Learn to SUP in 5 minutes- How to Stand Up Paddleboard for beginners

Learn how to Stand Up Paddle Board in just 5 minutes from Blue Planet founder Robert Stehlik. This is not a comprehensive lesson but goes over the basics of board handling, paddle handling and safety with tips for those learning how to Stand Up Paddleboard. SUP is a safe, fun sport if done correctly.

Some of the basic topics covered:
Board handling:
lift board up on rail first, then use handle to protect your back,
make sure to put board in deep enough water so fin clears bottom,
center weight over handle and center line of board
not covered:
use right board for height, weight and ability level, for more information on choosing the best board for your needs, watch:

Paddle handling and technique:
correct orientation of the paddle blade (angled forward, away from you)
forward stroke holding paddle vertically and pulling straight back
using the whole blade in the water
reach forward and don't pull past the feet
not covered:
steering strokes, watch this video to learn how to steer the board:
choosing the right paddle and length, for more information on this topic, please watch:

Safety:
ALWAYS wear a leash, and a personal floatation device if required (not required in Hawaii if using a leash)
Use the buddy system, don't go out in dangerous condition, beware of strong offshore winds.
If you can't swim, learn to swim first, then learn to SUP

More tips:
be safe, have fun and watch all the videos in our SUP Tips playlist here:

Please also watch this video on "How to kayak in 5 minutes":

Paddle with Blue Planet Adventure Company in Haleiwa:

Thanks for watching,
Aloha,
Robert Stehlik
Honolulu, Hawaii

The board featured in the video is the Blue Planet 9'10 x 33 Turbo model:
The paddle I'm using is my favorite, the BP Kai Zen V2 with 82 square inch blade:

People keep thinking it’s Tom Brady giving a Paddleboard lesson 😂🤙🏼

Aloha, it's Robert Stehlik. Here at Blue Planet we've taught thousands of
people to Stand Up paddle through our free SUP clinics, and millions of people have
watched our how to stand up paddleboardvideos on YouTube. This video is for
people who've never stand up paddleboarded or maybe tried it once and realized
it's not as easy as they thought it would be.

"Mastering Standup Paddleboarding: Essential Tips for Beginners from Blue Planet Surf

Are you new to the exhilarating world of standup paddleboarding (SUP)? Welcome aboard! At Blue Planet Surf, we're here to help beginners like you get started with confidence and ease. Whether you're looking to glide gracefully across calm waters or catch some waves, mastering the basics is the key to success.

Get the Right Gear: Before you hit the water, make sure you have the right equipment. From paddle boards to paddles, choosing the right gear can make all the difference in your SUP experience. At Blue Planet Surf, we offer a wide range of high-quality equipment to suit every need and budget.

Find Your Balance: Standup paddleboarding requires a good sense of balance, but don't worry—it's easier than it looks! Start by positioning yourself in the center of the board, with your feet shoulder-width apart. Keep your knees slightly bent and your core engaged to help you stay stable on the water.

Master Your Paddle Technique: Proper paddle technique is essential for efficient paddling and maneuvering on the water. When paddling, reach forward with your paddle and immerse the blade fully in the water. Use your core muscles to pull the paddle back, keeping your arms straight and your torso engaged.

Practice, Practice, Practice: Like any sport, practice makes perfect when it comes to standup paddleboarding. Start in calm, flat water and gradually build your skills and confidence over time. Don't be afraid to challenge yourself and try new techniques as you progress.

Stay Safe: Last but not least, always prioritize safety on the water. Wear a personal flotation device (PFD) and familiarize yourself with local water conditions and regulations. And remember, if you're ever unsure or uncomfortable, don't hesitate to seek guidance from experienced paddlers or instructors.

With these tips from Blue Planet Surf, you'll be well on your way to mastering standup paddleboarding like a pro. So grab your board, hit the water, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime!"

[tiberiu_nicolae]

That's the best no bullshit and no fluff SUP primer. A rare sight on youtube nowadays

[enriquevilla]

Can we talk about how he went out with a wireless mic (not a cheap piece of gear) for us to get the best sound? Risking it all for a great quality video!!

