Your experience paddle boarding is only going to be as good as your SUP paddle technique. If you’re having a hard time paddling while on your SUP, you’ll want to check out this article because we’ll give you a few tips and pointers on how to improve your SUP paddle technique!

Stand up paddleboarding is one of the fastest growing outdoor recreation activities. Why?

Because it’s a full body workout that also reduces stress. Oh, and it’s super fun, too. Sign us up.

Newbies and seasoned SUP-pers alike can use a brush up on SUP paddle technique. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about how to get the most out of your time on the water.

Get the Right Size Paddle

First things first: you have to gear up right if you want to get anywhere on your paddleboard.

Your paddle length is crucial for a successful SUP session. You should choose your paddle length according to your height– your torso height, that is.

Here’s how to measure your torso. Sit up very straight in a chair, and have someone else measure the length between the chair and your nose. That’s your torso length.

Once you’ve got that number in inches, here’s how you use it to determine the right paddle length for you:

• A 22″ torso needs a 180cm long paddle.
• For every 2 extra inches of torso length, add 10-15 cm of paddle length.
• Example: if your torso is 26″ long, your paddle should be about 200-210cm long.

After you determine your paddle length, make sure to account for the width of your board, too. SUP boards vary in size. Wider boards need longer paddles to be sure you’re paddling with the most power.

Stay Loose, but Straight

The two most important things for maximizing strength: your posture and paddle grip.

When it comes to your grip, make sure you’re not holding the paddle too tight. This will force you to work your arms harder than necessary. It’ll also impede your ability to reach the paddle out as far as needed.

 

A good rule of thumb is to make an O shape with your hands so the paddle can slide with ease in and out of the water. Think of your grip like the rung that a canoe paddle goes through. It’s tight enough to hold the paddle in place without being restrictive.

When it comes to your posture, it’s essential that you keep your back as straight as possible to avoid injury. Your back shouldn’t be doing the bending here, your hips and legs should. Keep your knees bent so your legs are springy, and able to rotate your body as needed.

How to Paddle Board the Right Way

Proper paddling technique is the key to a good workout. Make sure you follow these steps to get the stroke right every time.

Reach Far

As you’re reaching the paddle out at the beginning of the stroke, make sure to reach as far as possible. The farther you reach, the more momentum you’ll create for yourself in the stroke.

If your board is rather wide, this is where a longer paddle will come in handy. It can be tough to reach far enough if your board is taking up prime real estate in the water beside you.

Catch Clean

As your paddle meets the water, make sure to dig deep. Immerse the entire paddle into the water. This’ll allow you to gain the most traction possible during the backstroke.

You’re losing momentum with every inch of the paddle that’s not submerged. It’ll make you have to work harder and make you move slower.

Stay Strong

The backstroke itself is where you’ll need to use your power. Engage your core so the bulk of that strength comes from your legs and lower back, rather than your arms. Your arms should only guide the paddle where it needs to go.

Make sure to keep your back straight as you rotate from side to side. Try to rotate from your hips only, and plant your feet on the board to help work your core.

Prepare for Another

Your release should take place at your feet, and not further back. If you’re releasing much further back, you’re not reaching far enough at the beginning.

Paddle Boarding Basics Tutorial

As you pull your paddle out of the water, keep it as close to the surface as possible. This’ll prepare you for your next stroke. It also won’t add extra stress to your arms to lift the paddle higher than it needs to be.

One great way to learn from the best is to watch professional paddlers on TV. Check out your local cable listings or DStv guide for SUP event screenings and make sure your DStv installation is active and working.

Common Mistakes

That’s the ideal way to pull off one SUP stroke. Here are some of the most common, rookie mistakes that you should try to avoid.

First, using your arms instead of your core to power your strokes. This’ll cause burnout super fast, and won’t give you the full body workout you could be getting. Try to use your arms only to guide the paddle where it needs to be.

The second mistake is keeping your arms too close together. This makes for sloppy paddle technique since you’re sacrificing control over the paddle. Spread your arms out if your paddle feels too wobbly.

The third mistake is looking down at your board or the water instead of out ahead of you. You’re stable, we promise. Keep your eyes on your destination, and the board will follow.

The fourth mistake is not reaching far enough at the beginning of your stroke. This won’t allow you to maximize the force of the stroke, making for a powerful pull forward. Reach, reach, reach!

