Learn to iSUP in 5 minutes - How to Stand UP Paddleboard (iSUP Basics)

Are you planning a vacation that involves paddle boarding but do not have time for a training workshop to learn the basics? Do not worry at all, because, with WOWSEA’s guide, you will be able to SUP – otherwise known as stand-up paddleboarding. So, let’s get you equipped with the skills you need to SUP!

WOWSEA was started in 2017 by a group of young, ambitious college students because they loved being at one with nature, especially being out on the water. This company was born out of love and appreciation for water sports and activities, as well as the spirit of brotherhood that they brought for them.

Since then, the company has used its knowledge and experience to bring to you this guide that will help you paddleboard within five minutes. If you are a beginner, strap in for the best SUP lesson ever!

Important Steps To Follow For SUP

As a beginner, you might feel intimidated by the idea of paddleboarding, especially if you have not experienced any water sport or activity before. But do not worry, for half the task is unlocking the confidence within you.

Begin by finding the right paddle board for your height and size. The standard sizes range from 30 to 34 inches wide, but you can always get in touch with the experts at WOWSEA to figure out the best one for yourself. We recommend that you use wider boards if you are a beginner as they afford greater balance.

Once you have found the ideal paddleboard, it is time to get into the water! However, do not push yourself too far. Your best bet as an amateur would be to practice in calmer waters, just to get a sense of balancing and paddling. For this purpose, make sure to check the weather forecast and plan accordingly.

When in water, timing is very important for balance. This is why you should start paddling almost immediately after getting on the board, ideally near your knees. Another helpful trick is to move downhill, as the slopes and wind will help you pick up some much-needed pace to get moving.

The last thing you may need to adjust is the length of your paddles. For ideal balance, WOWSEA recommends keeping the paddle at 6 or 7 inches more than your height. And now, finally, it is time to stand!

Some More Tips For SUP Beginners

When going paddle boarding for the first time, it might take you a few tries to get the hang of it. But don’t be discouraged because we have some more helpful tips for you to go over before you get onto the water.

1. The Right Footwear

Because it’s all about balance, some people suggest going barefoot for your first time to have more control over your body. This will help you remain steady and comfortable when attempting to stand and then paddle.

Moreover, sometimes wearing wetsuits or shoes can lead to cramping in your body, so it is best to avoid that when trying to stand atop a paddleboard for the very first time.

2. Balance Is Everything

Perhaps the most important tip is to make sure your feet are locked in position before you get up. Adjusting your footing while standing on the paddleboard increases your chances of losing balance, so make sure your feet are planted in the right position and angle.  

WOWSEA recommends that before standing, you set your feet along with the handles of the board, as that is the most stable place for the board. You should also ensure that your feet are situated wide apart from one another for better balance.

When trying this out, you will feel the difference it makes yourself!

3. Stand Your Ground!

Getting up on a paddleboard itself can be a bit challenging, so we propose that you take it slow. If you stand up too quickly, you might risk wobbling the board too much and turning over. Use your knees to situate the ideal footing as well, and then slightly bend them once you are in an upward position.

Remember, your paddle is your best friend in the water because not only will it help you, well, paddle, but also to maintain your balance when getting up. Our experts suggest you start slowly paddling as you get up while keeping your feet apart and legs bent. This position helps to survive slight water waves.

4. Trust Your Body

When on the paddleboard, remember to always look ahead and not beneath or downwards as that makes balancing worse as well as affects your ability to stay calm at times. If you feel that the board is wobbling too much, bend your knees accordingly.

With paddleboarding, you must remember that speed helps to balance on the water. So, once you have been able to stand up and feel confident in your footing, begin paddling faster. You will feel the difference as you move through the water – trust us, it works!

5. Finding The Sweet Spot

Finally, don’t get overconfident, but also do not shy away from committing to the process. This might sound contradictory, but the best way to enjoy SUP is to find the sweet spot between these two mindsets.

Make sure to give standing up properly a try, and you will soon get it. However, do not try to impress your friends with tricks on the water or go way too fast way too soon. Like most things in life and perhaps even more so, paddleboarding is all about balance.

Well, there you have it! Here is the all-inclusive beginner’s guide to everything SUP, brought to you by your friends at WOWSEA. Our brand is dedicated to water activities that commit to being eco-friendly and cost-efficient for all, which gives us a competitive edge when it comes to our contemporaries.

So be sure to give our blogs a check and keep up to date on the best paddleboards coming your way. Happy SUP-ing!