Stand-Up Paddle Boarding: A Complete Beginner's Guide

History of Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Has it ever crossed your mind where and how standup paddleboarding came from?

Read on to find out the answers you were looking for and you will be amazed by how it has changed over time!

Standup paddleboarding, most commonly called SUP has been the new trend for a few decades or so now.

But how did standup paddleboarding come about?

Some evidence suggests that modern-day paddle boarding found its first influence in Hawaii and California.

But first, let’s go back to the ancient history of Peru, back in 3000 BC.

Experts say that fishermen were the first to stand on a board and paddle through the water. Fishermen used Caballitos de Totora, a watercraft made of reeds, and they used long bamboo shafts to propel and glide the craft.

In ancient Africa, warriors used spears as paddles on their canoes to sneak up on enemies.

However...

Between the 8th and 13th century AD, Arabs used their Hasake, a paddleboard like a vessel to catch fish.

...but how did paddleboarding change to what we know today?

Back in 1778, the British explorer named Captain James Cook discovered the Hawaiian islands, where he saw that the local Polynesians loved to surf. The chief was the most skilled rider, and he also had the best board. The chief’s board could be 15 feet long and he used a paddle to get moving through the waves.

Not only did the Polynesian pioneers surf, but they were also considered the first to enjoy stand up paddleboarding!

Modern Day SUP

Stand up paddleboarding has changed a lot since those earliest days.

Modern paddle boarding as we know it today, however, began in the 1940s on the island of Waikiki.

John Ah Choy, who was a local Hawaiian surfer, was involved in a car accident which meant he was unable to get up and down from his board.

But that wasn’t going to stop him from doing what he loved.

He came up with the idea to stand on his board and paddle out to catch waves.

The Waikiki surf instructors, Duke Kahanamoku and the Ah Choy brothers started to imitate this.

From then on, they were popularly known as the Waikiki Beach Boys.

He came up with the idea to stand on his board and paddle out to catch waves.

The Waikiki surf instructors, Duke Kahanamoku and the Ah Choy brothers started to imitate this.

From then on, they were popularly known as the Waikiki Beach Boys.

In the 1990s, Laird Hamilton modernized standup paddleboarding as a sport.

In 2004, SUP was added as a category in the Buffalo Big Board Contest.

Clearly, stand up paddleboarding has come a long way from its origin to today.

Now that you know a little more about this fun water sport, you might be asking yourself,  what are the best stand up paddleboards and how do I choose the best one?

Read along to find out more!

Different  types of stand up paddleboards

There  are three basic types of stand up paddleboard:

• Surf
• Allround
• Flatwater/race

Surf stand up paddleboards are typically shorter, have a narrower nose and tail, and more curve than allround or flatwater/ race boards.

Contrarily, allround boards are typically thicker, wider, and longer than surf models. These boards are wide enough to be very stable, and have decent glide and tracking for flatwater paddling or open ocean touring.

Flatwater boards, at the same time, are perfect for flat water and open ocean paddling. They are typically longer than allround versions and have a pointed nose area to help the board slice through the water smoothly, increase the glide and help the board go straight.

The sides are usually rounded for more glide and speed. Most of these boards are wide enough to be stable for beginners.

However, race boards are narrower to increase the board's speed. These boards are not recommended for beginners due to their narrowness.

How to Paddleboard

Stand up paddleboarding is fun and super easy to learn. In fact, it’s perfect for people of all ages, body types, and skill levels.

...but before paddling for the first time, there are some basic steps and helpful tips to learn.

Before you learn the steps, here are some tips you should know first.

1. Make sure you’re on a beginner paddleboard because these boards are the most stable and the easiest to use.
2. Go to a calm, flatwater area like a lake. Calm water is ideal for learning to find your balance on the board without the motion of waves. We suggest you avoid the ocean for learning - because waves in the ocean will make your board unstable.

Remember: Don’t be discouraged if it takes a couple of tries before you can stand up on the board. Normally, it takes a few or more tries to get the hang of standing up.

Follow the steps below to learn how to stand up paddleboard:

1. Before going out on the water, make sure your SUP paddle is sized properly.
2. When entering the water with your SUP, make sure your fins are out of any sand from shallow water.
3. First, start in a kneeling position
4. Slowly, stand up with one food at a time and stay in the middle of the board with your feet parallel to the stringer.
5. Keep a slight bend in the knees and your core centered over the board
6. If you fall off, hop back and try again until you master standing on the board.
7. Bury the paddle into the water and start paddling.

In case you’re hesitant to have your first try, here’s a 5-minute video tutorial on how to stand up on a paddleboard.

Ready?

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Summary