New to Stand Up Paddleboarding (or SUPing for short)? Not to worry. I’m here to explain the basics so that you too can try this fun and exciting sport!
What You Will Need to Get Started:
-
A Paddleboard:
Boards come in a lot of different sizes and weights. Beginners should choose a board that is wide and flat which offers more stability. If you are looking at buying a paddleboard, you may notice a range in prices. So what makes some boards more expensive while others less? It comes down to two aspects: strength and weight. The stronger and lighter the paddleboard is, the pricier it is.
-
A Paddle
Most SUP paddles should be six to eight inches above the paddler’s head. While most beginner paddles are adjustable, the more advanced paddles are not. Make sure before purchasing a higher-end paddle, that it fits your size. What makes a paddle termed higher-end? Similar to the paddleboard, you pay more for durability of the lighter material. While our adjustable ones hold up well they are much heavier than our carbon fiber blades which are stronger, lighter, come in a variety of colors, but also about a hundred dollars more.
-
A Personal Floatation Device (a.k.a. Lifejacket)
The U.S. Coast Guard classifies SUPs as vessels and therefore PFDs must be worn at all times. Our outdoor store has a wide arrange of PFDs to choose from. Come in and talk with one our sales associates to help you pick out the best one.
* Don’t think you need a PFD because you know how to swim. Consider what might happen if you get injured and become unconscious. While the chances of that happening are pretty slim, it is a possibility none-the-less. By not wearing the required PFD, the chances of coming back alive don’t look so good.
-
Clothing:
-
Wear clothing that will keep you comfortable, mobile and that you don’t mind getting wet in. If there is chance you can get hypothermia, you may want to consider wearing a wet or dry suit.
Renting
While it is nice to have your own stuff, it may be beneficial to rent from us first. During the summer months you can rent a SUP for $20 for two hours, $40/day or $200/week. All paddleboard rentals come with a paddle and a PFD fitted to your size.
Techniques
Mounting the Board
Begin by getting low in a kneeling position and move onto the middle of the board. Do this either by the shore or off a dock. You can use the paddle to help you push off from the shallow water. **Do not step right on to the board since this can result in injury!
Standing Up
Once you get your balance by kneeling, slowly stand up. Remember to look ahead and not down at your feet. Your feet should be positioned forward, your knees slightly bent and your back straight. It will feel a little wobbly at first, but you’ll quickly get the handle of it.
Paddling:
As you paddle remember to twist with your torso. If you’re paddling on the right side, your right hand should be low and your left hand should be on the top T grip of the paddle. Remember to switch hand positions when switching the size you’re paddling on. Try to do small strokes when starting off.
If you fall:
If you find yourself falling, try to aim yourself towards the water and not the board. Last year my friend Seamus made the mistake of falling towards the board because he did not want to get wet and ended up going to the hospital for a broken nose. It’s not worth the pain, suffering and costly hospital bill! All of rent boards come with leashes which are helpful if you fall off your board. One end of the leash is Velcroed around your ankle while the other end in attached to the back of the board. This way, if you fall off, you don’t have to awkwardly swim with paddle in hand to retrieve your board.
Common Mistakes of SUPing
-
Many people who end up falling are the ones who keep their backs hunched, knees straight or end up looking at their feet when paddling.
-
The bent part of the paddle (also known as the ‘elbow’) is facing the wrong way. Turn it so that it faces away from you to get the most out of your paddle stroke.
-
When SUPers paddle on one side, they often forget to switch their hand positions when paddling on the opposite side. Remember: Right side: right hand low, left hand on top grip. Left side: left hand low, right hand on top grip.
Best Places to Begin SUPing on Cape Cod
While you may see SUPers at Nauset or Coast Guard Beach, it is best to try it in calmer waters before hitting the surf. Here are some local bodies of water where it is best to learn:
-
Town Cove, Orleans/ Eastham
-
Great Pond, Eastham
-
Crystal Lake, Orleans
-
Cliff Pond, Nickerson State Park, Brewster
-
Gull Pond, Wellfleet
