Core SUP Skills
The strongest paddlers are built on strong foundations. This progression pathway develops the essential skills that underpin every SUP discipline - from paddling efficiently and staying safe, to understanding your equipment and improving board control. Master these core skills and you'll progress faster, paddle with more confidence, and get more from every session on the water.
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Section 1 - START HERE : SUP Foundations
Every great paddler starts with solid fundamentals. Learn how to set up your equipment, stand with confidence, paddle efficiently, turn, launch and land safely, and build the core techniques that make every future progression easier.
Start by getting to know your equipment. Learn what comes in a typical iSUP package and how to correctly set up your board, paddle, leash and fin ready to hit the water.
Free
How To Set Up Your Inflatable SUP / Whats In An iSUP Package
Start by getting to know your equipment. Learn what comes in a typical iSUP package and how to correctly set up your board, paddle, leash and fin ready to hit the water.
Start Lesson
With your equipment ready, it’s time to get on your feet. Starting from a stable kneeling position, learn how to stand up smoothly, find your balance and feel confident on your SUP.
Free
Standing up for the first time on a SUP / Getting into SUP how to video
With your equipment ready, it’s time to get on your feet. Starting from a stable kneeling position, learn how to stand up smoothly, find your balance and feel confident on your SUP.
Start LessonOnce you’re on your feet, the next challenge is going where you want to go! Learn the key techniques that will help you paddle straighter and with more control.
Free
Basics to paddling straight on a SUP / Getting into SUP how to video
Once you’re on your feet, the next challenge is going where you want to go! Learn the key techniques that will help you paddle straighter and with more control.
Start LessonNow you can paddle with control, it’s time to get more dynamic. Learn the basics of the step-back turn and how paddle strokes and footwork work together to turn your board quickly.
Free
Basic step back turn / Getting into SUP how to video
Now you can paddle with control, it’s time to get more dynamic. Learn the basics of the step-back turn and how paddle strokes and footwork work together to turn your board quickly.
Start LessonFalling in is part of paddleboarding, so getting back on is an essential skill. Discover several techniques for climbing onto your SUP and find the approach that works best for you.
Free
Tips To Climb Back Onto Your SUP / SUPboarder How To
Falling in is part of paddleboarding, so getting back on is an essential skill. Discover several techniques for climbing onto your SUP and find the approach that works best for you.
Start LessonWith the basics coming together, make sure your paddle is working for you. Learn how to find the right paddle height for comfortable, efficient paddling and good technique.
Free
Correct Paddle Height / How To Find The Right Height For Your SUP Paddle
With the basics coming together, make sure your paddle is working for you. Learn how to find the right paddle height for comfortable, efficient paddling and good technique.
Start LessonGood board control starts before you’re even on the water. Learn some simple handling techniques that make launching and landing easier while helping protect your board and fin from damage.
Free
Launching and Landing / SUPboarder tips
Good board control starts before you’re even on the water. Learn some simple handling techniques that make launching and landing easier while helping protect your board and fin from damage.
Start LessonYou’ve got the foundations — now expand your paddle skills. Learn five essential SUP strokes that will give you greater control and help you manoeuvre your board with confidence.
Free
Learning The 5 Basic Stand Up Paddle Strokes / How To Video
You’ve got the foundations — now expand your paddle skills. Learn five essential SUP strokes that will give you greater control and help you manoeuvre your board with confidence.
Start LessonFinish the foundations by checking your technique. Identify some of the most common beginner paddle mistakes and learn how small corrections can make your paddling more stable, efficient and enjoyable.
Free
Common paddle mistakes / How to video
Finish the foundations by checking your technique. Identify some of the most common beginner paddle mistakes and learn how small corrections can make your paddling more stable, efficient and enjoyable.
Start LessonSection 2 - SUP Safe & Water Smart
Good paddling starts with making safe decisions. This is an essential section for every paddler. Learn how to choose the right leash, understand moving water, weather and tides, select safe locations, carry the right equipment and know what to do when things don’t go to plan. Watch the whole section — the knowledge here could prevent a serious situation on the water.
