Introduction

A competent stand-up paddleboarder can glide effortlessly across the water and navigate in any direction without breaking a sweat. If you're new to SUP, you might be in for a surprise. With a few pointers, you may learn to move the board exactly as you want while conserving energy. To get you started, here are a few key SUP abilities to know:

• What is the best way to size a SUP paddle?

• What is the best way to grip a SUP paddle?

• What SUP strokes are required?

You may find it difficult or exhausting to paddle in the direction you want to go at first, but as you gain experience and polish your technique, you will be able to paddle more effectively, go straighter, and make tighter turns.T

The Forward Stroke

This is the most basic stroke for propelling your board through the water. Plant the paddle in the water by extending as far forward as you can (approximately two feet or more) and pushing the blade all the way beneath the water's surface, then bringing it back to your ankle and out of the water. As you paddle, keep your arms nearly straight and twist your torso. Instead of drawing the paddle back with your lower arm, push down on the paddle grip with your top hand.

• Imagine your body and paddle forming the shape of an A, with your body on one side, your upper arm and paddle shaft on the other, and your lower arm serving as the connecting bar.

• Instead of moving the paddle through the water, consider pulling the board past the paddle.

• You must alternate which side of the board you paddle on to proceed straight. There is no specific amount of strokes per side; attempt three or four on one side before switching to the other. When you flip sides, your hand positions are reversed.

• The straighter you go, the more vertical you maintain the paddle.

The Reverse Stroke

The reverse stroke is a simple movement that can be used to slow down, halt, or turn. The backstroke is the polar opposite of the forward stroke.

• Reach back behind you and plant the paddle in the water at the tail of your board if you're paddling on the right. Make sure the blade is completely submerged beneath the water's surface.

• Keep your arms straight and twist from your body, rather than dragging the blade forward with your arms, like you did with the forward stroke.

• The nose of your board will turn to the right if you do the reverse stroke on the right side of your board, and vice versa.

The Sweep Stroke

When standing steady or moving, the sweep stroke is useful for rotating your board. Bend your knees slightly more than you would for the forward stroke and lower your arms to just below shoulder height with the T-grip on the paddle. Rotate your shoulders such that your right shoulder comes forward if you're paddling on the right. Reach forward and submerge the entire blade of your paddle in the water, so it's perpendicular to your board. By rotating your torso and using the leverage of your legs and hips, sweep the paddle away from the board in a broad arcing motion from the nose to the tail. Turn your board to the left (Port Side) by using the sweep stroke on the right side.

Paddling into a headwind

The aim of this paddle technique is to reduce wind resistance. When Paddling into a headwind you should crouch and position yourself forward of the centre point. If necessary, then you should try paddling on your knees. By moving forward, you will force the nose lower in the water and again reduce resistance. It might help if you increase the stroke rate, and reduce your stroke distance. You might also try lowering your hand position on the paddle shaft.

Choosing a Board | Types of Paddle | Paddle Technique | SUP Safety