Top 5 SUP Tips for Beginners

[@stevensmith1911]

Thanks for taking time away from coaching the 49'ers to make this informative video.

[@LILEE376]

More tips: Attach some neckstrap to you hat/cap glasses/sunglasses because you can easily loose those for good if you fall into the water… or use high visibility floatable straps at least. I learnt it the hard way.

[@IamGroot786]

Also a waterproof pouch for your phone and car keys if your vest doesn't have pockets.

[@cansukural9395]

Lost my sunglasses yesterday, totally agree 😅 immediately bought a floating neck strap

[@olivei2484]

We always recommend carrying a type-iv flotation, especially if in cold water. These allow one to catch their breath. Slide under the deck bungees and always within reach.

[@jacquitomlins2759]

Most informative and helpful …thanks 😊

[@WMSebbo]

Thank you! Very good information and good video!

[@anthonyscalise7398]

What a great hobby.

[@DyceFreak]

The only thing kayaks have over SUPs is speed. SUPs pack down easier, are more comfortable to use, easier to get on/off, can carry weight better for touring, hovers above water higher if water is shallow, and can even be used effectively in white water since you're higher than the rocks and less likely to flip... SUPs are just way more fun than kayaks.

[@alishafarmer7674]

I struggled to choose but glad I chose a hybrid like the one he has and I didn't know about ALL those benefits. That just makes me more confident with my choice.

[@DiscGolfNerd]

Enjoying the channel. I'd love to see a video from you testing and comparing a few different electric pumps, and I'd also appreciate a similar video showing off some aftermarket seats that can be attached to a paddleboard. I just recently got an Isle Pioneer on sale that I'm using as a sit on top kayak and I'm looking to add a seat.

[@DyceFreak]

I think Ken's reluctant to do a video about the seats because he has sponsored gear, but literally your own creativity is your limit, everything works. The higher the seat the less stable it will be, but you can get your own straps and strap whatever you want to the board. I personally use a stadium seat (sit on top kayak seat) and have spent all day in it without any discomfort.

[@PaddleTV]

Glad you're enjoying it! It's a good question about seats. To be honest... I don't have experience with a lot of different aftermarket seats. That being said, I like the idea below of using a stadium/frame seat on the SUP. A few of my kayaks have seats that would work great for that... but I've never seen them for sale on their own. The seat on the Switch I was using in this video was awesome too! And no... contrary to the comment below, that has nothing to do with sponsorship. My wife, daughter and I all LOVED the seat it came with. I wonder if they would sell you a seat?

[@troysnow3978]

Another awesome video! On an unrelated note, I d love to see a performance, comfort, and feature comparison video between the Pungo and Saluda. Pretty please!

[@PaddleTV]

Thanks Troy! That video is definitely on my radar to do! Stay tuned.

[@KayakingBubblehead]

Great video, but all I learned is that SUPs aren't for me, I still have my sea legs from serving in the US Navy but I had my knees replaced 17 years ago and can't get down on them. Guess I'll stick to my kayak, keep the videos coming and one request, can you make a video about launching paddle crafts from different terrains for people with mobility issues, it might get more of us out on the water.

[@LILEE376]

I have sit-on-top sea-kayaks too and I have just bought a sup, because I am afraid of my back/spine problems comes back if I sit on those too much. Maybe a larger, longer stable sup could carry a higher sup chair, so you can use it comfortably. For me the biggest benefit of the sup is that it is inflatable, and easy to carry with car, or on my back.

[@DyceFreak]

I highly suggest a SUP with a stadium chair. I've spent all day kayaking in mine on Lake Huron before without any discomfort. I'm only now taking the training wheels off and getting into standing. Since you can use them as both, and they are way more comfortable and easier to get onboard/dismount, I don't think I'll look at getting a kayak ever again.

[@KayakingBubblehead]

@@LILEE376 I have a Vibe Shearwater 125, I use it mainly to guide on a river in NE Fl that has a lot of sunken and fallen logs but I might try a SUP at some point but for now I'll stick with my SOT. I think each type of kayak and SUP's have their advantages and disadvantages, but I think a person's choice need only matter to them, the main thing is to get outon the water. I hope you enjoy your new SUP and happy paddling.

[@PaddleTV]

Hi Chris. I think the recommendation below to look for a 'stadium/framed chair' could be a great one. You can then use the SUP as a kayak, and then stand up much more easily from a sitting position. Something that can really help, is a 'standing strap', which is basically just a strap that you connect one end near the nose of the board and keep the other end close to you. When you want to get up, you have the strap to grab to use your arms to help pull yourself upright. It also helps lower yourself back down into the sitting position.

[@deniselawlor5087]

You chose well Chris. I also have had both k knees replaced and found it VERY difficult to stand and kneel on the board. I think I will be able to do it with practice and adaptation but in the meantime, I've exchanged the board I was given for my birthday for one that has a Kayak conversion kit. That way, I can use the board comfortably seated while I persevered with the trick of getting to my feet with prosthetic knees - they do have their limitations!

