5 Helpful Tips for SUP Beginners

SUPStand up paddleboarding or SUPing as many refer to it, is one of the fastest growing watersports around. The sport can be enjoyed by people of all athletic abilities and ages while offering a great workout. Here on the Outer Banks, we have a wide variety of options when it comes to choosing where to SUP. When combining the seemingly endless beach accesses with the multitude of sound accesses throughout the Outer Banks towns, there are literally hundreds of places to take your stand up paddleboard rental along the Outer Banks. The sport can be learned by anyone willing to put in the time and effort. Though it is not incredibly difficult to learn, there are a few things beginners should know before they start. Read below to learn a few crucial tips for SUP beginners.

Choose the Correct Board Size

One of the biggest mistakes first time stand up paddleboarders make is renting or buying a board that is not the correct size for their weight, height, and skill level. Keep in mind when deciding which board to is the right size for you that the longer and wider the board is, the more stable it will be to stand on. Carrying the board and transporting it to and from the beach in your automobile are also things to consider.

Find a Calm Body of Water

Stand up paddleboarding is best learned on a calm day. This means that the first time SUPer will want limited wind and virtually no waves. While the ocean can often remain calm during the summer months, even the gentlest waves could dramatically inhibit a first time paddler. With that said, SUPing is best learned on the soundside here on the Outer Banks. The shallow waters and limited wave action create the perfect training ground for those looking to find their balance on the paddle board.

Start Out on Your Knees

Unless you have had experience with water based board sports in the past (i.e. surfing and skimboarding) it is best to start out on your knees and go from there. Most stand up paddleboards have a soft mat on the top of the board so the deck of the board won’t be paintful on your knees. Balancing on the knees will allow the first time paddler to find their center of balance before climbing to their feet. Remaining on the knees gives the paddler a lower center of gravity, thus making balancing easier.

Stand with Your Toes Forward

Unlike most board sports, it is much easier to balance on a stand up paddleboard when standing with your toes pointed towards the front (nose) of the board. It is best to stand right in the middle of the board. This will ensure that the nose of the board is up out of the water when paddling. There is often a handle placed in the middle of the board which makes for a good center reference for beginners.

Use the Paddle for Balance

Like your arms, the paddle can be used to help beginners balance on their feet. Once you have found your center of balance on the SUP, simply begin to paddle. Try to maintain smooth strokes so you don’t

Stand up paddle boarding is an activity that water enthusiasts will be able to enjoy well into the later years of their life. Take the time to learn the sport now so you can enjoy it for years to come! Ocean Atlantic Rentals has a variety of stand up paddleboards in addition to their other watersports items to satisfy your Outer Banks rental needs.