SUP paddling tips for better straight paddling
Tips for better straight paddling
The best carbon paddle and the highest quality boards are only half as much fun if you don't master the technique and can't paddle your SUP straight.
We believe good equipment and accessories are a cornerstone for long-term enjoyment on the water. However, it is just as important to master the correct paddling technique.
Because with the right technique, you not only glide with less effort and more fun, but you also protect your body. In particular, the shoulder and elbow joints can hurt if stressed incorrectly and spoil our fun on the water.
That's why we have some technique tips for paddling straight today:
- Make sure you are standing correctly on the board. Depending on the load, roughly in the middle of the board, which is usually at the height of the carrying handle. You should have about a hip-width stance. Widen your stance if you feel wobbly or want to put more pressure on the outer edges of the board.
- Grip the paddle wide enough apart with your hands. This corresponds to about an arm's length. Your arms should now form an isosceles triangle with the paddle. When changing paddle sides, make sure you grip at approximately the same spot where your lower hand is. In any case, the distance between your hands should not decrease when regripping.
- Completely immerse the paddle blade. This is one of the most common mistakes. Make sure the blade is completely underwater and no part of the paddle blade extends out of the water.
- Now pull the paddle as close as possible along the board rail, parallel to your body. Imagine you are tracing the outer edges of the board with the paddle. Of course, you shouldn't touch the sidewall (rail), but the closer you are to the board, the better.
- The paddle stroke when stand-up paddling should ideally occur in front of your body. Where you are standing, you pull the paddle blade out of the water again. This is only a guideline. The faster you want to go or in conditions such as head currents or headwind, you can save valuable energy with this technique by pulling the paddle out of the water at body height.
· The shape of the board influences the straight-line stability when paddling. A round allrounder–shape is more flexible for changing direction, as needed for surfing with a wing or sail. Therefore, the straight-line stability is rather limited. We recommend a touring board with a very straight outline and a pointed nose for good straight-line tracking. The length of the board can also be crucial. Choose a board that is about twice as long as you are tall.
Pull the paddle out of the water at foot height.
Allrounder vs. Touring Shape
Extra tip:
The larger the fin, the better the board's straight-line tracking.
We definitely recommend a technique course at a SUP school you trust.
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