How To Paddle Like A Pro / Improving Your SUP Stroke

Improve your SUP paddling technique with these tips from SUPboarder.
Refining your paddling stroke will allow you to paddle further with more power and prevent injury. Many paddlers can set themselves up for success and paddle more efficiently by integrating just a few small changes into their stroke.
We hope you can learn from this video and start to paddle like a pro.
For more advanced techniques, check out the SUPboarder Pro video in the full post: www.supboardermag.com/2021/01...
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[@TheTechofTech]

This is absolutely the best explanation of SUP paddling I’ve found! As a Clinical Exercise Physiologist, I love the detailed breakdown of all of the angles of movement with the clear explanation of how each element of the stroke technique shown contributes to efficient movement. Thank you for putting the work into this.

[@SUPboardermag]

Awesome to hear your comment. Thanks! Beau

[@theWZZA]

After many years kayaking, I started taking up SUP. I thought SUP would be simpler than kayaking, but boy was I wrong. Wind is the difference maker. Because of lower windage, you can go out in a kayak with sloppier technique. Unless it is calm, paddling a SUP requires good technique to even make headway.

[@SUPboardermag]

Good comment, Yeah it different but good at the same time. You have to think about your paddling conditions in a different way. And really get your stroke nailed. This video may help too : kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2fWmYKdlJ2YbLM thanks Reuben

[@rochskier]

I owned a folding kayak for a decade and I find iSUPing simpler because I can get on the water much more quickly. It's true the wind is more of a factor, but it's possible to get quite low on a SUP.

[@jnmaloof]

Best video on SUP paddle stroke that I have seen. GREAT!

[@SUPboardermag]

Thank you!

[@AmyGChicago]

This is excellent! Now for me to actually do it!

[@janeramos9472]

I love the videos you post. They are always super informative and helpful. Keep posting more vlogs.

[@SUPboardermag]

Thanks Jane

[@Jasmine-uy9lq]

Excellent video! Great job of explaining how to position your body for each manoeuvre. Cheers for putting this together

[@SUPboardermag]

Glad to hear this video helped Jasmine! Thanks, Beau

[@shalomkravmaga]

Great video! I really appreciate the details of the body mechanics behind a good and efficient paddle stroke. Thanks!

[@SUPboardermag]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the comment. Beau

[@Dan-vb5fh]

Really helpful thanks.

[@TheGravestring]

Nice tips!

[@bdavison31]

Love it! Thank you. I am transitioning from dragon boating and OC and am delighted to see that the stroke is very similar.

[@SUPboardermag]

Very nice to hear. We haven't done much OC or dragon so appreciate the insights. Thanks, Beau

[@evolvewithmarcello]

Really well taught, thank you!

[@SUPboardermag]

Thanks

[@teunmathijssen7459]

Thanks! Super helpful and concise video

[@SUPboardermag]

Glad it was helpful! Cheers, Beau

[@seanparker7415]

Great video for a beginner thanks.

[@SUPboardermag]

Glad you found this video helpful.

[@TheQuietBeast]

Fantastic video. Have just started paddling and needed a better video which brake downs down the steps and explains with graphics. Really like it.

[@SUPboardermag]

Glad this video was helpful for you.

[@wwhhiittnneeyy]

Super helpful, thank you!!

[@SUPboardermag]

You're so welcome!

[@mattagreen1234]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@SUPboardermag]

You're welcome!

[@peterk2146]

Great video, thanks for sharing!

[@SUPboardermag]

Glad you liked the video! Thanks, Beau

[@estermoya4827]

Great video! Thank you so much!

[@SUPboardermag]

Glad it was helpful!

[@virginiaforrest2112]

I love this video so much!

[@SUPboardermag]

Thank you!

[@rosecousens6217]

Thanks Beau!

[@SUPboardermag]

You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed it. Beau

[@patrickm4935]

Perfect video. Right into the basics.

[@SUPboardermag]

Thanks Patrick!

[@patrickm4935]

I definitely wasn't stacking my hands and this solved the issue🤙

[@AmyScott-nu1ig]

Excellent!

[@SUPboardermag]

Thank you! Beau

[@PuraVidaHuatulcoSUP]

Great, thanks for the great tips!

[@SUPboardermag]

You are most welcome! Thanks, Beau

[@sharondawson8389]

Very helpful for me as a newbie, especially the part about when to exit the paddle from the water

[@SUPboardermag]

Great stuff Sharon

[@jumbo6498]

Thanks Sharon!

[@hangzsup1549]

Very helpful, nice tips

[@SUPboardermag]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sweechinkhoo]

Great tips

[@SUPboardermag]

Glad it was helpful!

[@shesaidsomething1]

Really great advice! Thank you :)

[@SUPboardermag]

You're so welcome! Thanks, Beau

[@cronostradale]

Great video. Thank you

[@SUPboardermag]

Glad you enjoyed this video. Thanks, Beau

[@miguelsegui110]

Excellent video

[@SUPboardermag]

Thank you

[@bashierb3281]

Great Video !!!

[@SUPboardermag]

Thanks for the visit

[@booksterpbm]

Thanks, good tips

[@SUPboardermag]

Glad it was helpful!