The last most common mistake is not submerging your paddle deep enough during your catch. Again, this is a missed opportunity for more power in your stroke. Make sure to cover the entire paddle head with water.

Master Your SUP Paddle Technique

Now that you’ve learned how to talk the talk, it’s time to walk the walk and get on your new paddleboard! If you’re a beginner, don’t feel intimidated. If you’re an expert, you can apply these tips to your existing SUP practice.

If you’re in Utah, there are plenty of gorgeous places for you to practice the art of SUP paddle technique.

Do you have questions about SUP paddling, SUP paddling technique, or SUP boards? Get in touch— we love to talk shop!

 

Highland Glen Park

Highland Park welcomes families looking to have a great time. There are a lot of things to do, there is a playground, a beach volleyball court, fields and pavilions available for private rentals for events, team practises  and games. Its a perfect place to go if its your first time, you are never too far to swim to the shore.

Silver Lake Flat Reservoir

Silver Lake Flat Reservoir sits 15 mins past Tribble Fork and is a perfect spot for paddle boarders who are looking for a more excluded and adventurous location. Hikers traveling to silver lake will encounter a luscious forested canyon, a bubbling brook and a stunning alpine lake at the end.

Utah Lake

Known as Utah’s largest freshwater lake at roughly 148 sq.miles Utah Lake provides an array of recreation activities including SUP. It is highly favoured for its proximity to BYU and easy access to various points.Utah Lake State Park also offers fishing access for channel cat fish walleye, white bass and several species of panfish.

Lower Provo Lake

A blue Ribbon stream, the Provo River offers more than 15 miles of angling access, prolific hatches, stunning views of Mount Timpanogos and rich populations of brown and rainbow trouts. If you are in for a SUP moment, inflatable paddle boards are a great  way to flout along the Provo River.

Mirror Lake

Mirror Lake is one of the largest lakes in Utah and sits at 10 400 feet in the Uinta Mountains, according to Titan Gravity Research. With a fresh perspective looking up at Half Dome directly from its base, you will be rewarded with views of Tenaya Canyon, Mount Natkins, Washington Column and more. Mirror Lake is a great Destination for paddle boarding and hikers.
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Standup paddling has a history that is longer than many people assume. The modern paddle board has been designed with recreation in mind, but this was not always the case.

Early standup padding had more practical purposes before it was turned into something for leisure.

Early Standup Paddling

Early standup paddling was practical and generally something that fishermen across the world did. Fishermen would stand on solo vessels and paddle to maneuver the vessel. There are still many fishermen who practice this ancient technique.

History of Stand Up Paddling

The small vessels were created to maneuver through waterways and in the shallow areas of the ocean. The original paddles used were often made of hollowed lengths of wood and helped the fishermen navigate the waves. The use of these standup paddle boats was seen in South America and predates the arrival of the Spanish in the 15th century.

Early Standup Paddling In Europe

While there is a long history of standup paddling in South America and Asia, Europe also contributes to this history. The most famous of the European standup paddling is the gondoliers of Venice. Venice in the 17th century was built almost entirely on the water and uses the canals as a means to travel.

To navigate the canals, there are gondolas steered by the famous gondoliers. At the height of Venice’s popularity, there were an estimated 8000 to 10000 gondoliers paddling their way through the canals. This number has decreased drastically over the years and today there is an estimated 400 gondolas in service. Today, they are mainly used to shuttle tourists through the amazing city, but at one point they were the primary means of transportation in the city.

Standup Paddling For Fun

The early history of standup paddling focused mainly on the practical uses of this. However, there is a long history of standup paddling being used for fun. The Hawaiians were the pioneers of using a standup paddle board purely for the thrill that it provides.

Ancient Hawaiians called themselves keiki o ka’aina which means children of the land. The land provides them with food and materials to build with. The land is also the sibling of the sea and so mankind was seen as a sibling which was born to the same parents at the start of time. As siblings of the sea, Hawaiians of all ages enjoy playing in the water.

The solid evidence of standup paddle boarding by Hawaiians is only 70 years old, but it is commonly agreed on that this was practiced for centuries before the picture. One of the most famous Waikiki boys, Duke Kahanamoku, is said to have used an outrigger paddle to propel his board into the waves of Waikiki.