[@lauraleazenby828]

Well done. Thanks.

[@lightfeather9953]

To clarify, its not really hypothermia but rather cold water shock that is more likely to be the danger. The former takes potentially a half hour or more while the latter takes seconds.

[@peterkitchener8787]

Today I was on the beach watching the paddel boarders falling off :) But got into a debate on paddle blade size. The tide was running hard and was using surf 750 cm blades even on flat water due to conditions. The paddel boarders couldnt deal with the current and just swept along. I pointed out to one of them they had the wrong size blades, he said "its the one that came with the board and I've been doing this 4 years !!" Clearly he learn nothing in that time. Ken can you make a video on this subject? Sort this madness out?

[@ellena858]

Do those seats have an adjustable incline for comfort?

[@anthonyscalise7398]

When a big wave comes drop down and straddle the board putting your legs in and turn into wave. Tie everything down.😂

[@Barb929]

Thank you for the training!! On road to buying a board or kayak.. just don’t know until I’ve tried them.. 62 y/o female, with hx of back problems. But I so want to get out there!! TY again !!👍 Just saw that this is 3 hrs old. Today I’m taking my son’s new inflatable board out today to try it. This video came just in time!!

[@peterkitchener8787]

Go for a kayak !! There built for comfort. Boards are just beach toys with no space for a cooler !!!

[@PaddleTV]

Awesome! Hope the test paddle went well!

[@kdboyle7673]

I’m 60, out if shape, female. I’ve done SUP for 10 years and just purchased a used kayak last week so I can enjoy paddling in shoulder seasons here in New England. I no longer look to go particular fast or furious, more just enjoy the moment these days. Correct gear is key, then go for it!!

[@mikecadotte2208]

Any suggestions for footwear when the air is warm and the water is cold, with potentially cold water splashing on your feet if encountering boat wake and swells

[@lightfeather9953]

With cold water personally I wouldn't even go out unless in a wetsuit and neoprene boots

[@scottphinney1561]

What are the Sneakers you are wearing? Are they Keens, Sperry, Columbia, Olukai?

[@michaelkoppenhoefer5910]

Nrs vibe but they aren’t made anymore

[@AsherTisor]

8:24 doesn’t apply too much to me as I live in Minnesota. So I only paddle in the summer

[@lightfeather9953]

Even in early summer Minnesota water can be dangerously cold, depending on the location.

[@marshfrazier2677]

Cool!!

[@THE-RIVER-RAT]

Love your videos so I have left you a thumbs up... But not watching this one as I have terrible balance, so no thanks when it comes to stand-ups lol

[@PaddleTV]

Ha! Fair enough! :)

[@minniek4679]

Nice video but I wish you would have shown how to get back on the board in deep water not where you can touch.

[@edmor1086]

Shorty wet suits are good, short sleeve and not long legs.

[@SuperLivinglove]

dry suits are way to hot most days. I would never recommend that option.

[@PaddleTV]

Sounds like you live in a very warm environment! Drysuits are amazing in colder environments!

[@JacobLikesMusic]

Paused to comment after tip 1, it takes like 5 minutes to pump up the board with the cheap pump I got with the board. If you have or upgrade to a better hand pump it would probably be like 3 minutes. Electrical pump is not necessary, not everything needs to be electric.

[@Gamma4x4]

👍🏼👍🏼🇲🇽

[@villageofbastards.]

Ypu don't need a car pump.

[@mustangfred2006]

Guess I'll start wearing my leash. Every video I watch says to wear the dam thing.

[@94SexyStang]

I would NEVER wear at strap, unless it's Open Bay or Ocean where Waves can carry it off, or strong river currents....for a local rivers or lakes with Low to Zero currents, I would Never strap....being strapped in the water goes against Every fiber of common sense for me. I refuse to be tethered in the water.

[@Canoedad11]

An even better way, .....ditch the over priced 'fad' SUP's and Box store useless Kayak's and start doing 'stand-up poling' in a CANOE ! More room for your stuff, it stay's dry, you stay dry (as you get better), go upstream forever pushing off the shallow bottom, which you can't do in a SUP or Kayak. It's like going from a Tricycle to a 21 speed road bike. But the bottom line is to enjoy whatever type craft you paddle and have fun on the water, and wish you were a Canoe Poler ! Been doing it for 45 years now. I go where other's can't follow.

[@alishafarmer7674]

Well aint you somethin

[@PentagonalAntiprism]

After you get a electric pump get an electric engine for the board and might as well just stay home... Come on, just pump it, 5minutes and it's done! Without all that electric pump noise...

[@momatotsosrorudodi]

Yeah, it's not that hard, but I can see how women, children, elderly and those otherwise unfit may struggle at it would be more of an ordeal. If you have several boards to inflate it may be worth it.

[@marknewlandmn]

My back isn't great, I can paddle board fine but pumping the board absolutely creases me. The battery pump I have has been totally indespinsible. I wouldn't want to be without it.

[@edmor1086]

I'll take the electric pump noise thank you.❤