[@PlayingTarot]

Just tried sup first time yesterday, the 2 hours really worked me up! The hardest part was to move in a straight line, the wind kept pushing me away from my course.

[@SUPboardermag]

Amazing to hear it was your fist time! Hope you enjoyed it and keep going back for more. The wind is your enemy on a SUP, so try and paddle where there is not much wind next time.

[@RodeoDogLover]

Thank you!

[@SUPboardermag]

You're welcome

[@ThuyNguyen-fw8mq]

Super helpful information

[@SUPboardermag]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks, Beau

[@Flyingramses]

Brilliant, what a great reminder as we start the new year, bring on the warm weather 😎👍🏻

[@Meibeon]

Do you paddle the Taff ?

[@Flyingramses]

@@Meibeon not yet, one day 🙏

[@Meibeon]

@@Flyingramses your the spit of a guy who I pass on the river , take care.

[@SUPboardermag]

Oh yes!

[@christhomas376]

Cheers Lads

[@jamesguinan]

Class!!!!!!!!

[@SUPboardermag]

thanks!

[@gzg_557]

thanks a lot

[@SUPboardermag]

Thank you! Beau

[@gs637]

good stuff!

[@SUPboardermag]

Appreciate it!

[@jacquelinedaniels87]

I bought my first SUP, and just finished the inflation and my arms r burning lol. I’m taking it in the Delaware bay for first venture out. Wish me luck

[@SUPboardermag]

Good luck!! So great to hear you are getting into SUP. Pumping up can be the hardest part 😂. Thanks, Beau

[@stephaniereichenberg8022]

Thank you for posting this video. However, your model, although using the hips some, is flexing and sidebending the lumbar spine rather than keeping it straight. Bending your knees will allow a better hip hinge and a straighter lumbar spine.

[@SUPboardermag]

Thanks for the tip. We agree that being your knees a little more will improve this movement, and can also enhance your balance. It definitely comes into play a lot more when paddling faster and adding more pressure to your muscles. Thanks, Beau

[@jessieb.7188]

I agree. I keep a nice knee bend and when I do I feel my core engage even more and I’m able to get the longer reach.

[@TheUffe1]

Thanks for all your videos, both instructional and reviews! One question about the paddle grip, just like you do here most recommendations says paddle on your head and 90-degree elbows. However when they then paddle, it appears like they have quite closer grip than what the 90-degree elbows would be. Same thing here in your video. Is this just an illusion in the video or are you actually using a closer grip?

[@SUPboardermag]

Hi Ulf, great spot and good question. the paddle grip with 90-degree elbows is a great start for beginner paddlers learning to SUP. Once you begin to progress with your paddling, you may find that the grip evolves to suit your paddling style. If I am cruising my local waterway and taking it easy, my grip may be less than 90-degrees. But if I'm in the waves or surf, my grip extends a little further than 90-degress for leverage and speed. Hope this helps. Beau

[@D9VO]

"Things I wish I had found out at 30" - Add this to the list! HA ha

[@SUPboardermag]

😂 thanks for your comment. Beau

[@bimaav1102]

thanks

[@SUPboardermag]

You're welcome!

[@Luftbubblan]

Tyvm for video! How much difference does a good paddle do? Does position on board affect speed in any way?

[@SUPboardermag]

Glad you liked it! A good, lightweight paddle will speed up your paddling cadence. it will also be kinder on your muscles and arms so you can paddle for longer. If you have never used a good paddle, once you do you will never go back. Yes, the position will affect your speed and efficiency. If you are too far forward or back, the board pushes water and creates drag. There is definitely a sweet spot on every board and this can change between boards too. Try a few positions on the board and then take a few strokes to see how far you glide. Hope this helps. Thanks, Beau

[@Luftbubblan]

@@SUPboardermag Tyvm for the reply! Appreciate it :D

[@SolarEclips86]

What would make me slap the side of my board all the time. I make sure the blade is going into the water the right way but for some reason i seem to always hit my board half way through my paddle :), I love sup no matter how hard it is.

[@SUPboardermag]

It could be that you are over rotating your wrists when you put the paddle in the water, causing the paddle blade to enter on an angle and as it corrects, it hits the board. The paddle blade should pulled perpendicular to the board (if that makes sense?). Your top hand may also move causing the paddle blade to move as well. Hope you're able to correct it soon! Thanks, Beau

[@AndrewWorkshop]

Nice tips. Any suggestions on how to keep a short board tracking straight? Like really short 6'5".

[@SUPboardermag]

Hey Andrew, not sure if you are a SUPboarder Pro member but this is the video you need to see: www.supboardermag.com/2018/07/28/sup-paddle-strokes-using-the-c-stroke-how-to-video/ If not you can still sign up for free for two weeks watch the video and cancel the subscription after lol. But the C stroke is the manoeuvre to do and the matter what size board I can get going in a straight line. Thanks Reuben

[@AndrewWorkshop]

@@SUPboardermag Thanks!

