SUP Paddling Techniques, Positions and Tips

If you are looking for some aquatic fun that provides you with a workout, then stand-up paddleboarding is the way to go. Usually shortened to SUP, this is a fun way to get out on the water while also providing you with a litany of activities that you can enjoy by yourself or with family members and friends. At the same time, you also want to make that you know what you are doing when you get up on your  inflatable SUP. With this in mind, there are a few SUP tips and techniques that you should note.

Standing Up on the SUP

The first thing that you need to know is how to stand up on the SUP itself.

• First, stand next to the board in about knee-deep water. The fins on the board should not hit bottom.
• After this, hold the board by its edges and try to get onto the board in a kneeling position. You should be sitting just behind the center area of the board. The center of the board is where the carry handle is located.
• To stand up, raise your chest first. Keep the knees bent. Once your chest is vertical, try to stand up.

Getting started on your inflatable SUP may take a bit of practice; however, you can get up on the board with ease once you try this a few times!

Holding the SUP Paddle

There are many wrong ways to hold the paddle because many people tend to grip the paddle like a baseball bat, a tennis racket, or a golf club. Using a SUP is not like other ball sports. There are a few quick tips that everyone should note when it comes to holding a SUP paddle. These include:

• The blade of the paddle is in the shape of a tear. Make sure the blade of the paddle faces away from you and toward the nose of the board. This will help you orient your hands and arms in the right position.
• If you are paddling on the right side of the board, your left hand should be holding the paddle’s T-grip. Your right hand should be on the shaft, a few feet down. When you are paddling on the other side of the board, your hands should switch positions.

If you keep these tips in mind, you should be in good shape when using the paddle.

Staying Balanced on the SUP

After you stand up on the SUP and grab the paddle, you will want to make sure that you stay balanced. Try to position your feet so that they are parallel on the board. They should be about hip-width apart and centered on the board itself. Keep your knees slightly bent, your back straight, and your toes pointed forward. This will allow you to adjust your body as the water moves underneath the board, helping you stay balanced and upright on the board. With a bit of practice and some muscle memory, you should be able to stay up.

What If You Fall?

Even the most experienced people are going to fall from time to time. Do not worry about this. In order to get back up on the SUP, you should :

• Swim over and position yourself next to the board near the center
• Reach out and grab the handle of the board itself with a single hand
• Get your legs to the surface of the water and kick with both legs while pulling on the handle to get back on the board.

With a few tries, you should be able to get back on the board quickly.

Try an Inflatable SUP from Dunn-Rite Pool Products!

If you are looking for a high-quality SUP, look no further than the inflatable stand-up paddleboards from Dunn-Rite Pool Products! With the latest paddleboards from some of the top brands in the industry, this is an excellent way for everyone to get out on the water with a reliable, comfortable, and durable SUP. Take a look at some of the options today and get ready for a fun time on the water!

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