Standing on Board in Water
Standing on board in water, also known as Stand up paddle boarding or its acronym SUP, is a popular water sport activity that involves standing up on a board and using a paddle to pull yourself through the water. You use your arms while standing, kneeling or sitting to propel you and your board forward.
Modern stand up paddle boarding got its start in Hawaii as a water sport born from surfing. It is a great form of exercise, working all of your core muscles as well as your back, shoulders and arms.
Stand up paddle boarding is just one way that you can enjoy the water on a paddle board. Read our article Ways to Paddle Board to learn all about:
- Sit Down Paddle Boarding – A great way to get started and a great way to introduce others, including parents and older people to the sport.
- Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga – A great way to build strength and flexibility on the water!
- Fishing on a paddle board – a great way to fish secret or hard to access locations where all of the big fish like to hide!
- Tandem paddle boarding – This is how we got Julie’s mom on the paddle board for the first time. She was 85 years old. Paddle boarding together is such a great way to explore lakes while you are camping. After a couple times out on the paddle board with two seats, Julie’s mom realized how fun and stable paddle boarding is and she demanded to be able to paddle herself!
- Paddle boarding with dogs – Whether you are standing up or sitting down, it is likely that your dog will love to paddle board with you. Learn how to train your dog to paddle board and read tips for paddle boarding with your dog.
Tips for standing on board in water for the first time
Here are a few tips if you are contemplating standing on board in water for the first time.
Buy or rent a recreational paddle board that is fairly stable so that you can have fun while you are getting the hang of standing on a board in water for the first time. If you weigh 150-280 pounds we recommend a board that is between 11’-12’ long and 32”-33” inches wide.
If you are smaller, you can get away with a smaller board. We usually start out kids on a 10’6” board that is 31” wide. Click here to read more information regarding the Best Paddle Board for Beginners
Wear the Leash
Wear the leash that connects you to the board.
We have seen a number of first time paddlers neglect to attach the leash of the board to their ankle. This is a big mistake because the leash is your lifeline when things get tough.
You chances of falling off your board when you are learning is much higher, especially if you are trying to stand straight off. The leash prevents the board from getting too far away from you, especially if there is a current. An unleashed board has an unerring ability to seem like it is trying to escape.
Same as with the leash, wearing a life jacket will make your first experiences on a paddle board a lot more fun.
When you do go in the water, you don’t have to work nearly as hard to collect yourself and get back on your board. You are much less likely to lose your paddle if you have a life jacket on since you can focus on holding onto your paddle as apposed to letting go of it so you can paddle desperately with your hands to keep your head above water. Read more about the Best Life Jackets for Paddle Boarding
Lastly, when you try standing for the first time, remember to keep your knees bent with your feet shoulder width apart on either side of the carry handle that is in the middle of the paddle board. Look towards the horizon instead of your feet and start out with small paddle strokes so that you get used to the motion and how to balance on the board.
Read Stand Up Paddle Boarding Tips for more important information to get you started on the right foot!
There are so many fun places to paddle board!
Standing on board in water… its not walking on water, but its close! There are so many fun places to paddle. We have found amazing places to paddle even in remote locations and desert locations in the southwest United States. Just search on google maps for nearby rivers or reservoirs!
Great places to find yourself standing on a board in water include:
- Lakes
- Reservoir
- Rivers
- Ocean
Lakes & Reservoirs are a great place to paddle board for the first time. And once you get good, it will always be fun and great exercise to paddle all around the lake or reservoir following the shoreline. Just check ahead of time to be sure that paddle boards are allowed. Read more about Paddle Boarding on a Lake.
How about a river? If you have a river nearby with a swimming hole where the current slows down, that is a great place to learn how to paddle board. Once you build up your skills then you can amp up the fun by heading down stream thru rapids. The variety of conditions mean that everyone from first timers to advanced paddlers will have fun.
Do you live near the ocean? We love paddle boarding on the ocean. Monterey Bay is near us, and we love to view the sea life and say “Hi” to the otters from our paddle boards. You can start somewhere where the water is calm and then branch out and ride some waves once you get the hang of it.
We hope to see you out on the water!
You might like these
Dog Paddle Boarding Training
5 Secrets to Dog Paddle Boarding Training you need to know. Ensure that you and your dog have a great experience!
Stand Up Paddle Boarding Tips
Read our 10 Important stand up paddle boarding tips so you have a fantastic day on the water. Avoid the pitfalls! This information will ensure you have a great experience.
How Do You Paddle Board
Are you asking yourself, “So how do you paddle board?” If so, read on! People with inquiring minds that are looking for their next adventure on the water will find this very interesting.
Paddle Boarding on a Lake
Paddle Boarding on a Lake: 10 Essential Skills and Tips for Beginners
Paddle Boarding on the Ocean
Mastering Paddle Boarding on the Ocean: Top Tips for Beginners. Here we cover the 10 most important things to know.
