What's the best way to stand up (fast or slow) when learning to SUP?

+1 vote
asked Sep 3, 2017 in Stand Up Paddle Boarding by frontbeast (2,220 points)
Couldnt figure out what worked Best. Fell in the Water anyway

3 Answers

+1 vote
answered Oct 18, 2017 by WOW Warlord (50 points)
Aloha...

Begin on your SUP on your knees hip distance apart, holding your paddle in front of you across your board so as you get up it is easy to then put into the water. (If you have someone with you you can get them to hold the board from the tail end to keep it steady for you when you get to your feet, then they let you go as soon as you're up and paddling.)

Then looking forward slowly come up to your feet  either straight up or into a squat first depending how flexible you are...Keeping your feet hip distance apart you can bend your knees this lowers your center of gravity...as soon as you are UP put your paddle in the water and start to paddle this gives you like a 3rd leg which helps with your balance plus the momentum will also balance you out.

Begin on a FLAT lake, ocean, inlet or river with NO WIND to begin...This way you'll get your balance sorted, get a paddle stroke happening and can get in some turns and have FUN and not fall off so much...I get everyone to do the Hula on their boards and to Laugh as this relaxes you....Remember when you do fall don't try to stop yourself by running either forwards or backwards as you may hurt yourself, just fall AWAY from from your board.  

THE BIG THING is to LOOK UP to where you are going as Your Attention goes where Your Intention is AND then Laugh out LOUD because Your are SUPin'!

Board size, length and width are all going to play a part as well...1st timers definitely go bigger and wider this way you won't be falling off, getting tired and unhappy :)

Remember Be Safe out there in the water Always paddle with a friend and leash up. A lesson is always a good way to start any new Adventure

EnJoy and Aloha
commented Mar 20, 2018 by EddieR (100 points)
All great advice so just going to add a little, paddle from your knees to get some forward momentum, the fin offers stability more so when moving so take a few strokes from your knees first.
For those w bad knees you can plant the paddle blade 1’ in front of feet on center of board and hold it w both hands like a cane as you rise up. When you get better you can try to plant one foot on board with one knee down and take a stroke on knee side as you stand....makes for a fast pop up but the paddle blade needs to be active to act like a third leg. Be sure to adjust feet too, knee side might be back a little after Rising. Good luck and have fun!
0 votes
answered Sep 3, 2017 by benscuba (303 points)
The slower the better as a beginner.
0 votes
answered Sep 13, 2017 by Deanaguf (410 points)
Go fast or go home ;)
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