SUP Surfing: Tips and Tricks

If you are thinking about taking up the great sport of SUP (stand-up paddleboard) surfing, then you need to keep a few essential tips in mind. The good news is that pretty much anyone can take up this sport as long as they are committed to the challenge! Take a look at some of the helpful information below!

Where Does SUP Surfing Take Place?

SUP surfing can happen pretty much anywhere! The vast majority of people who want to try SUP surfing will start with flat water, such as lakes and rivers. On the other hand, you can try this sport almost anywhere, including rolling beaches, because SUP surfing is an offshoot of traditional surfing.

For beginners, it is easier to start on flat water before trying to catch larger waves. SUP surfing presents a few unique challenges that might not be present with other SUP sports. Therefore, it is vital to keep safety in mind as well.

Safety in SUP Surfing

It is important to note that SUP surfing is one of the few SUP sports where a jacket is not required; however, it is still important to put safety first. Those who try SUP surfing need to be aware of the surf conditions and never try SUP surfing alone. While life jackets are not a requirement for surfing, it’s a good idea for many. Furthermore, everyone who tries SUP surfing also has to have a leash that attaches them to the board, which will prevent surfers from getting separated from their boards. Even on an inflatable SUP, which is an incredibly popular option for SUP surfing, it is still essential to have a leash. Try to pick a leash that is at least as long as the board preventing board recoil from smacking you.

Practicing SUP Surfing

If you want to get better at SUP surfing, you need to practice. When you go out to practice, find an area that isn’t surrounded by other surfers and swimmers. Avoiding other people nearby is helpful because you could end up striking someone with your inflatable SUP if it gets away from you.

Some of the challenges that you are going to face when you try SUP surfing include:

• Launching and paddling the board past the waves that are breaking in the area
• Learning how to catch the waves as they roll by
• Surfing on the actual wave

With practice, all of these challenges can be conquered.

SUP Surfing Positioning

If you want to catch a wave, you have to be in the right position and then need to commit to the actual wave. As you wait for the waves to arrive, try to line up parallel to the incoming waves. Stand in a hybrid stance, which means that your toes should be facing the ocean while your paddle is on the toe side of the board.

Then, pick a wave and commit to it. Turn 90 degrees so that you are perpendicular to the wave as it comes in. When the swell gets close, take a few smooth and solid strokes to increase your speed. After a few strokes, the wave should catch up to you. Then, lean forward and establish yourself on the wave. Once you have caught it, extend into a surf stance!

As you catch the board, try to angle it on the wave to stay in the pocket of the wave. The pocket is where the breaking part of the wave meets the open, green face of the wave. It might be easier to angle the board slightly so that you face it with your toes. While these steps are straightforward, it will take some practice and patience!

If you want to get the most out of your SUP surfing experience, you need to have the right board. At Dunn Rite Pool Products, we have the boards you need to get started SUP surfing. Take a look at everything we have to offer!

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