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Top Tips For Stand-Up Paddleboarding

Improve your SUP skills and make the most out of your time on the water!

The hiss of a stand-up paddleboard being let down has become a soundtrack to a day at the beach over the last few years. Every summer our guided stand-up paddleboarding trips and SUP hire prove incredibly popular – no surprise really with the incredible weather and conditions that we’ve had in Cornwall. Our guided sessions include instruction from our qualified staff, and every rental also includes a quick introduction to stand-up paddling as part of the safety brief, but for those who have been out with us and are now considering buying an SUP and setting out on your own, here is a recap of our five top tips for safe, efficient and enjoyable paddling:

Hiring a SUP to explore the cove at Port Gaverne

Hiring a SUP to explore the cove.

Adjust Your Paddle to The Correct Length

All of our paddles, and most entry-level paddles that come as part of a package, are adjustable. For regular paddling (on flat water, rather than for trying to surf) your paddle should be 6-8 inches longer than you are tall. This will allow you to generate the most power from your stroke, with minimal effort.

a sand up paddleboard lesson at port gaverne in cornwall with cornish rock tors

Starting with the basics

 

sea level view of cornish rock tors stand up paddleboard guide

Sea Level SUP View

Hold Your Paddle The Right Way Round

The blade on stand-up paddles are angled (called the “kickback angle”), and many beginners mistakenly hold the paddle so that the blade is angled back towards them under the assumption that the paddle will “scoop” the water. The blade should actually be angled AWAY from the paddler (pointing towards the front/nose of the board) as this results in a smoother stroke and much more power being generated through the entirety of the stroke, particularly the middle section as the blade will be vertical as you pull it past you. Smoother, more powerful, and less stress on your shoulders can only be good!

 

Setting off on standup paddleboards from shallow water

Starting in the shallows? Stay on your knees!

Start (or Stay) On Your Knees

This applies to both the start of your session, until you are familiar, comfortable and balanced on the board, and the start of every session when you mount your board in shallow water. When you first enter the water, kneel up on your paddleboard until you have paddled out into slightly deeper water; if you go straight to standing and fall off in shallow water you are far more likely to hurt yourself. You can paddle effectively (holding the shaft of your paddle part way up) from your knees until you are confident enough to try standing up, and return to your knees should you need to – perhaps if conditions change and the sea becomes a bit bumpier.

 

stand up paddleboard guide and clients on a trip along the coast of cornwall with cornish rock tors

Pause and GLIDE!

Enjoy The Glide

At the end of each paddle stroke, there is no rush or need to dig straight into the next stroke; allow the power generated by the stroke to propel you forward, and enjoy the glide! Taking a short pause between each paddle stroke will mean you travel further, for fewer strokes.

 

stand up paddleboarding at port gaverne with cornish rock tors

Bend Your Knees

Bend at The Knees

With your feet parallel, shoulder width apart, and facing forwards in the centre of the board (roughly either side of the carry handle), it will be the muscles in your feet and legs that help you to keep your balance. Keep you feet, hips and head in a straight line, one above the other, and soften your knees. If you bend at the waist then your head and upper body (the heavy parts of you!) will be off centre and you are more likely to wobble and fall in. Soft knees, loose hips and a feeling for your feet will help you to maintain your balance as you move through your paddle stroke.

 

Have fun out there!

Click the links to find out more about and book a guided stand-up paddleboarding trip or to check out our SUP hire. 

a stand up paddleboarding lesson with cornish rock tors at port gaverne on a summer day

Stand-up Paddleboarding Lessons