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STAND UP

PADDLE
By Tom

Stand up Paddle board world • 60 pages • Information, Tips and Quotes


Stand Up Paddle Board World Ultimate Beginner’s Guide Copyright

Copyright

Organization:
Stand Up Paddle Board World

No part of this publication may be reproduced by printing,


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without the prior written permission of the publisher. Placing
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media is also not permitted.

https://standuppaddleboardworld.com/

EMAIL:
tom@standuppaddleboardworld.com

Copyright 2021 ©
Stand Up Paddle Board World Ultimate Beginner’s Guide Index

Index
Preface 4
History of Paddleboarding 5
Before you start paddleboarding 8
Why is paddleboarding so good for you? 11
The first time on a paddle board 13
How do you hold a paddle 16
Technique 20
Catch your first wave 22
Paddleboarding with children 23
Paddleboarding with a dog 26
Paddleboarding in cold weather 27
SUP yoga excercises 34
Paddleboarding with a dog 42
Maintenance of a paddle board 45
5 extra tips for beginners 50
Frequently Asked Questions 53
Epilogue 62
Credits 63
Stand Up Paddle Board World Ultimate Beginner’s Guide Preface

Preface
Dear reader,

Thank you for opening and reading my SUP eBook.

Of course you’d much rather go out there on the water


directly, than lying down on the couch or your phone
reading a book. But then again you need to relax once in
a while, so that is a great opportunity to just lie down and
read a book.

In this eBook I will tell you all about what I love to do as


often as I can: Stand Up Paddling Boarding!

We will start at the first time getting on a paddle board


and will move on until you are ready to brave the waves!
You will learn the right way to hold a paddle (very
important!) and what the best way is to brave different
types of waters.

Don’t you have a paddle board yet and you are looking
for the one that suits you best? Then this guide will also
help you determine which type of paddle board, after
which you can pick one of the boards of this type on my
blog through the extensive reviews.

Disclaimer: Not all pictures are my own, for illustrational


purposes I sometimes also use pictures from other
website. At the end of this guide you will find a list of
sources (this almost makes it feel like writing a school
paper )

Have lots of fun reading this guide and I hope you can
enjoy Stand Up Paddle Boarding as much as I do every
time again.

Good luck on all your paddling adventures!

Tom
Stand Up Paddle Board World Ultimate Beginner’s Guide 05

THE HISTORY OF
STAND UP PADDLE “The movie has survived
the test of time and is on
BOARDING YouTube, so look and
judge for yourself if this is
indeed the origin of stand
Stand up paddle – also known as stand up
up paddling!”
paddleboarding or SUP - is becoming more
and more popular worldwide. In America it
has been a very popular sport for years,
but also in Europe this relatively new sport
keeps rising in popularity. Increasingly
more vacation resorts see SUP as the sport
to entertain tourists. However, many
tourists do not know the difference
between surfing and SUP boarding. And
also, what do we actually know about the
origin of stand up paddling?

Surfing probably originated in Hawaii, and there is a


high probability that stand up paddle also comes
from these tropical islands. One of the oldest pieces
of evidence of the existence of stand up paddle
dates back to 1939. At that time there was a video of Duke Kahanamoku
Olympic swimming champion and surf legend Duke
Kahanamoku, on which he is on his board, with a
paddle in his hand.

How likely it is that Duke Kahanamoku invented stand


up paddle, it might be that this sport is even much
older. The board of Duke Kahanamoku in the movie
was called an ‘Australian surf ski’. A board that is a
cross between a kayak and a normal board.

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THE HISTORY OF
STAND UP PADDLE
BOARDING
Kayaks and canoes are centuries old, and in
certain waters it is much more convenient to
stand in your kayak or canoe, than to sit in it.
Australians have finally closed the kayak
completely, and before you know you are
SUP boarding!