Hawaii is not only the home to some of the first standup paddle boards for leisure, it is also the home of many modern standup paddle boarding inventions. Many of the accessories for paddle boarding which are used today are believed to have been created by Hawaiian beachboys. One of the most commonly used is the leg leash.

The leg leash connects you to the board and is very helpful in a number of different situations. The leg leash was created by John Ah Choy also known as Pops. Pops was an inventor and is one of the most famous early paddle boarders.

Standup paddling has a very long history and can be dated back centuries. Early standup paddling was generally completed for practical reasons such as fishing or traveling through the canals of Venice. However, it has also been a leisure activity for many people and this was pioneered by the Hawaiians.

Stand up paddle boarding is a great activity for people who want to get on the water. If you are thinking about paddle boarding, there are some golden rules that you need to know about. These rules will help you paddleboard more effectively and ensure that you enjoy your time on the board.

Engage The Core Muscles

The first rule to paddle boarding is to engage your core muscles. This will help you to paddle more effectively and ensure that you can spend longer on the water. When you know how to use your muscles correctly, you will also be better prepared for any challenging conditions.

SUP Safety

To use your core muscles, you will need to rotate the hips and shoulders when you paddle. When you wind up like this, you will be using your core muscles for each paddle stroke instead of just the arms. When you only use your arms, you will tire faster and will not have the control over the board that you actually need. This paddling will use the major muscles groups in the body which makes paddling safer and easier for a prolonged period of time.

It is important to note that it will take a while to get used to this movement. The first few times you head out, you might have to remind yourself to move in this way. Paddling with a trainer or guide is recommended because they will be able to correct any mistakes in your technique.

Wear A Life Jacket And Leash

The second rule you need to follow is to always wear a life jacket and leash while paddle boarding. The life jacket is something that you need to have as the US Coast Guard views paddleboards as a vessel and you should also have a whistle on hand. If you are not a strong swimmer, it is recommended that you use a buoyant life jacket which will keep you afloat when you are in trouble.

SUP Safety

If you do not know which life jacket to use, there are a number of paddle specific models on the market. These life jackets have been designed to be comfortable to wear and do not restrict your movements while you paddle. If you are a strong swimmer, you should look at an inflatable life jacket. The most common inflatable life jacket used by paddle boarders will actually be a belt around the waist which can easily inflate when needed.

The leash is important because it tethers you to the paddleboard. The only time you might not want to wear your leash is when you are paddling whitewater rapids. In other situations, being attached to your board can be very helpful because you will not believe how quickly you can be separated from the board when you fall off.

Know Where To Go

The last rule that you need to know is to understand where you should be paddle boarding. The best places for beginners to stand up paddle board will be sheltered areas. These areas should be away from the wind and waves with a good launching and landing point. You should also look for areas with a minimum amount of boat traffic.

Only experienced stand up paddle boarders should look at heading to the waves and where there is wind. You will also need to be a confident swimmer when doing this because you will have to fight the movement of the water.

There are a number of rules that you need to know when it comes to stand up paddleboarding. These rules will ensure that you are safe and able to stay out on the water for longer.

There’s nothing like stand-up paddle boarding, and if you’ve never tried it, then you’re missing out. We can list hundreds of reasons why you should give it a try, but we’d be here all day. However, we’re going to provide you with eight reasons why you should try stand-up paddle boarding. These reasons include:

1. Just About Anyone Can Do It

First and foremost, just about anyone can learn SUP, short for stand-up paddle boarding. It doesn’t matter if you’re completely new to SUP or how old you are, the chances are you will be able to do it. Many people find they are standing up within the first hour of learning how to do it, sometimes in much less time than that.

2. It’s A Workout

With SUP, you use your arms to paddle and you move around quite a bit throughout your duration on the water. Also, SUP may help improve your balance and core because you use core when you do it, but you have to really focus on keeping balanced. If you have bad balance, then start doing SUP on a regular basis and you might see an improvement within a few short weeks.

3. Explore Places

Paddle boards allow you to explore places. For example, you can get on a paddle board and explore narrow lagoons, hidden caves and things of that nature. You can go many places where boats can’t when you use a paddle board.

