How to Paddle Board (Beginner's Guide)

Stand up paddle boarding is a fantastic activity for your mind, body, and soul. It takes you to beautiful oceans, lakes, rivers, or bays, while also being a full-body and core workout. You can experience peace and serenity when paddling alone, or you can bring a friend, a dog, a child, or a partner along for your adventure. Check out our complete Video Instructional series, and read on for additional insights!

Stand up paddle boarding is also a lifelong sport, which can be experienced by people of all ages and skill levels. Once you master SUP, you can build on the experience by practicing SUP yoga or using your SUP to fish or lounge. 

If you’re wondering how to paddle board, we have written the ultimate beginner's guide for you. In this blog, we’ll explore the types of stand up paddle boards, equipment you need, how to set up your board, how to move and the best tips for paddle boarding.

If you’re looking for a crash course, our 5 minute how to paddle board video is the one for you. And for those looking to kayak with their hybrid SUP-Kayak, here’s a video on how to kayak in 5 minutes.

We’ve also created a comprehensive VIDEO INSTRUCTIONAL SERIES that covers a wide range of skills and fun tricks to do on your board! 

Types of Stand Up Paddle Boards

Stand up paddle boards come in all shapes and sizes and materials. Paddle boards typically range from 8 to 14 feet in length, 30 to 36 inches wide, and 4 to 8 inches thick. At ISLE we sell three types of paddle boards: traditional hard boards, inflatable paddle boards and SUP kayak hybrids. If you’re curious which one is right for you, you can use our board finder tool. 

Beginner paddle boarders should choose an “all-around” paddle board - these styles are generally wider overall, and also have a wider nose and tail for added stability. All-round SUPs perform well in most conditions - from choppy ocean waves to calm lakes. They can also be used for SUP yoga, SUP fishing, SUP touring and SUP surfing. As you gain experience, you can progress to a narrower, longer board if you’re looking to go further, faster.  But if recreational use is your focus, an all-around board will serve you well for many years. 

We recommend going with an all-round inflatable paddle board if you’re a beginner for the following reasons:

• Easiest paddle board to store because it deflates and rolls up to the size of a sleeping bag
• Best paddle board for traveling because it can easily fit inside any car
• Super durable. If you drop it, it will not be damaged
• Wide and stable for ease of use and learning
• They can be left inflated when being used regularly, and transported on roof racks like a hard board if you choose, then deflated for easier transport and storage

Beginners can also choose a hard paddle board to learn on for a “grab and go” option without the need to inflate or deflate for set-up. Keep in mind you’ll need plenty of storage space as well as roof racks for your vehicle. 

If you’re an advanced paddle boarder looking for a performance option, we recommend the traditional epoxy paddle board aka hard paddle boards. An epoxy paddle board is fiberglass wrapped around an EPS foam core, with one or more fins to help the board track in the water. It is more rigid than an inflatable

• More agile and highly maneuverable
• Optimal performance in all water conditions.
• Excellent for SUP surfing, SUP racing, touring, or simply just for fun on the water

For 2024 all ISLE inflatable SUPs feature our ISLE-LINK system for easy conversion to to a sit-on-top kayak. This is a great benefit for those looking for maximum versatility and value from their equipment.

• Inflatable, lightweight, durable, stable, and rigid. 
• ISLE-LINK system converts your paddle board to a kayak in minutes

Below are some popular activities to do with your SUP and some things to consider for each activity.

Fishing SUPs

• Come with a wider deck pad for more space on your SUP for your fishing gear
• An attachment system like the ISLE-LINK system allows for accessorizing with items like the our Harbor Fishing Crate, fishing rod holders, bait trays, etc.
• Fishing from a paddle board offers many benefits versus fishing from land, kayak, and boat
• Great SUP for beginners

Yoga SUPs

• They have an expansive deck pad so you have more room for your flow
• Inflatable SUPs are better for SUP yoga because you sit higher up on the water keeping you dry and more stable
• Many yoga enthusiasts are beginning to practice on the water vs land
• Can be used as a beginner recreational paddle board

Touring SUPs

• Ideal SUP for long-distance paddling adventures
• Longer, less wide SUP with a pointed nose so they cut through waves easier
• Typically has a displacement hull for better tracking

Surf SUPs

• Designed for surfing waves in the ocean
• Maneuverable and responsive in the surf
• Least stable on the water
• Challenging for beginners, but practice makes perfect

We’ve also written articles on hard tops versus inflatable, or how to choose the best SUP kayak hybrid if you have any follow-up questions.

