Do Not Miss This Unique View: A Beginner’s Guide to Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
Are you looking for a unique way to explore the waters near home or on your next trip? Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) offers an incredible blend of adventure, tranquility, and a bit of fitness, making it the perfect activity for travelers of all ages. Being on the water takes you offline, in nature, and it gives you a new perspective. Here’s why SUP should be on your itinerary and how to make the most of it.
Why SUP is a Must Try Activity
Accessibility: It’s easy for beginners to learn yet challenging enough for seasoned adventurers seeking a new thrill.
Connection with Nature: SUP allows you to connect with the environment in a serene, intimate way that few other activities can match.
Versatility: Whether you’re gliding through calm lakes, navigating river rapids, or catching waves, SUP is versatile enough for any water condition
Health Benefits: it improves balance and strength. It can be a good workout and improve endurance, if you choose to paddle harder or get stuck in the wind, but if the water and wind are calm, it is more relaxing and enjoyable than working out.
Getting Started
I don’t remember the first time I came across SUP but when researching something new to do on another trip to the Los Angeles area (a place we love to visit) I came across a beginner SUP lesson not far from where we were staying. I signed us up and off we went.
It was a great experience! I was surprised at how relatively easy it was to stand up on the board and paddle. The lesson was great for learning a few simple techniques to paddle straight, stop, and turn the board. We didn’t venture too far or see a lot but I really enjoyed it.
Buying Beginner Paddle Boards
Later that year I was shopping at Costco and came across reasonably priced, inflatable stand up paddle boards that were perfect for beginners. I have been known to get excited about a new hobby, buy the gear, do it a few times and then realize I don’t really like it (hello snowshoeing) or I get bored of it after a few outings, so I am cautiously optimistic when I want to try out a new hobby. After much debate and telling myself that I can sell the boards if I lose interest, I took the leap and bought two inflatable boards that came with everything – bag, paddle, board, fin, and pump.
I recommend a tour or lesson first before you commit to buying a board. A few tips on choosing a board:
- Wide round boards are for yoga and playing. They are not good for touring or paddling any distance.
- Look for a more pointed tip if you want to go further. This is important in the lower priced beginner boards because many of them are made for playing at the lake, not touring.
- Longer boards are more stable.
- Inflatable boards are easier to transport and you can travel with them.
- Inflating a board with a hand pump is a bit of a workout and it takes some time.
- Hard boards are more stable and don’t have to be inflated but they are much harder to transport and heavier to carry.
Choosing the Perfect Paddle Spot
Small lakes are the best place to get started. It’s even better if they don’t allow motorboats. Then make sure the lake has somewhere to put boards in the water. A dock is a bit easier because the board can be dropped in and you can climb directly on it, but it’s not necessary. It is also possible to go in from shore, just push the board in fin first because it gets hung up when the water is too shallow. A slow flowing river is also a great place to paddle but get some practice on a flat lake first.
The Most Important Planning Tool
The number one thing that takes the enjoyment out of SUP is, wind! You can dress for the weather but if it’s windy, you are going to spend your time fighting the wind and possibly get knocked off the board if the water is choppy. ALWAYS check the wind speeds before you decide to head out on the water. Windy is a great site and app.
If the wind is okay, then check the weather and plan accordingly. The sun is intense on the water. Sunscreen is an absolute must. I usually wear sunglasses and a shirt that is rate SPF 50. Please take the sun seriously! My husband and I have both had skin cancer removed from our faces in the last couple of years.
SUP Travel: Exploring New Destinations
Even as a beginner, stand up paddleboarding while travelling is an awesome experience. We have enjoyed paddleboarding in Banff, Jasper, Whistler, Eagle Lake, Pender Island and Vancouver Island in Canada, Flathead Lake, the Florida Keys, Tampa Bay and Los Angeles in the United States, Huatulco – Mexico, London – England, and Fiji. Google SUP or stand-up paddleboarding and where you’re travelling to see what is available in the area.
In London, we were able to paddle in the canals and through the zoo!
Can You Take a SUP on a Plane?
If you are planning on travelling to paddle board (and I highly recommend you do) than you will need an inflatable board. The great news is, YES you can take it on a plane! Even better is a SUP is the size and weight of a suitcase, so it qualifies as regular luggage. We took our beginner SUPs (from Costco) on a trip to Florida. We had no problem flying with them or taking them on a cruise. Our one mistake was not wrapping the SUP bags/backpacks or putting them in an industrial garbage bag and taping them up. The SUP bags were pretty scuffed up after the flight but there was no real damage.
Rent, Bring, or Tour: Maximizing Your SUP Experience
I try to save money whenever possible when I travel. This is one area where you have to weigh the expense with the experience. We have done all three of these options, bringing inflatables on a plane, hard boards on road trips, renting boards in Fiji, group tours in London and Los Angeles and a private guide in Pender Island and Huatulco. After trying all of them, my first choice is a private tour, especially when you are a little experienced. For a beginner or somewhere you want a casual experience to enjoy the scenery, I would do a group tour. They are a great way to learn, a fun experience and you meet people.
With a private guide, you do not have to wait for others in the group who are learning and practicing standing up for the first time. The real benefit was something I would not have considered before I did it – the guides take amazing pictures and videos for you! The only pictures we have of us paddle boarding together are the two times we have gone out with a guide. I initially decided on spending the extra for a guide because we have no experience paddling in the ocean. I do not understand tides, currents, and rip tides, so I felt it was important to go out with an experienced person. The other thing we really enjoyed was talking to the guides about what it’s like to live there. Both of our guides were fantastic. It was money well spent.
We did a sunrise paddleboard and snorkel tour in Huatulco with Café Surf. It was an incredible experience! The guide helped us learn how to paddle in waves much bigger than we’re used to and he took great pictures.
Renting SUPs
Warning about renting SUPs in a tourist location. We learned this the hard way in Fiji. When you rent a board, they often do not let you leave the bay area where they can see you. This was also the case in Huatulco if you rented from one of the local shops. If you are new and just want to paddle around for an hour, this is a good option. If you want to tour around and explore, you should bring your own boards or look for a longer-term rental with the freedom to take the boards where you want.
Bringing Paddle Boards
It is nice to have your own equipment, you don’t have to worry about making reservations or availability, and you are free to be out on the boards for as long as you want. We like to pack drinks and snacks in a waterproof bag, paddle out somewhere, sit on our boards somewhere and relax for a while before we paddle back. Having our own boards gives us the freedom to paddle where and how we want. Make sure you adhere to all the local laws and rules. In National Parks there may be restrictions on putting your board into different lakes within a specified time. It also important to have the right equipment.
The Essential SUP Gear for Beginners
We have inflatable lifejacket belts with a whistle attached. This is important for safety and adherence to the laws in many places. We use a waterproof deck bag, attached to the bungee cord on the front of the board for keys, wallets, and a couple of drinks. I keep my phone in a waterproof pouch around my neck. That’s about it. As far as sports hobbies go, SUP does not require a lot. If you decide on a hard board or upgrade, the most shocking expense is the paddle. They can be ridiculously expensive.
Conclusion
SUP is relatively easy for beginners to pick up. If you enjoy the water and want a great view, looking into the water, I encourage you to try stand up paddle boarding. It is one of the fastest growing sports in the world, and when you try it, you will see why.
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