Paddle Boarding on a Lake: A Beginners Guide

We are going to cover our top 10 tips for paddle boarding on a lake.

Taking your first step into the world of paddle boarding might seem daunting. Yet, just like with any other sport, understanding the basics can make a world of difference to your experience. Whether you're near the coast or inland, paddle boarding is a brilliant way to explore what the water has to offer. Lakes, in particular, are often a beginner's paradise, offering calm, still waters that make for an excellent training ground. As a beginner, starting in such serene settings allows you to focus on maintaining your balance and mastering basic paddle techniques. Once you've nailed these fundamentals on smoother waters, you can consider graduating onto choppier seas and rivers.

Selecting the right gear is the next essential step in your paddle boarding journey. An appropriate paddleboard can make a tangible difference to your experience. Starting with a wider, longer, and thicker board is usually recommended for beginners as it provides greater stability, making it easier for you to maintain balance. Be patient, it's okay to make a few splashes as you find your sea legs. Once you gain more confidence and skill, you can consider switching to a leaner, agile board that fits better with your improved proficiency.

Lets get started, we want to get you out on the water!

julie standing maizie sitting fuller lake

Julie (Standing) and Maizie Paddle Boarding on Fuller Lake, CA

Paddle Boarding on a Lake: 10 Essential Skills and Tips for Beginners

1. Start with calm, still water: Smooth, serene lakes and ponds make excellent training grounds for beginners. The beauty of paddle boarding on a lake is the calm waters allow you to focus on maintaining your balance and mastering paddle techniques without the added challenge of battling waves or strong currents. Get a feel for the board on gentle waters before eventually progressing to choppier seas.

2. Choose the right paddleboard: The type of board you choose can greatly affect your paddle boarding experience. As a beginner, consider starting with a wider, longer, and thicker board as it offers more stability. These boards allow for better balance and are more forgiving when you make those inevitable beginner's errors. As you become more skilled and comfortable, you could opt for a sleeker board that provides better agility and performance. Read about our favorite paddle board for beginners

John Stand Up Paddle Boarding on Gold Lake in Lakes Basin, CA near Sierra City. See the snow behind him on the mountains?

3. Learn the basic paddle techniques: Mastering basic paddle strokes is crucial. Paddle boarding on a lake on a calm day gives you the opportunity to learn these skills without currents, wind, and other natural phenomena making it hard to get useful feedback as you learn. The forward stroke propels your board forward, the reverse stroke slows you down or moves you back, and the sweep stroke helps you to change direction. It's also important to know how to hold the paddle correctly - your hands should be shoulder-width apart and the blade angle should face away from you. Read this article for step-by-step paddling instructions.

4. Keep safety first: Always have a Personal Floatation Device (PFD) and use a leash that ties you to your board. A PFD is lawfully required for paddle boarding, and the leash ensures that your board doesn't get away from you, making it easier for you to get back on top after a fall. Ensure that you're also aware of the weather conditions and marine traffic before you head out. Read more about the Best Life Jackets for Paddle Boarding.

5. Dress appropriately: Depending on the weather and water conditions, dress appropriately. In warmer conditions, a simple swimsuit or light synthetic attire would suffice. For cooler situations, consider a wetsuit or a drysuit to help maintain your body temperature. Some people prefer to paddle board barefoot, but it is wise to have shoes aboard so that you don’t cut your feet getting on and off your board in shallow water with rocks. Julie prefers to wear her Keen river sandals when she paddle boards standing up because they have a nice wide sole and this gives her additional stability while she is paddling. On cool days, especially if we are sitting down, we count on our neoprene paddle booties to keep our toes warm. Read more about the Best Shoes for Paddle Boarding.

Chloe learning how to paddle standing up at Big Bear Lake, CA.

6. Learn how to stand: Starting in a kneeling position, place your feet where your knees were one foot at a time while maintaining a hold on either side of the board. Once you're ready, use your core to lift your body, keeping your feet hip-distance apart and your knees slightly bent. Looking straight ahead can also help maintain your balance.

7. Embrace sitting: Consider using a folding chair or kayak seat for your first time out paddling on a lake (see the video below). That way you can be super comfortable and in control while you focus on mastering the paddling skills and maneuvering your board. After you have built up your confidence it is much easier to learn just the standing bit. Best yet, you can easily paddle all around the lake while sitting. Folding chairs and kayak seats can easily be stowed out of the way under bungees if you feel inspired to stand mid-trip. Read more about why we love sit down paddle boarding.

8. Use your core: While it may seem like the arms are doing most of the work, paddleboarding heavily engages your core muscles. This provides the strength and control needed for efficient paddling. A strong core not only improves your balance but also reduces paddling fatigue.

9. Know how to fall: It's natural for falls to happen, especially as a beginner. The important thing is to know how to fall properly. Aim to fall in the water to the side of your board or just in front of it and never at the back. This minimizes the chance of hitting the board on your way down, preventing potential injuries.

John going for a swim on Big Bear Lake. The nice thing about an inflatable paddle board is that they are soft... like landing on an air mattress!

10. Stay mindful of the wind: Wind direction and strength can significantly impact your day out on the water. If possible, start your journey paddling against the wind. That way, if you're exhausted later on, you can easily get back to your starting point with the wind pushing you along.

11. BONUS Respect rules and etiquette: Know and respect the rules of the water bodies and the local paddle boarding etiquette. Be aware of protected areas and do your best not to disturb wildlife. Always respect the space of other water users and understand whose right of way it is. Be mindful of the environment and do your part in keeping the waters clean and safe for every user. Often your best resource for the rules is the local parks and recreation departments if you are paddling on a lake.

A couple resources that can provide extensive information on water traffic rules are::

Last thoughts about paddle boarding on a lake

Chances are if you start out paddle boarding on a lake near where you live, you will meet other paddlers out on the water or near where people launch their boats. We have found that these people are always very helpful if you have questions. You might even make some new friends. For this reason, it is good to choose a lake near civilization rather than some of the remote lakes we love to visit when you are first starting out.

Regardless, you should have enough information to get started now, so just do it! Get out there and give paddle boarding a try!

We hope to see you out on the water!