How to Paddle on a Stand up Paddle Board

Traditional surfing has always been a popular sport, but the rage today seems to be the stand-up paddle board. No longer do you need to lay on your belly and paddle with your arms, as the stand-up paddle board allows you to stand on a larger board and use a paddle similar to those used in a kayak or canoe. However, paddling without falling down can be quite the adventure.

Things You'll Need

• Stand-up paddle board,
• Paddle

Instructions

1. Place the board in the water and try to find your sweet spot--where you can stand on the board in the water to keep the board the most balanced. Usually it will be right in the middle, but for some it may be a bit forward or back depending on your weight and balance. Stand with both feet facing forward, not staggered as you normally would when you ride a surfboard. Finding your sweet spot on the board will help keep you balanced.

2. Straighten your back and try not to lean too forward or back. Bend your knees slightly. If you find that you keep falling off the board you may need to practice in calmer waters or try to place yourself differently on the board.

3. Grip the board with your feet on the traction pad. Most paddle boards will have some form of a traction pad on them. Rubber or similar material is glued to the top of the board to provide stability for your feet. Grip it with your feet to hold yourself on to the board as you move through the water. You may find that your legs get sore while you are paddling, so be sure to stretch and warm up thoroughly before and after you start.

4. Grasp the paddle with both hands and hold it in a way that feels most comfortable. Make sure that the paddle is facing the correct direction, as paddling with the paddle in the wrong direction is difficult. Some people like to put a sticker on one side of the paddle to designate which side is which. This helps you to quickly identify which way it should be turned while you are in the water paddling.

5. Place the paddle in the water on one side of the board, trying to keep your body as balanced as possible, and paddle with a nice even and long stroke. Pull the paddle out of the water, place it on the other side of the board and paddle again with an even stroke. Keep doing this until you have built up a good momentum and can paddle evenly without falling off of your board.