THE MODERN HISTORY


OF STAND UP PADDLE
The first official SUP boards were made by
the legendary Jimmy Lewis. This surfer is one
of the best board makers in Hawaii, and his
first SUP board came on the market around
2005. Then it went quickly with the popularity
of stand up paddle. In 2007, the first stand up
paddle race was held, and in 2013 it was one
of the most popular outdoor sports in the
United States.

From our Blog:


Do you want to read
more about the history of
stand up paddle?

https://standuppaddleboardworld.
Read more > com/blog/

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SUP THROUGH
THE YEARS
1939
Oldest Piece Of Evidence

2005
First Board On The Market

2007
First Sup Board Race

2013
Most Popular Outdoor Sport

2020
Start of Stand Up Paddle Board World

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Stand Up Paddle Board World Ultimate Beginner’s Guide 08

Before you start


paddleboarding
The first time of paddleboarding you
will have to get used to it. Whatdo you
have to take for a day of paddling? This
is what you need!

Paddle Board
Your new purchase is ready for use and
undoubtedly wants to be unpacked! In the box
with every SUP board you find a pump. You can
choose to inflate the board before departure.
Keep in mind, however, that transport is harder
this way. We recommend to inflate the SUP after
you arrive at your destination.

Paddle
To move around in the water, you need a
paddle. In many cases, the paddleis included
free with your purchase. What the best paddle
height and stance is, you will read later in this
beginner’s guide.

“Inflate the SUP after you


arrive at your destination”

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Before you start


paddleboarding

Suitable Cloting
When you are going to SUP at high temperatures,
a swimsuit with a t-shirt or sports pants are very
suitable. If you’re going to SUP in the winter or with
lower temperatures, surely wear a wetsuit or a
dry suit. When you just start supping you might
fall off a couple of times.

Ankle Cord
An ankle cord is always advised to have. This
makes sure that you always keep your SUP board
close when you fall off of it.

Sunscreen
Always take sun screen and sunglasses on your
trips. The sun can be vicious when you’re going
on a long tour!
“Always check
your ankle cord”

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Stand Up
SUP CHECKLIST Paddle Board
World
What should you take with you on the water? Now that you are
ready to go paddle boarding, there are also a few important
things you should take with you:

Dry Bag Sunscreen

Paddle Hat Or Cap

Ankle Cord Pump

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Why is stand up paddling


so good for you?
Paddleboarding is what you would call a real full body workout. From head to toe,
nearly all muscles are involved with the balancing on a board while you are
paddling. When you want to gain some more speed during paddling, you will train
you full core and a strong core means a strong body.

Sailors, kitesurfers, windsurfers and even surfers often use SUP as training. If the
wind isn’t strong enough or when the waves are too low, you can still get on the
water and have a good training. It also makes sure you stay in shape.

The advantages of doing


your training on a SUP board:

Full body workout Enjoy the fresh outside air


Stability training Relaxation
Great cardio workout Pleasure!

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The First Time On A Paddle Board


When you get on a SUP board for the first time, it is important that you
try this in quiet, shallow waters. Make sure you have all the space and
there are no boats or other objects in your way. Also try to pick a spot
where there’s not too much wind.

Choose the right spot. Keep the fin at the bottom of the board
1 on your mind. So do not start supping in water that is too
shallow and undeep, this could break the fin.

Lay the paddle over the length of the board and place your left
2
knee forward.

Give yourself a boost by kicking away from the shore and


3
place your right knee on the board next to your other knee.

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The First Time On A Paddle Board

Go paddle for a bit on your knees, so you get some feeling with the
4
SUP board. Hold the paddle with both hands.

When you’re ready to stand up, look at the horizon and get up one
5
knee before the other.

When you’re finally standing, make sure you get your paddle in the
6
water as fast as possible. This will ensure that you have a better balance.

“Paddle on your knees, so you get


some feeling with the SUP board.”

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The Best Paddleboarding Stance


The best stance on your board is the stance that gives you the most
balance. Always make sure you have good balance. Keeping your
balance can best be done in the next ways:

1 Keep your toes aimed forward, your knees bent and your back straight.

2 Don’t look at your feet but straight ahead.

Keep your feet parallel to eachother, with about a hip width distance.
3 Do not stand on the edge of the SUP board.