Your leash is a vital piece of safety equipment — but the wrong type can put you at risk. Learn the different leash options and when, where and how each should be used.
Free
What Leash should you use when paddling?
Your leash is a vital piece of safety equipment — but the wrong type can put you at risk. Learn the different leash options and when, where and how each should be used.
Start LessonMoving water brings hazards that every paddler needs to understand. Learn how rivers and flowing water affect your safety, including why your equipment and leash choices need extra consideration.
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How to paddle safely on Rivers & Slow Moving Water?
Moving water brings hazards that every paddler needs to understand. Learn how rivers and flowing water affect your safety, including why your equipment and leash choices need extra consideration.
Start LessonChoosing the right location is one of the most important safety decisions you’ll make. Learn what to consider before launching and how to recognise whether a paddling spot is suitable for you.
Free
How to choose where to SUP?
Choosing the right location is one of the most important safety decisions you’ll make. Learn what to consider before launching and how to recognise whether a paddling spot is suitable for you.
Start LessonConditions can change a safe paddle very quickly. Learn how wind and weather affect your session, what to check before heading out and why understanding the forecast really matters.
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Wind & Weather?
Conditions can change a safe paddle very quickly. Learn how wind and weather affect your session, what to check before heading out and why understanding the forecast really matters.
Start LessonIf you paddle on tidal water, understanding what the water is doing is essential. Learn the basics of tides and tidal flow so you can better plan when and where to paddle.
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Understanding Tides and Tidal Flow?
If you paddle on tidal water, understanding what the water is doing is essential. Learn the basics of tides and tidal flow so you can better plan when and where to paddle.
Start LessonThe right equipment can make a huge difference when something doesn’t go to plan. Learn what safety kit to consider taking and how to prepare properly before heading onto the water.
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What equipment to take paddling?
The right equipment can make a huge difference when something doesn’t go to plan. Learn what safety kit to consider taking and how to prepare properly before heading onto the water.
Start LessonDress for the water, conditions and session — not just the weather on land. Learn what clothing to consider so you’re better prepared if you get wet, cold or conditions change.
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What clothing do you need when paddleboarding?
Dress for the water, conditions and session — not just the weather on land. Learn what clothing to consider so you’re better prepared if you get wet, cold or conditions change.
Start LessonA PFD can be an essential part of your safety setup. Understand the different options available, what they are designed to do and when you should consider wearing one.
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What is a PFD and when should I use one?
A PFD can be an essential part of your safety setup. Understand the different options available, what they are designed to do and when you should consider wearing one.
Start LessonEven with good planning, things can still go wrong. Learn how to prepare, communicate, raise the alarm and, where possible, manage a problem yourself before it becomes an emergency.
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What to do when your SUP session doesn’t go to plan? Communication & Emergency
Even with good planning, things can still go wrong. Learn how to prepare, communicate, raise the alarm and, where possible, manage a problem yourself before it becomes an emergency.
Start LessonSection 3 - Build Better Technique
Now it's time to refine your skills. Improve your balance, increase paddling efficiency, understand your equipment, and fix the common mistakes that stop paddlers from progressing. Small improvements here make a huge difference on the water.
In this video we take a basic look at the terminology used when talking about a Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP). Including words like rocker and volume by the end of...
Free
SUP Basics – SUP board terminology / How to video
In this video we take a basic look at the terminology used when talking about a Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP). Including words like rocker and volume by the end of...
Start LessonIt can be overwhelming deciding what type of SUP to buy especially if it’s your first SUP. All-round, race, touring, family fun, or surf? etc.. SUPboarder goes through some questions...
Free
What type of SUP to buy? / How to video
It can be overwhelming deciding what type of SUP to buy especially if it’s your first SUP. All-round, race, touring, family fun, or surf? etc.. SUPboarder goes through some questions...
