SUP Balance tips for beginners- Stand Up Paddleboarding

How to SUP: Balancing on a Stand Up Paddleboard: If you have a hard time finding balance on a SUP, watch this video for some tips that will help you get started. One of the hardest things for beginners is often just being able to balance and stand up on the board. This video will help you with some tips. Ultimately your balance will improve with practice, don't forget to have FUN! Please check out our other videos with tips for beginners.

Master the Art of Standup Paddleboarding (Sport) with These Essential Balance Tips

Looking to conquer the waves with confidence? Balance is key when it comes to standup paddleboarding (SUP), and with these expert tips, you'll be gliding across the water like a pro in no time.

Tip #1: Find Your Center of Gravity
When balancing on a SUP, it's essential to find your center of gravity. Stand with your feet hip-width apart and distribute your weight evenly between them. Engage your core muscles to help stabilize your body as you paddle.

Tip #2: Keep Your Eyes Forward
Maintaining proper posture is crucial for balance on a SUP. Keep your eyes focused on the horizon rather than looking down at your feet. This will help you stay centered and stable as you paddle.

Tip #3: Relax and Bend Your Knees
Tension can interfere with your balance on a SUP, so be sure to relax your body as much as possible. Bend your knees slightly to absorb the movement of the water and maintain a lower center of gravity.

Tip #4: Use Your Paddle for Support
Your paddle can be a valuable tool for maintaining balance on a SUP. Use it to brace yourself against the water and make subtle adjustments to your position as needed.

Tip #5: Practice, Practice, Practice
Like any skill, mastering balance on a SUP takes time and practice. Start in calm, flat water and gradually work your way up to more challenging conditions as you build confidence and proficiency.

Whether you're a beginner looking to get started or an experienced paddler seeking to refine your technique, these balance tips will help you make the most of your standup paddleboarding experience. Dive in today and discover the joy of SUP!

[victoriatempleton]

SOOO helpful; I'm 73 and just been out on my sixth adventure and ty for these clear, concise tips which will make my Monday morning even more fun ! Happy paddling to all.

[mjotd]

looking forward to summer 2021, as we are moving about 10 mins away from the coast soon!

[gloppy]

Excellent video, the best I've seen and you kept to the important basics! I'm new and only been out twice on my inflatable board (11.6/34" wide) and feeling a bit unstable/shaky when standing so I will try looking ahead/forward to help keep more steady. Just a suggestion for those trying to figure out what board to buy: rent first and try a hard board and a inflatable. I went with high pressure inflatable and am very happy. Easy to carry, store, and quick to fill (maybe 10 minutes). Since I'm a long time (in my 60's) kayaker, paddle boards are very versatile and can be used/paddled like a sit on top kayak which works well. Time to go practice!

[seancallahan]

Your videos are excellent. 8th time out, 160 lbs., learning on a 6' 10" 95L quad. Got my first wave today, a chest-high beach break barrel (not saying that I got barreled) surfed to the beach. Literally couldn't have done it this fast without you guys. The stroke technique video is great, too. Still fall off alot, but I'm learning.

[fluffytail]

Thanks for the greet tips! First time back on the board today after 9 years away and I couldn’t stand up on the board - stayed in kneeling position. Thank you for the tips to stand - will try them next time I’m out on the lake in a couple of weeks. And thanks for the “hopping” on the board tip to move foot position on the board too.

[eimantasdapkevicius]

just made myself a sup board and I made it quite small, it took many tries before I could paddle standing, but videos like this gave me confidence and now im getting better each time I take it out for a ride, thanks a lot for your help!

[russshaber]

First time today. It was easy. Get moving, look ahead. I'm 72.

[richardalanlovell]

I'm a neophyte to this recreational sport, so this video was very informative. Thank you.

[AnnMitt]

If the weather holds up, I'll be trying out SUP on my July vacation - the 1st time at 60 yrs old. 😳. I appreciate your videos. I'm increasing my core exercises and studying YouTube videos.

[kina]

Thank for this video. I was so discouraged because I see everyone with a paddle board up and paddling when just purchased mine 2 weeks ago and only tried it out a couple times. I have a narrow board which means I'm gonna have to try and perfect my stance and balance

[meghancooper]

I had been doing a lot wrong, this was helpful I was able to stand up for much longer after this!

[surrealsteph]

Great instructive videos. I’m going paddle board tomorrow for my anniversary. It’s my first time trying paddle boarding & I cant wait! Thank you!

[helenmack]

nice video.. I can tell  you for sure that falling on  the board is best avoided.. I broke two ribs  my first time out when I fell landing on the board!  OUCH... ( didn't stop me from continuing my ride that day, or any other day for that matter LOL ).

[blueplanetsurf]

Something I forgot to mention in the video:  If you do loose your balance, fall into the water, not onto the board.  We see a lot of damage to boards (and to bodies) caused by falls onto the board.  The board is a lot harder than the water, so try to avoid it when falling :)   Also: If the water is shallow, don't jump in feet first, especially over reef or rocky bottom as you will go deep and cut up your feet, try fall flat so you don't go deep.  The guy in the thumbnail of this video demonstrates perfect form for a safe fall.

[slothsloth]

this video has helped me alot.. at first I couldn't balance.. now I'm getting better. thanx

[seancallahan]

Thanks a million for your video. I'm gonna try the "grab paddle to stand up" trick since my back is so shot (why I started SUP'ing). Been surfing my whole life, but big wave accident (rag-dolled) had me learning to walk, then learning to surf again. But only had money for one incredible deal on my SUP. Problem is learning on a 6'10" 95 L board (5'10" 160lb). But I paddled 15 seconds my first day, fell maybe 75 times in an hour and a half. Felt like the 5 times I actually paddled (best for 15-20 seconds) was actually an accomplishment. I'm 50 y.o., still surf a 5'5" Lost Rocket (among others). No money for other board, but this thing is in perfect condition and I love quads! So gotta suffer a little to learn. I'm used to it. Get back to you guys when I ride my first wave. I'm watching all your videos. Thanks a million for taking the time to make all of these.
S.

[glennmccreery]

Very good. The tip on using your paddle placed on the board center-line to help stand is one that I had not seen before and might be useful. Also, the tip on moving with small jumps rather than walking to reposition your feet is one that I need to practice.

[daisymarcotte]

I’ve been avoiding SUP even though it looks like so much fun because I have arthritis and my knees are unpredictable - I can’t kneel for more than a few seconds. That little trick you showed on how to get up with stiff knees was great…I’m going to try SUP! Wish me luck 🍀

[TheMatthewSize]

Very informative! Trying it out tomorrow for the first time and this was some great insight. Thanks!

[moudjiboumaoulida]

super je trouve que c est bien d aprendre stand up sert a decouvrire le monde