Essential Paddle Board Equipment

Once you’ve chosen the type of paddle board you want, you’ll need a few pieces of essential paddle board equipment including a paddle, leash, board bag, and personal flotation device (PFD).

Stand up paddles come in a variety of materials including plastic, aluminum, wood and carbon fiber. They also come with a variety of handles, blades, and shaft shapes. The general rule is that the paddle used with your paddle board should always be 6 to 10 inches above the height of the paddler. 

Size your paddle on the longer side for flat water use and the shorter side for use in the surf. The blade is typically bent at a slight angle to the shaft to allow for more forward reach when taking a stroke.

• There are several correct ways to size your SUP paddle. Correctly sizing your SUP paddle will vary from person to person and the type of paddling you plan on doing. Your paddle’s length should be customized to: your height, your arm length, your paddle board’s height above the water (epoxy, inflatable, soft top), and the type of paddle boarding you plan on doing (recreational, touring, surfing, racing)
• There are four SUP paddle sizing methods for you to try out. One method may work better than the other. Find the method that will provide you with the most comfort and paddle efficiency.

SUP leash keeps your paddle board attached to you with a Velcro strap around your ankle (or calf). Leashes come in a variety of sizes, and the general rule is to use a leash around the same size or slightly smaller than your board. In the event of a fall, currents and winds can quickly sweep your paddle board away from you – and in the ocean, your board becomes a lethal weapon when carried with the force of an ocean wave. Always remember to use your leash!

SUP board bags: The majority of dings and blemishes happen outside of the water – usually in transportation or storage. Plus bags help with traveling and the longevity of your board’s life. Note, that inflatable SUPs usually come with a board bag.

Paddle Board Life Vest - PFD (personal floatation device): If you use your stand up paddle board beyond the limits of paddling, surfing, or recreational use, the U.S. Coast Guard requires a USCG-approved life vest. Please understand the Life Vest Safety Laws before paddle board. Learn more from the WPA (World Paddle Association).

How to Set up Your Paddle Board

Ok so you’ve got your board and essential equipment, now let’s chat about the basic steps to set up your paddle board. Our How to Set Up Your ISLE Paddle Board video is also a great resource for visual learners, and we have additional user guides for all of our different models.

The 6 easy steps include:

1. Unpack your paddle board bag and inflate your board (if it is an inflatable) to the right air pressure
2. Set up your paddle
3. Install your leash
4. Install your fin
5. Attach your paddle to the paddle holder
6. Carry your board and head to the water

Our Set Up Your ISLE Inflatable Paddle Board blog is an extensive guide if you have follow-up questions.

How to Stand Up Paddle Board 

Ready to get on your board and start your SUP journey? We’ve created a comprehensive Video Instructional Series to get you started safely with good technique, and progressing at your own pace. 

Check out our tips below for how to SUP. 

First, let’s chat about how to get on and off your paddle board. If you want to get on your paddle board without getting wet, we suggest this method:

• Find a launching point with a quick drop-off from the shore into deeper water
• Set your paddle board down with its nose on the shore 
• Walk onto your board, and turn around to face the nose. Paddle backward, and once you know you’re in deep water, you can pivot turn and get on your way
• Here’s a video on How to Get On/Off Your Board Without Getting Wet. 

If you don’t mind wading into the water and getting wet, you can start from a kneeling position and paddle for a bit before standing up. This is great for beginners to get the hang of paddling with more stability 

• Place your paddle board in deep water, where the fin won’t get caught on anything 
• Get on your board, on either side of the carrying handle, and into a kneeling position. Paddle away from the shore on your knees. Once you’re ready, follow the steps below to stand up 

How to Stand Up On Your Paddleboard

• Once you’re kneeling and ready to stand up, give your paddle 1-2 strong strokes for momentum
• Place the paddle across the board, look ahead, and get your feet flat into a squat position, one foot at a time with your back straight
• Once you’re in the stable squat, grab your paddle and slowly stand up
• Start paddling!
• How to Stand Up On Your Paddle Board is a helpful video guide for more instructions

Remember if you want to move quickly and more efficiently in the water by holding your paddle correctly.

• Hold your paddle so that the paddle is facing away from you, with the curved/concave side facing towards you as you paddle
• You want your paddle blade to be vertical the entire length of your stroke. This will allow your stroke to come out around your foot
• If you hold your paddle the other way, you’ll be lifting up and scooping water which is inefficient and more tiring
• Watch our How to Correctly Hold Your Paddle video for more details

How to Paddle, Turn, and Stop Your Paddleboard

Curious about how to paddle, turn, and stop? Ok let’s break down the paddling basics so you can move swiftly and easily on the water. 