Start LessonWe show you the best techniques and ways to improve your overall balance on a SUP. There's something to learn for everybody in this video.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
Free
Improving Your Balance On & Off The Water / SUPboarder How To
We show you the best techniques and ways to improve your overall balance on a SUP. There's something to learn for everybody in this video.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
Start LessonIn this video we’re going to show you some simple tips which will help you get on the water safely and confidently. There are a number of common mistakes beginner paddlers make, so listen in to find out more.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
Free
Beginner iSUP Tips / Fix Common SUP Mistakes
In this video we’re going to show you some simple tips which will help you get on the water safely and confidently. There are a number of common mistakes beginner paddlers make, so listen in to find out more.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
Start LessonIn this video, we explain what regular and goofy mean, how to work out your natural stance and share a few simple tips to help you become more confident moving around your board.
Free
Am I Regular or Goofy? What Does It Actually Mean?
In this video, we explain what regular and goofy mean, how to work out your natural stance and share a few simple tips to help you become more confident moving around your board.
Start LessonWe talk about easier iSUP pumping. By keeping your shoulders directly over your pump with your arms straight, you can use your body weight to pump rather than your arms.
Free
SUPboarder quick SUP tip / Easier iSUP pumping
We talk about easier iSUP pumping. By keeping your shoulders directly over your pump with your arms straight, you can use your body weight to pump rather than your arms.
Start LessonLearn how to muffle that rush of air in this SUPboarder How To video about deflating your iSUP quietly.
Free
Deflate Your iSUP Quietly / SUPboarder How To
Learn how to muffle that rush of air in this SUPboarder How To video about deflating your iSUP quietly.
Start LessonOnce you’ve mastered the basic paddling technique you may want to try paddling with more power. Being able to paddle with a more powerful stroke will allow you to paddle...
Pro
Learning how to paddle with power / How to video
Once you’ve mastered the basic paddling technique you may want to try paddling with more power. Being able to paddle with a more powerful stroke will allow you to paddle...
Preview LessonIf you tend to switch paddling sides a lot when out on the water, then have you considered trying the tips in the video? Keeping your paddle vertical, looking forward, understanding your weight distribution on the board, using different strokes, changing your equipment and how the wind might affect you are all common reasons why we can't paddle straight.
Free
Why Cant I Paddle Straight? / How To SUP and Track In A Straight Line
If you tend to switch paddling sides a lot when out on the water, then have you considered trying the tips in the video? Keeping your paddle vertical, looking forward, understanding your weight distribution on the board, using different strokes, changing your equipment and how the wind might affect you are all common reasons why we can't paddle straight.
Start LessonMore advanced tips for paddling straight / tracking straight.
Pro
Why Cant I Paddle Straight? / How To SUP and Track In A Straight Line PRO EXTRA
More advanced tips for paddling straight / tracking straight.
Preview LessonSection 4 - Develop Skills & Understanding
Take your paddling to the next level by improving control in more challenging conditions, refining your stroke, mastering better turns, and understanding how fins, board size and board design affect performance.
Struggling to paddle into the wind? Paddling into the wind is never much fun, and something most paddlers try their best to avoid! But chances are you'll be doing a bit...
Free
Paddling into wind
Struggling to paddle into the wind? Paddling into the wind is never much fun, and something most paddlers try their best to avoid! But chances are you'll be doing a bit...
Start LessonPaddling in offshore conditions i.e when the wind is blowing off the land out to sea, can provide some great flat water paddling opportunities if you stay in the sheltered...
Pro
Paddling in offshore winds / How to video
Paddling in offshore conditions i.e when the wind is blowing off the land out to sea, can provide some great flat water paddling opportunities if you stay in the sheltered...
Preview LessonIn this video we’re going to show you how you can improve your step back turns on your SUP and make them even better.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
Free
Improve Your SUP Step Back Turn / SUPboarder How To
In this video we’re going to show you how you can improve your step back turns on your SUP and make them even better.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
Start LessonIn this video we take a basic look at two of the most common SUP fins available on the market. Which fin is best for what?
Free
Which SUP fin should I use? Do you know the difference? / How to video
In this video we take a basic look at two of the most common SUP fins available on the market. Which fin is best for what?
Start LessonChoosing the right size iSUP and as well as having it at the correct PSI is essential if you want the best performance from your board and you.
Free
Any iSUP will do right?! How to choose the right size board for you
Choosing the right size iSUP and as well as having it at the correct PSI is essential if you want the best performance from your board and you.
