10 Stand Up Paddle Surf Tips

Before you think about paddling out on your hind legs, you’ll want to check out these stand up paddle surf tips. Stand up paddle surfing has become the hottest new trend in water sports and board sports. The best part is anyone can enjoy it, regardless of wave riding knowledge. The following stand up paddle surf tips will help put you on the right track.

1. Foot placement: Stand up paddle surf foot placement is not like other board sports. Unlike standard surfing, where one foot goes in front of the other, stand up paddlers place their feet side by side, with both feet facing forward. This side by side placement improves stability while paddling. Riders shift into a normal surf stance when wave-riding.
2. Flat water training: A good beginner stand up paddle surf tip is to perform all of your initial training in flat water. Bays or lagoons are perfect for this training. Training in flat water will ensure new paddlers don’t injure themselves or others before they get a hang of paddling.
3. Choose then right size paddle: Your paddle should correspond to your height. Many new stand up paddle surfers struggle with inappropriate paddle lengths. Consult your local surf shop.
4. Knees: If you’re having trouble getting started on your feet consider this stand up paddle surf tip. Pop to your knees and paddle the board like a canoe. When the board picks up speed pop to your feet and use the forward momentum for balance
5. Speed: This builds off the above stand up paddle surf tip. It’s easier to balance if you’re going faster. If you stop, you’ll probably fall.
6. Train in small waves: Like regular surfing, it is best to learn to stand up paddle surf in small waves. You can practice getting through waves and spotting waves from an elevated position. Stick to beginner spot.
7. Avoid other surfers: The worst thing you can do as a new stand up paddle surfer is invade a crowded line up and get in the way. Stay away from other if you are not confident in your ability. When you feel comfortable, join the herd.
8. Switch hands: Use different hands to paddle on different sides of the board. This will improve total body strength and prevent you from falling over. This will also prevent you from paddling in circle.
9. Shuffle: When wave-riding shuffle forward to drop into a wave. Paddle to catch the wave, shuffle forward to drop in, and then move back to turn. Walking the board is an important part of wave-riding.
10. Use the paddle to steer: The stand up paddle surf tip is especially important in bigger waves. Turning such a large board can be difficult, so use the paddle as a rudder. The paddle will also help stabilize you.