Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) involves standing on a board on the water, using a single bladed paddle to propel yourself along. It’s a relatively simple watersport that is quick and easy to learn, suitable for all ages and abilities, and lots of fun! It’s a good solo as well as group/family activity, and is a great way to get active. You don’t need lots of expensive equipment to get started and you can SUP almost anywhere there is water.

Although a SUP board may look like a big surfboard, SUP is not just for experienced watersport enthusiasts to catch waves. SUP is an extremely versatile watersport that is accessible to everyone. There are many different SUP disciplines including flat water cruising, exploration, racing, surfing, white water, fitness, fishing, family fun and many more!

SUPboarder Magazine was launched in 2012 by a team of passionate paddleboarders with an aim to educate and inspire about everything SUP! It’s a place where those new to the sport as well as those already into SUP can learn, as well as get inspired about what they can do next with their SUP! SUPboarder provides honest, expert advice through tuitional videos, kit reviews, and inspiring features.

The ‘Getting Started In SUP Guide’ below provides you with all the information you need to get started, including understanding the equipment, handy technique tips, deciding where to go for the first time, and how to be safe on the water. We hope you find it useful and it allows you to get afloat for the first time with confidence…

What equipment do I need?

The great thing about SUP is that it’s simple and you really don’t need much equipment to get you afloat… just a board, paddle and leash. Obviously to ensure you do it safely it’s important you’re dressed appropriately and consider other safety factors too. But these 4 features will guide you through the basic kit you need to get started.

Basic SUP equipment / Getting into SUP how to videos 15/09/18

SUP Basics – SUP board terminology / How to video 26/07/18

Leashes for paddleboarding / How to video 03/02/18

What to wear on your feet when paddleboarding? 20/02/18

Any iSUP will do right?! How to choose the right size board for you 30/07/23

Tips for getting started

With a few good tips, the right beginner kit and a bit of balance & coordination there’s no reason why you can’t get to your feet within the first 20 mins on a paddleboard. Infact many people don’t even get wet on their first go! But when it comes to SUP, practice really does make perfect. If you have a lesson booked or first SUP session planned check out the following videos to give you a head start.

Standing up for the first time on a SUP / Getting into SUP how to video 10/08/18

Part #1

Basics to paddling straight on a SUP / Getting into SUP how to video 18/08/18

Part #2

Basic step back turn / Getting into SUP how to video 01/09/18

Part #3

Common paddle mistakes / How to video 13/10/17

Getting kids into SUP / How to video 23/08/18

Extended

SUP Basics – What should my SUP paddle length be? 25/03/16

Pumping up an iSUP – Top Ten Tips 07/09/16

Where should I SUP?

Wherever there’s water you can SUP….well almost! Just check there are no paddling restrictions in place particularly if using inland waterways. And it’s worth considering a few factors such as wind direction and tide to help ensure you have an enjoyable and safe SUP experience. Coastal areas, estuaries, lakes, & canals can all provide fantastic SUP opportunities. If you’re unsure where you can SUP its worth checking out your local SUP club, school or shop for more information.
Find schools, clubs or retailers
Check out these features to help you decide where to paddle-tips on choosing your spot, understanding the weather and using online tools weather tools or paddle guides such as GeoSUP

Weather forecasting – # 1 Where to look? 31/03/17

Weather forecasting – # 2 Make the most out of your SUP session 23/06/17

Off Shore, on shore, what shore?!! 09/08/16

GeoSUP – what is it and what’s still to come!? 03/08/18

SUP safety

As with any sports, watersports in particular, considering safety is vitally important. Not only for you the paddler but also the other water users around you. The fact that SUP is seen by many as a relatively simple and safe watersport means that many paddlers do not think about safety precautions. But you should. If you’re taking to the water on a SUP for the first time check out the following articles to help keep you and others around you safe supboardermag.com/supsafe/.

What next?

So… you’ve got on the water, learnt the basics and can comfortably stand up and paddle around in a circle. Now what?!

Don’t stop there! That’s just the tip of the SUP iceberg! There’s so much more you can learn and do on a SUP, and SUPboarder Magazine has all the information you need.

SUPboarder is packed with beginner to advanced tuitional videos, product reviews, as well as travel and adventure stories, to support you with your journey through SUP, and to inspire you to take up a new SUP activity. Check out the links below and look out for them throughout SUPboarder to help you find the information you’re interested in.

Register for SUPboarder Pro

Getting Started

What equipment do I need?

Tips for getting started

Where should I SUP?

SUP safety

What next?

What can I find on SUPboarder? - over 3000 pages of videos and articles!

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