Start LessonTying boards on the roof of your car or van can be super easy when you know how. Doing it the right way can make your trip to and from...
Pro
Roof rack tips / How to Video
Tying boards on the roof of your car or van can be super easy when you know how. Doing it the right way can make your trip to and from...
Preview LessonRefining your paddling stroke will allow you to paddle further with more power and prevent injury. Many paddlers can set themselves up for success and paddle more efficiently by integrating just a few small changes into their stroke.
Free
How To Paddle Like A Pro / Improving Your SUP Stroke
Refining your paddling stroke will allow you to paddle further with more power and prevent injury. Many paddlers can set themselves up for success and paddle more efficiently by integrating just a few small changes into their stroke.
Start LessonFor more advanced techniques to get most out of your SUP stroke, check out this PRO video.
Pro How To Paddle Like A Pro / Improving Your SUP Stroke EXTRA PRO VIDEO
For more advanced techniques to get most out of your SUP stroke, check out this PRO video.
Preview LessonSection 5 - Understand Your Equipment
Choosing the right equipment becomes much easier once you know what really matters. Learn how board shape, width, volume and fin setups influence stability, speed and handling so you can make informed decisions as your paddling develops.
Choosing the right SUP first time is vital to you having fun and progressing with your paddling.
Free
How To Choose The Right Board / Understanding SUP Shapes
Choosing the right SUP first time is vital to you having fun and progressing with your paddling.
Start LessonSo, you’ve got the 32” wide isup at the moment and you’re looking to buy your first hard board to upgrade your quiver. What width are you going to settle...
Pro
How Wide Should My Hard Board Be Compared To My iSUP? / Dropping Width
So, you’ve got the 32” wide isup at the moment and you’re looking to buy your first hard board to upgrade your quiver. What width are you going to settle...
Preview LessonIn this SUPboarder Pro video, we discuss the different fin box types that you find on stand up paddle boards and the pros and cons associated with each type. When...
Pro
SUP Fin Box Types
In this SUPboarder Pro video, we discuss the different fin box types that you find on stand up paddle boards and the pros and cons associated with each type. When...
Preview LessonIf you're unsure what SUP volume is, how it effects your board and how to compare it to your body weight, then this is a simple way to understand about...
Free
What is SUP volume? / How to video
If you're unsure what SUP volume is, how it effects your board and how to compare it to your body weight, then this is a simple way to understand about...
Start LessonIf you're looking to buy your first SUP, make sure you choose the right board to suit your paddling needs.
Free
Should You Buy An All-round, Fast Cruising Or Touring SUP For Your First Board?
If you're looking to buy your first SUP, make sure you choose the right board to suit your paddling needs.
Start LessonWhich factors affect SUP board stability? This question was sent to us from a SUPboarder Pro subscriber and its definitely something to consider when looking at buying a new board. There...
Pro
Factors that affect board stability / How to video
Which factors affect SUP board stability? This question was sent to us from a SUPboarder Pro subscriber and its definitely something to consider when looking at buying a new board. There...
Preview LessonSection 6 - Advanced Core Skills
Build the skills that separate competent paddlers from confident ones. Learn advanced strokes, improve stability in choppy conditions, develop better board control and become more comfortable in situations that challenge your balance.
Watch this SUPboarder PRO video to learn some balance tips when paddling in choppy water.
Pro Improving Stability in Choppy Water
Watch this SUPboarder PRO video to learn some balance tips when paddling in choppy water.
Preview LessonIn this SUPboarder How To video, we introduce you to brace techniques on the water. Brace techniques are among the most common paddle skills all paddlers need to learn as they will help you to stay on your board when feeling unbalanced.
Free
Stand Up Paddle Brace Techniques / How To Not Fall Off Your SUP
In this SUPboarder How To video, we introduce you to brace techniques on the water. Brace techniques are among the most common paddle skills all paddlers need to learn as they will help you to stay on your board when feeling unbalanced.
Start LessonIf you’ve been paddling a while chances are you’ll have progressed from zig zag to straight paddling most of the time, by mastering the basic SUP paddle strokes. By this I...