[darleneroberts]

I bought myself a SUP as a retirement gift to myself, and am learning at 61. Love your tips, and hopefully they will help me as I’m still nervous when standing up. Will try again next week and hopefully spend more time standing than kneeling

[kevtb]

I'm just past the learning stage and the tips that helped me are:
1) Bend the knees slightly. Gives you a little more bounce which absorbs wobbles more easily.
2) one foot slightly in front so you can balance front to back as well as side to side
3) relax and look ahead. Easy to say but the more you let your muscles relax the more your own body will automatically self correct. Actively trying to re-adjust is a little like when a car goes into a skid. Small calm movements are way better than stiff jerky corrections.
4) don't do it in choppy water. You want calm still water for learning. If you are around others get some distance. Even gentle ripples from kids playing is challenging for a beginner.

[rtrock]

I know I'm the millionth person to say this, but I went paddlebording today for the first time. I watched this video a few times before and it helped immensely. I had a great time (only fell in once). Appreciate you making this video, great work.

[ghixx]

With your help I self taught myself! And now I'm on my way making my own adventures. Thanks for the confidence 🤙

[zakiruz]

Normally you would have to sift through alot of crappy videos to find a good one. Man this was no nonsense complete to the point. Thanks so much!

[sanchitoboc]

Just tried paddle boarding for the first time today (unexpectedly) and was horrible at it. These are some great tips and I can't wait to get back in the water!

[ckallaher]

Blue Planet does the best SUP vids. Straight to the point, unbiased, no BS. Thank you!

[randomaccount]

I figured out how to stand my first time before watching this video, but the tips about the paddle orientation were still very helpful. I definitely was holding it backwards, cheers!

The most important thing for people who are still struggling to stand up and balance that I want to emphasize that I figured out, and that was reinforced here in this video, is looking straight forward. It's kind of like driving a car, you look as far forward as you can. If possible, look as far as the horizon. Don't look down, don't look around, because your body will move when you look around, and your mind may unconsciously adjust your balance when it's unnecessary based on what you're looking at. Once you're balanced and have kind of become integrated with the board, you can begin to slowly look around and learn to become conscious of hazards around you.

[adamtwelve]

Thanks for this quick and concise video! I just watched it while at the beach and about to hop on my new paddle board for the first time and I was totally going to use the paddle backwards haha and also had no clue where to stand so this is good knowledge to have! Thanks again

[ClaireCelticMystic]

I moved to the Outer Hebrides, Scotland, (Isle of Lewis), from Maui, Hawaii, so I have loved SUP-ping on Maui, but here, I am hearing the bay calling! Thank you for these helpful hints! Excellent. Clear. Simple. Lovely! On I go. Aloha, Claire

[pazdemy]

I always wonder, who would downvote a simple helpful vid like this?

[mlsb]

I followed this advices and I was able to stand up in my first attempt paddling. I was clumsy, slow and extremely concentrated but I did it😊 Thank you!!

[nikamini]

I bought a sup, wish me luck!! I have never done that before but I had a canoe for years. I will return and update on how hard it was or how scary it was for me. Thank you so much 😊 ✨🦋💙

[pokert]

Thank you so much for these tips. Just bought my first SUP today and I can’t wait to try it. This will help me a lot.

[ameliecarter]

THANK YOU! Tried my hand on an inflatable SUPboard today for the first time today and thanks to this video I found it easy and didn't suck at it! I gotta work on going straight, but at least I was able to go straight-ish and felt confident and safe the whole time!

[AndrewPeterson-dw]

I figured out how to stand my first time before watching this video, but the tips about the paddle orientation were still very helpful. I definitely was holding it backwards, cheers!

The most important thing for people who are still struggling to stand up and balance that I want to emphasize that I figured out, and that was reinforced here in this video, is looking straight forward. It's kind of like driving a car, you look as far forward as you can. If possible, look as far as the horizon. Don't look down, don't look around, because your body will move when you look around, and your mind may unconsciously adjust your balance when it's unnecessary based on what you're looking at. Once you're balanced and have kind of become integrated with the board, you can begin to slowly look around and learn to become conscious of hazards around you.

[michaelmitchener]

This is a great video. I got a board late in the summer and went out for the first time with this 5 min video as my only instruction albeit with a few viewings. I kept thinking back to the various tips and focusing on keeping my paddle in the water, looking straight ahead, etc. It made for a great first experience and I’ve been out since and love the sport. Thanks!

[personincognito]

This is an excellent video. You weren't too wordy and got straight to the point. Most people just Babble on and on and on and you lose interest in the video. I'm a new paddle boarder and I realized I was doing some of this by Nature already but this video still did teach me a lot. Thank you