Beginners often make the mistake of holding the SUP paddle the wrong way around. But how do you hold a SUP paddle correctly and why is it so important? The paddle, along with the SUP board itself, is the most important piece of equipment for stand-up paddling. Without the paddle, you won't get anywhere. If you paddle correctly, you'll gain speed and steer your board. Only the correct paddling technique ensures that you glide effortlessly through the water, prevent injuries, achieve an even greater training effect, and quickly make a really good impression with your new hobby. Do you want to know how to hold the SUP paddle correctly and how you can improve your paddle posture? In the following article, we've taken a closer look at how you can learn to paddle a SUP correctly so that you can cover even longer distances without major breaks and increase the fun of riding.

Tip: We offer a large selection of high-quality paddles for your board, which make optimal handling easy and guarantee relaxed, sporty fun.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO HOLD YOUR SUP PADDLE CORRECTLY?

Holding the SUP paddle correctly is immensely important, as it is the only way you can move on your board. It is, so to speak, the engine, and your muscle power ensures the propulsion. You yourself, with your paddle in hand, decide how much speed you want to gain and where you want to go. Stand-up paddling only gains its special appeal with correct paddling. Steerability, agility, and maneuverability are all linked to correct paddle posture. Once you have mastered the correct sequence of movements, you will paddle much more relaxed, purposefully, and safely. Turns and changes of direction will no longer be a problem. To hold your paddle correctly, you need a special technique. We will tell you what that looks like in the next section. First, let's take a look at the length of the SUP paddle, which is also important if you want to hold the paddle correctly.

Before you get on your board, you should adjust the length of your paddle to your height. Most SUP paddles can be varied in size. Three-piece models are also easy to transport. Only when you are advanced can you consider a fixed paddle. As a rule of thumb for holding the SUP paddle correctly, the paddle should be about 22.5 cm to 25 cm longer than your height. Remember: When you stretch your arm upwards, the paddle knob should be roughly at the height of your wrist.

HOLDING THE SUP PADDLE CORRECTLY – BUT HOW?

To hold the SUP paddle correctly later on, your stance is the foundation. For beginners, a simple starting position has proven effective. Later, you can also try, for example, the demanding surfer's stance. For the simplest paddle stance, you stand in the middle of the board. Your legs and feet are shoulder-width apart and aligned parallel to the board edge. Your gaze is directed towards the front part of your SUP board. To hold the SUP paddle correctly, you grip the handle with one hand and the shaft with the other hand. When you later use the paddle and prepare for a paddle stroke, make sure that your arms form a 90-degree angle and your upper arm always remains extended.

HOLDING THE SUP PADDLE CORRECTLY – THE IDEAL PADDLE TECHNIQUE

You now know how to hold a SUP paddle correctly. Now it's time for the paddle technique. Good to know: How do I hold the SUP paddle correctly?

If you look at a SUP paddle from the side, you will inevitably notice the bend between the paddle shaft and the paddle blade. However, contrary to the opinion of many SUP beginners, the bend of the paddle must point forwards! The desired and targeted escape of water at the sides of the paddle blade is what makes straight paddle strokes possible. If the bend of the paddle blade points backwards, controlled and straight paddle strokes are not possible.

If you want to go right, paddle on the left side. If you want to go left, you make several paddle strokes on the right side. Your gaze is aligned with the direction of travel.

Bend your knees slightly and mobilize the power for the paddle stroke from your core. Tighten it for this purpose. When paddling, a distinction is made between the basic stroke and the sweep stroke. With the basic stroke, you glide relaxed on the water. To do this, bend your torso slightly forward and immerse the paddle into the water up to the shaft. The end of the paddle stroke is at the level of your heels. Shortly before the end, you can slightly turn the SUP paddle outwards, which improves straight-line stability. When paddling, make sure to hold the SUP paddle correctly and correct your posture if necessary.
The sweep stroke is necessary for changing direction and turning. Here, you immerse the paddle in the front area of your board and move it in the largest possible radius, like an arc, away from the bow of the board. You can learn to paddle a SUP correctly with a professional in about three to four hours. After that, it's a matter of diligently practicing and learning more.

At grandtourssports, you get the ideal equipment to hold your SUP paddle correctly.