How to paddle forward:

• Insert the paddle into the water as far forward as possible and bury the paddle into the water.
• Rather than pulling your paddle through the water, think about pulling past your paddle
• Keep your bottom arm straight and relatively still. Pull your top arm toward your body to extend the paddle forward
• Rotate your top shoulder forward and extend your reach
• To stay in a straight line, take a few strokes on one side then switch to a few strokes on the other

How to turn your paddle board: 

• To turn left, place the paddle in the water on the right side. At the same time, turn your torso to the left side. Keep a low stance and pull to the right, towards the tail with the paddle, while twisting and leaning to the left with your torso. You’ll feel the board shift to the left quickly
• To turn right, place the paddle near the tail and pull toward the nose while shifting your torso to the right — this will spin your board’s nose to the right-hand side — the more you bend your knees, the easier it will be to turn the board

Finally, let’s cover how to stop your paddleboard. It’s important to know how to stop in case there are obstacles in the water, or if you’re looking for a peaceful place to drop anchor and practice SUP yoga or fish.

There are 2 techniques for stopping your paddle board.

• Sweep Stoke: Place your paddle at the tail and push the paddle blade away from the tail. That will turn your board and it will stop you. This is an easy way to stop your board and will turn your sideways. It is also a nice way to get off your board
• Tail Stop: this is the more advanced technique where you step back on the tail of the board. It requires more balance and finesse however it will stop the board on a dime. It is a great way to stop the board when you don’t want to hit something in the water. To see it in action, check out our How to Stop Your Paddle Board video

How to Move Around On Your Paddle Board

There are four main ways to move around on your paddle board with grace and finesse: 

• Use your paddle: if you want to reposition your feet, use your paddle and put it vertically in the center of the board and apply pressure. This lets you reposition your feet forward or backward if necessary
• Hop: you can use small hops to move forward or backward on the board. Just make sure to keep your weight over the center line of the board for stability
• Shuffle: you can also shuffle your feet if you don’t want to hop. Just keep your weight again int in the center of the board
• Cross Step
• Watch our guide on How to Move Around On Your Board 

Best Paddle Boarding Tips

To ensure you have the best time on your SUP use our top paddle boarding tips to avoid making the common SUP mistakes.

• DO: Always hold the paddle with one hand on the top of the handle and the other on the shaft.
• DON’T: hold the paddle like a broomstick, with both hands on the shaft.
• DO: Keep your feet parallel, spread shoulder width apart, and your toes pointed toward the nose.
• DON’T: Get in a surf stance - everyone wants to, but that makes paddling on the flat water ten times harder. Plus, you will fall. Save your surf stance for the surf.
• DO: Make sure your grip on the paddle is shoulder width apart — short grips will give you a powerless stroke.
• DON’T: Only use your arms - you’ll get tired quickly and not paddle efficiently. Let your big back muscles do the brunt of the work.
• DO: Dip the blade fully into the water and take a long stroke, letting your large back muscles do the work.

If you feel like you’re following all the tips above but you don’t feel 100% confident, we recommend checking out our guide on How to Grip Paddle More Effectively. 

Finally, our How to Paddle Board like a Pro guide and How to SUP Faster Than Your Friends videos are a great way to brush up on your technique, even if you’ve been doing this for a long time.

How to Transport Your Paddle Board

Since paddle boards are so large, getting your SUP to the local beach or your next travel destination can be a difficult task. Here are some of our best tips to make it easier:

• Shoulder Carry – With the paddle in one hand, lift the board from the tail with the nose on the ground. Walk to the center of the board and shift the board’s weight back to balance on your head. You can then shift the board over to balance on your shoulder. To lay the board back down, just follow the steps in reverse order.
• Handle Carry – The carry handle is a small handle installed at the center point of our boards so you can carry it to and from the water simply. Just lift the board by its handle and go.
• Car Racks – Paddle boards can be strapped on any vehicle with car racks. Most surfboard soft racks will fit a paddle board. Or, if your car has an existing rack system, you can simply use straps to tie down the boards to the existing hard rack. Some racks even have locking devices to protect your boards from theft. Many people just throw a towel on top of the car and run straps through the doors.
• Air Travel – For airplane travel, many companies make paddle board travel bags to carry your paddle board. While these are typically padded, it’s recommended to add some extra padding of your own (such as towels or bubble wrap.) Also, keep in mind the surfboard and paddle board charges of your airline before you book your ticket. Use this breakdown of SUP board bag charges by airline

We hope you’ve enjoyed our detailed guide on how to paddle board safely, easily, and effectively. Now grab your board and get on the water!

Paddle Boarding Tips & Tricks Series