Paddling a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) primarily involves using a paddle to propel yourself through the water while standing, kneeling, or sitting on the board. It requires understanding basic stroke technique and board control.
Here's a breakdown of the fundamental process:
Getting Started
- Board Position: Start in calm, shallow water. Kneel on the center of the board (over the handle) to get comfortable and stable.
- Paddle Grip: Hold the paddle with one hand on the shaft and the other on the top grip (the 'T' handle). Ensure the paddle blade is facing forward, angled away from you.
- Standing Up: Once comfortable kneeling, place your paddle horizontally across the deck in front of you and use your hands to stand up one foot at a time, aiming for the center of the board with feet hip-width apart. Keep knees slightly bent for balance.
The Basic Paddle Stroke
The core of paddleboarding is the stroke. A good stroke is efficient and propels the board smoothly. It typically involves four main phases:
- Reach: Extend the paddle forward, reaching as far as comfortable with a straight arm, sinking the blade fully into the water beside the board. Twist your torso slightly for extra reach and power from your core, not just your arms.
- Catch: Once the blade is submerged, lock it in place in the water, using it as an anchor.
- Power: Pull the board past the anchored blade using your core and back muscles, keeping your arms relatively straight. This is the primary propulsive phase.
- Tip from Reference: Make sure that you do bring the paddle quite close to the board when you are paddling. Paddling close to the board helps you move in a straight line and increases efficiency.
- Recovery & Transition: Lift the blade from the water cleanly at your feet. Bring the paddle forward out of the water and prepare for the next stroke.
- Tip from Reference: And start transitioning into your next stroke. Make sure that you do bring the paddle quite close to the board when you are paddling. Keeping the paddle close to the board during this phase helps maintain balance and sets you up for an efficient next stroke.
Paddling Straight
To paddle in a straight line, alternate the side you paddle on. After several strokes on one side (e.g., 3-5), switch the paddle to the other side. Remember to reverse your hand positions on the paddle shaft and grip when switching sides.
Turning
- Sweep Stroke: To turn, perform a long, sweeping stroke on one side. For instance, sweeping the paddle in a wide arc from the front to the back on the right side will turn the board to the left.
- Reverse Sweep Stroke: Sweeping the paddle from the back to the front on one side can also turn the board quickly.
Table: Basic Paddle Stroke Summary
| Phase | Action | Key Technique |
|---|---|---|
| Reach | Extend paddle forward, submerge blade fully. | Use torso rotation; keep arms relatively straight. |
| Catch | Anchor the blade in the water. | Ensure blade is fully submerged before pulling. |
| Power | Pull board past the blade using core/back. | Keep paddle quite close to the board. |
| Recovery & Transition | Lift blade, bring paddle forward for next stroke. | Bring the paddle quite close to the board as you transition. |
Mastering these basic techniques, including keeping the paddle close to the board during the stroke and transition as highlighted in the reference, will help you paddle more efficiently and confidently.
