Stand Up Surfing Guide For Beginners

This stand up surfing guide for beginners can give you some helpful tips if you are new to stand up surfing.  Stand up paddle surfing is a great exercise for your legs and arms, and it is fun to do if you can't surf just yet.  Follow these tips to help get acquainted with stand up surfing on a paddle board.

1. Get the right board.  Make sure that you purchase a paddle surf board that is made for stand up paddle surfing.  There are obviously many types of surf boards - you don't want to try to paddle/stand up on just any board.
2. Practice in shallow water.  You can't start out in waves that are less than waist high.  Find two to four foot waves to practice in more shallow water.  This will help you get used to the feel of stand up surfing on a paddle board.
3. Locate a good spot.  Beginners, when they just start learning to stand up surf on a paddle board, make the common mistake of paddling out through the waves.  Look for a good spot: locate break point where the waves crash, and start there.  You'll notice the water is floating slowly away from the shore.
4. Paddle out.  Head right for the middle of that spot, using your paddle as much as needed.  Feel free to use your dominant foot, keeping it back a bit for support.  You can also go to your knees if that is more comfortable.
5. Wait for the wave.  Position yourself so you will see the wave over your left shoulder.  You can go to the next step when the wave you want to ride is about 50 feet behind you.
6. Ride the wave.  When the wave is at this point (50 feet), start paddling.  You should be at full speed, at the speed of the wave, when it is right on you.  Go at an angle (to avoid the wave pushing your board under) and stay over the board and wave as long as you like.