Pro
Using the C Stroke / How to video
If you’ve been paddling a while chances are you’ll have progressed from zig zag to straight paddling most of the time, by mastering the basic SUP paddle strokes. By this I...
Preview LessonThe cross bow turn is a simple manoeuvre to do and many paddlers learn to do it in their first SUP session. Turning a big, long race board can be...
Pro
The Advanced Cross Bow Turn / How to video
The cross bow turn is a simple manoeuvre to do and many paddlers learn to do it in their first SUP session. Turning a big, long race board can be...
Preview LessonWetsuit boots or barefoot that is the question? For many of us, going bare foot on a SUP is just not an option if we live somewhere where the water...
Pro
Getting the most grip & control / Wetsuit boots or barefoot?
Wetsuit boots or barefoot that is the question? For many of us, going bare foot on a SUP is just not an option if we live somewhere where the water...
Preview LessonSection 7 - Challenge Yourself
Progress happens outside your comfort zone. These fun challenges put your core skills to the test, helping you build confidence, improve board control and discover just how much you've learned throughout this progression pathway.
This challenge uses both the previous challenges by focussing on using the centre line of your board and walking to the tail.
Free
SUPboarder Challenges / Step Back Turn (How Many In 30 Seconds)
This challenge uses both the previous challenges by focussing on using the centre line of your board and walking to the tail.
Start LessonCross Step Challenge which requires you to cross step (or shuffle) your feet all the way to the nose of your board and back to the tail.
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SUPboarder Challenges / Cross Step Challenge
Cross Step Challenge which requires you to cross step (or shuffle) your feet all the way to the nose of your board and back to the tail.
Start LessonThis challenge focuses on using the centre line of your board and teaches you how the board reacts to where you stand.
Free
SUPboarder Challenges / One Foot Challenge
This challenge focuses on using the centre line of your board and teaches you how the board reacts to where you stand.
Start LessonIn this video we will be explaining the SUP challenge… Paddling Finless.
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Breaking your SUP comfort zone / SUP challenge 1 # Paddling finless
In this video we will be explaining the SUP challenge… Paddling Finless.
Start LessonIn this video we will be explaining the SUP challenge…The SUP wheelie
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Breaking your SUP comfort zone / SUP challenge 2 # The SUP wheelie
In this video we will be explaining the SUP challenge…The SUP wheelie
Start LessonIn this video we will be explaining the SUP challenge...How far can you go
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Breaking your SUP comfort zone / SUP challenge 3 # How far can you go?
In this video we will be explaining the SUP challenge...How far can you go
Start LessonIn this video we are going to test your balance skills with the 360˚ SUP Jump.
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SUP Challenges / #1 360˚ SUP Jump
In this video we are going to test your balance skills with the 360˚ SUP Jump.
Start LessonIn this video we are going to test your paddle skills with the quick paddle switch.
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SUP Challenges / #2 Quick Paddle Switch
In this video we are going to test your paddle skills with the quick paddle switch.
Start LessonWe are testing your teamwork with 2's Up Paddling
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Getting to your feet quickly is a great skill to develop as a paddleboarder. It allows you to get your paddle in the water sooner, keeping your board moving forward and your board feeling much more stable.
Free
SUPboarder Challenge #1 – The Quick Get Up & Go
Getting to your feet quickly is a great skill to develop as a paddleboarder. It allows you to get your paddle in the water sooner, keeping your board moving forward and your board feeling much more stable.
Start LessonThis challenge is all about paddling efficiency. Starting from a standstill, the aim is to travel as far as possible using exactly ten strokes.
Free
SUPboarder Challenge #2 – The 10 Stroke Speed Challenge
This challenge is all about paddling efficiency. Starting from a standstill, the aim is to travel as far as possible using exactly ten strokes.
Start LessonThis challenge is great for all paddlers because it highlights how balance, posture and paddle technique all affect the direction your board travels.
Free
SUPboarder Challenge #3 – The Eyes Closed Straight Line Challenge
This challenge is great for all paddlers because it highlights how balance, posture and paddle technique all affect the direction your board travels.
Start Lesson