{"id":51960,"date":"2023-01-06T09:00:02","date_gmt":"2023-01-05T22:30:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/?p=51960"},"modified":"2023-01-09T15:15:26","modified_gmt":"2023-01-09T04:45:26","slug":"suping-for-newbies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.snowys.com.au\/blog\/suping-for-newbies\/","title":{"rendered":"SUP-ing for Newbies"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

So, you got a SUP board for Christmas?!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re a beginner, you may have found that SUP-ing is not necessarily as easy as it looks!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Welcome to one of the fastest-growing recreational water activities in the world. Whilst stand-up paddling (SUP-ing) originated in Hawaii in the 1940-50s, it took another 50 years for everyone else to catch on. It’s not surprising that Australians have embraced SUP-ing, given we\u2019re blessed with thousands of kilometres of coastline and abundant inland waterways to paddle about on. People continue to be drawn to the physical and emotional benefits of the sport \u2013 working on balance and core strength, while enjoying some water therapy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you\u2019re a beginner, you may have found that it\u2019s not necessarily as easy as it looks! My husband had expressed an interest in trying either kite boarding or SUP-ing. I decided that the latter was probably something we\u2019d all be able to enjoy. I found a second-hand board for a reasonable price and a voucher for an introductory lesson. The lesson was a great idea, providing heaps of tips on set-up, technique, and safety that he was then able to pass on to us \u2013 and that I can now do so to you! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Allow me to share some of our family\u2019s experience in SUP-ing over the last 7 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before You Start\u2026<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Before you jump on the board, there are a few things to establish…<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Check the Weather<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

…and by that, I mean wind! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Less wind is better, so this decides if we SUP or not. Understanding how the wind will affect the body of water you plan to SUP on will determine how enjoyable your time is out there. Our favourite app is WillyWeather<\/a> as you can see the forecast, plus real-time wind speed and direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, from the snapshot below, the wind is blowing offshore at our local Port Phillip Bay beach. This means it won\u2019t be too choppy close to shore. I\u2019ll find the paddle out super easy with the wind behind me, but once I turn around things will get interesting! For that reason, I\u2019d probably think twice about SUP-ing in these conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The impact that wind can have on SUP-ers has been reflected on the news too. Four teens on two inflatable SUPs set out from the Mornington Peninsula one evening and were swept by strong offshore winds more than 20km across the bay (and the shipping channel), washing up on the Bellarine Peninsula at about 2 o\u2019clock in the morning. They were incredibly lucky to walk away from that! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note that iSUPs are more affected by wind and choppy waters than the heavier, hard-board type.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The wind is blowing offshore at Port Phillip Bay beach, which means it won\u2019t be too choppy close to shore.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gather Your Equipment<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

OK \u2013 so the weather is perfect and you\u2019re raring to go! You\u2019ve obviously got the board and paddle, which is a good start, but…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure there’s a leg leash, and use it. You want to stay attached to that board!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sun protection and safety is a must! Consider a PFD (lifejacket or vest) as well. It\u2019s a good idea to check the regulations in your state or territory, regarding SUPs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Stay attached to that board!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I always take my phone in a small dry sack, as I like to take photos. I also have a strap to secure my sunnies in case I fall in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before you jump on the board, check the paddle is at the correct height for you too. Stand on the shore holding it upright next to you, then reach up and rest your hand on the top of the paddle at the wrist. Your arm should be straight \u2013 if it\u2019s not, the paddle needs to be longer. On the other hand, if you cannot rest your wrist on the top, it needs to be shorter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Right \u2013 now<\/em> you\u2019re ready to go!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the Water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Once you’ve gained good momentum, stand up straight.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Launch Procedure<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
  1. Walk the board out deep enough for the fin to clear the bottom.<\/li>
  2. Hold the paddle with two hands flat across the board (roughly in the middle) as you kneel behind it.<\/li>
  3. Remain kneeling as you begin to paddle (remember, the paddle has a front and back). You can stay like this for as long as you like while getting used to the board.<\/li>
  4. Once you\u2019re feeling good and have gained good momentum, stand up straight.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n
    \"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    If there is some wind \u2013 paddle into it!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Making Way<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
    1. Your body should be facing forward, head tall. We tend to lean forward when feeling unsteady, so switch on that core or you\u2019ll end up with a sore back!<\/li>
    2. You checked the wind direction when you arrived at the beach, right? Good. If there is some wind \u2013 paddle into it! You\u2019ll appreciate the tailwind on the return journey. Stick close to shore while you\u2019re still learning.<\/li>
    3. With each stroke, bend into the knees like you\u2019re doing a half-squat. This should be a whole-body workout, not just your arms!<\/li>
    4. There are three basic ways to change direction: