10 Stand Up Paddle Boarding Tips

These 10 stand up paddle boarding tips will assist the beginner and the veteran in having a better day in the water. Paddle boarding is typically done in the ocean, but some have taken the sport to the great lakes and even rivers. Wherever you are, get out there and try it.

1. Get the right board. For stand up paddle boarding, the board is key. Ocean boards take on the bigger waves, while others let you cruise in smaller tides.
2. Pick the appropriate paddle. Stand up paddle boarding is an individual sport and the paddle should be picked to fit the height and skill level of the user.
3. Get good instruction. Stand up paddle boarding can be dangerous for a beginner. Choose a qualified instructor for at least a few lessons prior to getting out in the waves.
4. Practice going straight. Before getting fancy, stand up paddle boarding requires you to be able to move the board straight in the ever-moving tide. This takes time and a lot of practice.
5. Watch others. When stand up paddle boarding, watch other boarders around you. Notice the body movements and paddle movements they use.
6. Hold your form. When stand up paddle boarding, it is easy to forget those lessons on posture. Keep your body in the right position at all times.
7. Practice paddling. This sounds simple, but when stand up paddle boarding, paddling is key. Even veterans benefit from simply practicing paddling correctly.
8. Start small and build. Stand up paddle boarding can be an easygoing sport or an extreme sport, depending on the boarder. Before going extreme, start with the small waves then go larger.
9. Practice turning. This is another simple tip for stand up paddle boarding that will improve your game immensely. Practice all right turns, then all left, then combine them.
10. Lose the fear factor. The final tips for stand up paddle boarding is to lose the fear of the water. Fall a few times and get over that fear of hitting the water.