Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is a fun way to enjoy an active day on the water whether you're solo, with your pup, or a group of friends. Unlike surfing and snowboarding, you're not tied to Mother Nature's plan of swells and snowfall, which means in many areas, you can SUP year-round.
Stand-up paddleboarding also offers the freedom to explore, as you can take your SUP out on harbors, rivers, bays, lakes, and the ocean. Stand-up paddleboarders can access places on the water that no one else can, including low-tide beaches, caves, coves, and islands. There's a lot to discover!
If you're wanting to spend more time with friends outdoors, and meet new ones, stand-up paddleboarding is an awesome social activity, as you can chat while you paddle, bring your dogs, take breaks to lay down and float along, and pull over to beaches to share snacks and exchange cold beverages.
Common stand-up paddleboarding questions
Here, we'll answer the most common questions people who are interested in trying stand-up paddleboarding have. Leave a comment if we missed something you'd like answered! We'll also break down the lingo of stand-up paddleboarding so you'll feel more confident talking about it. And of course we'll give you some helpful stand-up paddleboarding tips that you can take with you as you plan your next SUP day.
Where do you place your feet on a stand-up paddleboard?
To stay balanced on your SUP, place your feet at the mid-point of the board. Most SUPs have a handle in the middle of the board, creating an easy mark to remember to adjust your feet back to each time you stand up on the board. Both feet should be facing forward. Keep your feet around shoulder-width apart. Look forward to where you're going to stay steady. Bend your knees just enough to be able to absorb some water movement, which is difficult to do, as your body is tense when you're learning -- but don't worry, you'll loosen up as you get used to it!
If your pet, child, or friend is joining you on the SUP, have them sit in front of you, toward the nose of the board. The nose of the board is rounded and comes to a point. The back of the board is usually squared and has a place to attach your leash.
If you ever fall off your SUP and climb back on, make sure that you're facing the front, or nose of the board before you begin paddling again. If you ever feel like you're not going anywhere although you're paddling hard, take a look and make sure that you're facing the right way on your board. It's okay sis, you're learning!
Stay at the midpoint of your SUP, feet straddling the handle, if you have one, both feet facing forward
What should I bring with me on the stand-up paddleboard?
When getting ready to stand-up paddleboard, dress like you might get wet, because there's always a chance, even if it's not part of your plan. Also, it's best when arranging everything on your board to plan and prepare for it to tip or for the nose to be covered in water. You'll learn that things will roll off the board or go underwater - if they're not tied down - as you bump boards with your friend while handing off some water.
Many SUPs have tie-downs on their nose and tail, so you can attach carabiners to your water bottle and dry bag and clip them to the tie-downs. It's common for areas to require life vests, and a good idea to bring one just in case you might need it.
What's the best way to launch a stand-up paddleboard and get going?
How you launch will look different based on where you're stand-up paddleboarding. The easiest launch is from a beach. I get my SUP all set up with everything I need and then walk knee-to-waist deep in the water. I plant my hands on either side of the SUP handle at the midpoint and hop onto the board on my hands and knees. Then, like a burpee or sun salutation, I steadily hop my feet to meet my hands at the midpoint and stand up.
If you're at a harbor or lake launching from a dock, get your SUP in the water facing the direction you want to go. Sit on the edge of the dock and place your feet on the board so it doesn't float away while you pick up your paddle off the dock. When you're ready to go, place your feet at the mid-point of the board, straddling the handle.
Once I'm standing up on the paddleboard, get the blade of the paddle in the water right away and start paddling. SUPs are like a bike in that it's easier to stay balanced if you're moving. When you stand still on a SUP, every little wake is harder to brace yourself for.
SUPs are like a bike, in that it's easier to stay balanced if you're moving
How do I keep my stand-up paddleboard from floating away?
If you buy an inflatable stand-up paddleboard in a set (many of these come with a big backpack), it will come with a leash. Attach one end of the leash at the tail of your board (loop it through and then fold up the Velcro) and secure the bigger end of the leash around your ankle. This way if you fall or slide off of your SUP for a dip in the water, your board won't float away from you.
Even if your SUP doesn't come with a leash, it likely has a small metal bar at the very tail of your board, designed to loop a leash through. When you buy a leash, it's important to buy one according to the length of your SUP, or at least a leash designed for a SUP, and not a small surfboard.
If you're launching your SUP from a beach, there's a best way to park it when you're taking a break or getting ready to launch. Bring your board around so that the nose is facing the beach (the opposite of when you'll launch).
Lift up and pull the nose higher up on the beach from the front, or from the back of the board, push down the tail to lift up the nose and shove it up on the beach, making sure a few feet of your SUP is on the sand. This is the best way to park your paddleboard, as the fins determine the direction your board will go, and it's better to have them facing the beach!
Stand-up Paddleboarding Checklist
Stand-up paddleboard with fins (some inflatables come with a detachable center fin; don't forget to bring it with you!)
Paddle
Leash (optional) to attach to your ankle and the SUP
Pump for inflatable boards
Life vest: standard or compact
Water bottle: Stay hydrated!
Sunblock: Don't forget to reapply, the sun reflection is real!
Hat
Dry bag: They make a variety of sizes that will keep your extra layers dry
Tie-downs: If you own your SUP and it doesn't have tie-downs, you can buy them for cheap
Things you shouldn't bring on your SUP
Cell phone: They get dropped more often than you'd think...
Wallet
Keys with fobs: Get a combo lock to place on your door handle if you can
Stand-up paddleboarding lingo
SUP: Stand-Up Paddleboard
Nose: The front of the board that comes to a point
Tail: The back of the board that is typically more squared
Tie-downs: Bungee strings that go across the board
Rails: The sides of the paddleboard
Blade: The big section of the paddle that goes in the water
Leash: Attaches your ankle to the board
Launch: The location where you'll put your board in the water, and then take off
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