What’s SUP?

SUP, also known as stand up paddleboarding, is a great activity to come and try for the very first time, irrespective of ability. Learning how to paddleboard is not that difficult – we promise! You might fall in the water but that’s all part of the fun. Our activity centres are based in Cornwall, Devon and on Exmoor, providing a fun and safe environment for beginners and experienced paddleboarders alike. You can hire the kit, book a one to one or group session, join a club or try a course.

Five tips to learn how to paddle board

1. Book a session at a recognised activity centre
2. Know the equipment
3. Safety
4. How to start
5. How to turn

1: Book a session at a recognised activity centre

A ‘have a go’ session is a great way to get an introduction into paddleboarding. For a small cost you get to experience an in-depth lesson from a qualified instructor where you will learn the correct skills. We recommend that anyone wishing to get into this sport contact a reputable and certified activity centre.

2: Know the equipment

Before you rush out and purchase all of the kit, we recommend that you visit your local activity centre and book a lesson – paddleboarding equipment isn’t cheap so make sure it’s the right sport for you.

SUP boards come in different sizes to suit the height of the user. The pointy end of the board is the front and the rounded end is the back. Fitted centrally to the board is the strap/handle, due to the large size of the board the handle helps you to carry the board with relative ease.
The strap/ leash can be used on any leg.

The paddle should be the same height as you with your arm extended comfortably upwards (slight bend in the elbow). The blade has a slight curve, the curved side of the blade should face towards you and scoop the water as you propel yourself forward.

3: Safety

Licensed centres provide professional tuition with qualified instructors and offer a safe and controlled environment with access to the correct kit.

A buoyancy aid and leash are used for your own safety. In the event that you fall off a paddleboard, the leash and buoyancy aid will ensure that you remain safe and in control – with a little bit of wind and/ or current your paddle board could soon drift out of reach.

4: How to start

Position yourself either side of the handle for stability and start by paddling. When you feel comfortable, raise from your knees and stand up. Stand up one foot at a time and at a shoulder width apart. Keep a slight bend in the knees, move forwards with three strokes on each arm and maintain stability by looking at the horizon.

5: How to turn

A common error with people learning to paddleboard, not pushing the paddle deep enough into the water or gripping the paddle correctly. Grip the top of the paddle with one hand and use the other hand to hold in the middle, this will allow you to fully submerge the blade on each stroke and provide enough power for you to move forwards with ease.

The further back you stand the easier it is to turn, paddle on the opposite side to turn fully – you can use long or short strokes to turn.

Use your core to paddleboard, it’s easier to propel yourself with stability and ease when paddling using your core.