How to Stand-Up Paddle Board

Hello!

I am sorry for the bad photos, my Dad didn't want to get his camera wet so I had to adjust for bad cell phone pictures. We were on vacation in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and rented paddle boards from a nearby outfitter. I was looking on Instructables and I realized that there wasn't an 'Ible yet for Stand Up Paddle Boarding! So I took my chances and, well, here we are!

I hope that you guys have as much fun on the water as I did!

Here goes nothing!

Step 1: Knowing Your Paddle Board

Stand Up Paddle Boards are usually in between 9 and 12 ft and can cost between 600 to 1500 USD(You can rent them for about 20 bucks an hour). They are made of a variety of foam, plastic, polyester, wood, and/or resin. Some are even inflatable! It has been rumored that Stand Up Paddleboarding started when began surfing with oars.

Pretty simple huh?

Its harder than you think.

The paddle board has 3 main components.

1. 1 to 3 fins on the bottom for tracking, or how well your vessel goes straight.

2. The board itself

3. A grippy surface reaching from the middle of the board to the back. There is a strap in the middle of the board where your feet should be.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding paddles have a bend, as seen in the image above. Despite common belief, the paddle should be placed with the blade facing away from you.

Step 2: Starting Off

Place your board in shallow water and take the coil and place the strap around your ankle.

Oh wait. I haven't told you about that yet.

Some paddleboards have a plastic coil with a velcro strap to secure the board to your body in case you fall in. The last time I rented a SUP it didn't have one.

Straddle the board with your feet and place your knees in between the strap. Everyone should start out on their knees, and gradually standing up once they feel balanced.

Step 3: Taking a Stand

When you feel balanced, stand up slowly and place your feet where your kneecaps were.

REMEMBER: you can use your paddle as a third foot while standing up.

Step 4: Not Falling In...

If you feel unbalanced, bend your knees a little and put your arms at your sides, holding your paddle out of the water.

I found that if you see some large waves coming, paddle into the waves at a 45 degree angle to not capsize.

Step 5: And Falling In...

If you fall in, there are two very important things to do quickly: grab your paddle and grab your board.

Throw your paddle on the board and lie flat down on the board, as my wonderful brother demonstrates above.

Then, arch your back, and simultaneously slide your hands back and bring your knees forward to get back in the kneeling position.

My brother fell in 5 times. I didn't fall in once.

Step 6: Enjoy!

I hope you have a fun time enjoying the outdoors, and being on the water.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding is a fun and simple sport that is relaxing and rejuvenating. I hope you have as much fun as I did.

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AND....

MOST OF ALL...

Have Fun!