightly throughout the process. Place both feet firmly onto the center of the board before continuing to the next step.

Staying Up on the Board and Paddling

Technique

The next step is learning how to properly paddle using an alternating stroke technique rather than pushing just one side of the paddle at once. This stroke will provide more power for your movement and help keep you upright over longer distances. Keep your arms straight out in front of you with each stroke, and make sure not to twist them sideways when pulling back.

Feet Placement

Make sure both feet are placed firmly onto either side of the centerline on your board, as this will ensure maximum stability. This placement also helps guide your direction when going forward or turning around corners.

Staying Upright

If ever feeling unstable while paddling, rest one knee on either side of the board. This position will provide added stability while keeping you upright. Maintaining good posture throughout will also help keep you in balance.

Adjusting Your Technique as You Progress

Utilizing the Wind

For more advanced paddle boarders looking for more speed across open waters or who want some assistance when returning home, taking advantage of winds can be beneficial. Turn perpendicular towards the gusts to give you some movement support.

Turning

When turning around corners or coming back into shorelines, make sure to shift your body weight towards one foot while spreading out the opposite leg. This technique should help with making sharp turns easier.

Conclusion

Stand-up paddleboarding is a fantastic way to explore the waterways around you, but it’s important to know the basics before you get out there. Taking the time to learn the essential steps to stand-up paddleboarding can help you have a more enjoyable and safe experience on the water. Don’t be afraid to get out there and explore the waterways around you for an enjoyable adventure.