4. Not A Lot Of Equipment Is Needed

Another reason why you should give SUP a try is you actually don’t need a whole lot of equipment. Basically, you’re good to go if you have a stand-up paddle board and a paddle. Also, you might want to buy a leash to attach to the board, just so it doesn’t get away from you in the event you fall off of it. You can even go to your local surf store and ask them about SUP rentals and SUP lessons.

5. Do Different Things On It

Obviously, you can stand up on the board and guide it through the water. However, there are other things you can do with a stand-up paddle board, such as yoga or meditation, bringing out lunch with you and eating it while you sit on the board. These are only a few of the many examples of what you can do with stand-up paddle boarding.

6. It Is Safe

Unlike surfing, SUP has an extremely low risk of injury. It is extremely safe to do, and reading instructions and implementing basic safety tips should be sufficient enough.

Health Benefits of Stand Up Paddling

If possible, you can book a SUP guide to teach you how to do it and what to do to be safe. Although using a guide or instructor is recommended, you should be fine if you choose not to.

7. SUP Is Relaxing

SUP is actually relaxing, especially if you do it somewhere that doesn’t have many people. Even if there are quite a few people, you’ll still find it relaxing. There’s something about being out on the water with the sun glistening down on us that makes people feel at ease, calm and just relaxed. If you’re looking for a way to unwind and clear your mind, then give SUP a try.

8. It’s Fun

This is probably obvious, but stand-up paddle boarding is a lot of fun. Even if you’re a complete beginner, you will enjoy learning how to do it. Once you become an expert, you will still have a lot of fun.

Are you looking to try something different and something that is extremely fun to do? If so, then you should try stand-up paddle boarding. Remember, the above are only eight of the many reasons why you should try stand-up paddle boarding.

Stand-up paddle boarding originated from Hawaii, which is an offshoot from surfing that has gained popularity across the globe. Unlike traditional surfing, stand-up paddle boarders stand on a board while using a paddle in order to travel on water such as a river, lake or the sea.

Basic Stand Up Paddle Boarding Tutorial (SUP)

Standing on one of these boards may look easy and is usually what most people think until the time comes that they actually have to do it. Falling down is something you cannot avoid when you are a complete-beginner. Yet with practice and effort you will be able to stand on a paddle board and paddle around within a few days.

Here are 7 important tips to help you get started:

1. Make Sure You Face The Right Way

The fins serve the purpose of helping the board to “track” when in water and also assist the board to go in straight lines when you start to paddle. Make sure the fins on the underside of the board are facing behind you when you stand up on the board.

2. Don’t Forget About Your Leash

A good quality SUP leash can assist you in keeping the board attached to your leg. When you fall down, your board will always be in reach, which means you won’t have to swim after it every time you fall down.

3. Begin On Your Knees

When you are learning to paddle board, you should start off in calm water that is only a few feet deep, where you can start to practice how to stand. From here you can start off by mounting the board by kneeling so that you become accustomed to your weight on your board. If you have enough space, while on your knees start to paddle around.

4. When You Stand Up For The First Time

Once you feel comfortable kneeling on your paddle board you move onto standing on the board. When you stand up on the board, make sure your feet are positioned in the center of the board, shoulder width apart. Make sure you are standing straight, with a good posture.

Once you are able to stand comfortably and you can maintain your balance, using one hand, grip the top part of the paddle handle, and with your other hand hold onto the center of the paddle. Keep in mind that it becomes easier to stay standing once the board achieves forward momentum.

5. Use Your Entire Body

When you start to paddle, your knees need to be bent while pushing the paddle gently into the surrounding water. At the same time twist your upper body, while using your arms and your core muscles. If your paddle has an angled or sloped blade, ensure you keep the slope of the blade away from your body. If you are not holding the paddle in the correct position you will experience a drag which will slow down your progress.

6. Keep Your Head Up

The body will naturally follow the eyes and your head, so avoid looking down when you start to paddle. Make sure your head is always up, with a straight back and your weight slightly leaning over your toes.

7. Know About The Weather Conditions

Make sure you check on the forecast for weather before you go out paddling. Strong winds and tides could become your enemy and the weather can change relatively quickly. When you are still a beginner you want to avoid being caught unaware.

In conclusion, when you are starting out it is also suggested to stay clear of any other surfers as waves will probably tumble you and your board over which could result in damages to the gear of other surfers.