[@szymongrabarczyk3561]

Question. Would a possition with one foot in front of the other (left foot in front when you paddle from the right side like they do on canoe racing) be a bad idea? Even a slight lunge possition? having your both legs up to the waist glued to the board while leaning your torso to the side seems a bit awkward and unnatural to me. Is ballance an issue? Have you ever tried similar technique on a sup?

[@SUPboardermag]

Good question Szymon. Some top races do actually paddle with a slightly offset stance as you are describing. It will make you have a slightly further reach and a more powerful stroke but you will have to change your feet each time you change your stroke and if you are changing your stroke side often this can make it less efficient. It is a very good technique if you are trying to sprint over a shorter distance in racing or potentially catching a wave. So yes it can be done, give it a go and see what you think, but I think for a longer distance paddling is probably easier to keep your feet in parallel stance unless you are trying to put more power into your paddling for maybe example... pushing up into wind. thanks Reuben

[@szymongrabarczyk3561]

@@SUPboardermag Ok. I'll check it out as soon as my board arrives.

[@szymongrabarczyk3561]

@@SUPboardermag So it seems more efficient in therms of speed and power. Also seems more natural although it works if you have a long board and decent technique so you dont change sides frequently as you said. Also if there are no waves and you have good balance you can sort of quick jump to change legs. Outside of that it seems less stable.

[@SUPboardermag]

Thanks for your thoughts Szymon 👍🏼

[@EldenRingOfficialFanAccount]

i’m watching while on the water rn

[@SUPboardermag]

cool

[@PumpinggainzNartistic]

What way should the paddle face? Flat or siced part?

[@SUPboardermag]

The blade should angle away from you. A good example can be found here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6HUhI1-bs-io7s at 1:12. Thanks, Beau

[@johnmaurer3097]

I’m new to SUP and only have about 5 hours experience. I do get a lot of upper back soreness afterward - I think bc I’m leaning too far back and not using more core? I’m trying to figure out if I’m using too much arm strength and not driving my my core and hips.

[@SUPboardermag]

Hi John, couple of things could be at play here. First thing would be to check your paddle length. Upper back and shoulder problems arise from having a paddle that is too long. You check this video for approximate paddle heights - but remember it is personal preference and you may need to go shorter (or at least try a shorter paddle): supboardermag.com/2021/05/08/correct-paddle-height-how-to-find-the-right-height-for-your-sup-paddle/ Secondly, it could be your technique that is causing upper back pain. Try straightening your arms when you paddle so you have to engage your core. Hope these tips help and good luck! Thanks, Beau

[@callisallen9358]

Hi there, I'm confused as I intuively thought the paddle is held the way you hold it, but after watching some videos they said you hold it the other way which I thought was strange. However you seem to hold it the way I thought was intuitive, so now I don't know which it is?

[@callisallen9358]

(it looks like you have the blade in the scoop sort of position and I thought it's supposed to be the other way round)

[@gligachaz5047]

Every video I've seen says hold it the way this guy shows. The blade is angling away from you so stays in the water longer as you pull.

[@SUPboardermag]

It gets technical, but the blade angled away is the right way. It's all about positive blade angle in the water when paddling to maximise speed, power and efficiency.

[@kayli.c]

should you tuck/tilt your pelvis?

[@SUPboardermag]

Tucking your pelvis will engage your core so it’s a good idea to activate it

[@MrMisuma]

My wife tried it today. I tried to tell her, that she held the paddle in the wrong direction, but I couldn’t explain to her WHY, cause I don’t even know why. Can someone explain to me why her way was wrong…? 😅

[@SUPboardermag]

All about positive blade angles which will give you better control, power and ease of use. If you have it around the wrong way (which can look like the right way for a lot of us), you'll notice the blade 'lifting' the water during the stroke and facing upwards toward the tail - this is negative blade angle. Hope that explains it? Thanks, Beau

[@D30x1r1b0nukl31nsyra]

One important note that wasn't brought up, what length should you have your paddle at?

[@SUPboardermag]

Great point. We have another video for that one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIGsd2qKmLaVotk Thanks, Beau

[@MrBalas3]

I notice that your paddle starts pretty close to bow and I wonder if I'm to far back on the board, but I find myself more balanced slightly further back. I see the difference @ 5:45 pushing the water out to much, but boy that person is sure going straight to me ha, ha,..

[@SUPboardermag]

Haha, thanks for the comment. Your feet should be near the handle on the board. Slightly in front or behind it depending on the shape of the board and how it moves in the water. Also try to change your technique as mentioned in the video to help with your reach during the paddle stroke. If you feel comfortable where you are standing, then that's great as it needs to be enjoyable too! Hope this helps. Thanks, Beau

[@this_one_guy]

What boards are you using in the video?

[@SUPboardermag]

We are using the Honu Byron All Rounder 10'6. And also a glimpse of the Naish Nalu 10'6. Thanks, Beau

[@timlatter42]

Paddle looks backwards in section 1

[@SUPboardermag]

Hey Tim. I have to admit it does it is hard to tell in the first section. But I can guarantee the paddle is not the wrong way round. If any of our team were caught using their paddle backwards it would be a sacking offence! Especially during a how to paddle like a pro video. 😂 Thanks Reuben

[@MattWarnerNZ]

Ose

[@meem_thedeem5486]

.