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The Best Paddleboarding Stance


The best stance on your board is the stance that gives you the most
balance. Always make sure you have good balance. Keeping your
balance can best be done in the next ways:

4 When you’re moving forward faster, the stability also increases.

5 Keep your balance with your hips, not with your upper body.

6 Are you losing balance? Temporarily bend your knees a bit deeper.

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GET ON AND
STAY UP!
1
Find calm shallow water,
make sure that it is deep
enough and that the fin does
not hit the ground.

2
Keep the board straight and
place one knee on the sup.
When you have found enough
balance, place your other
knee on the board.

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GET ON AND
STAY UP!
3
Stand up slowly while holding
the paddle so that you don’t
have to find balance again later.

4
Paddle with the dominant
hand halfway on the paddle.
Hold the other hand on top of
the paddle, Take 4-5 strokes
before changing sides.

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THE BEST PADDLE


TECHNIQUE FOR
BEGINNERS
Just like every other sport it is important that
you learn a good technique right away. When
you start off just doing what you think is right
for a while, you will later have to start all over
to learn a new technique. This is difficult. When
you take the wrong stance on your SUP board
you also have a lot less balance. The paddling
technique is very important during supping.
You can gain quite some speed and balance
when using the proper technique.

The speed at which you are paddling, depends


on two factors:

• The distance per stroke;


• The stroke frequency.

To increase the paddling speed, you will have to


improve one or both of the mentioned factors.

“Worry less...
Paddle more”

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Increasing The
Distance Per Stroke
Are you comfortable on a SUP board by
now? Try to reach as far as possible with
every stroke. The first part of your stroke is
the most effective part. Push the blade of
the paddle deep into the water and don’t
forget to use your upper body. Do not just
use your arms.

Don’t waste too much time when you pull


the paddle back out of the water.

When the paddle is too far behind you, you


will creative a negative angle. This will cause
the paddle to be more difficult to get out of
the water and a lot of speed will get lost.
When you take the paddle out of the water,
make sure it goes back to the front in a
straight line. Do not touch the water while
you do this, that will slow you down.

In this video you can see in a


beautifully illustrated way what the
best method is to paddle. Absolutely
recommended if you want to improve
your paddling technique.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3uxyS-art8
Watch Video >

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Catch Your
First Wave
Ready for some more excitement? Then it’s time to face the first
wave. Some tips for when you go to sea or wilder water.

Choose the right day. SUP boarding is most suitable for slow moving
waves. You will want nice and easy waves, especially during the first few
1 attempts at paddle boarding. When there’s too much wind the quality of
the waves will go down and it will be harder to ride them.

Choose the right place. Spotted the right waves? Make sure you have
enough space to practice. You don’t want to be too close to other water
sporters. They might be more experienced and this could cause
2 inconvenience. Try to stay close to the shore, the waves are lower there
and it’s a good place to practice. If this goes well, try some deeper waters,
about 1,5m high.

Choose the right wave. Don’t rush into choosing a wave, but wait
patiently. There is no need to pick the first wave you see. Try to catch the
wave you chose with your SUP before it crashes. The wave can best be
3 caught with the paddle in neutral position and your feet forward. Paddle
with high speed towards the beach. Try to gain as much speed as
possible so you have a similar speed when you reach the wave.

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Paddleboarding With Children


SUP Boarding is for all ages, so also for your children! Most children
between the ages of 8 and 10 (with a little bit of experience) will
manage just fine on their own on the board. There are two ways for SUP
boarding with a child. You can share the board with your child or you
can get a special SUP for children so they can SUP on their own.

Tip:
“If your child is not old or strong
enough to paddle on their own,
let them sit on the front of your
SUP board while you paddle.”

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Paddleboarding With Children


There are a few important things you absolutely have to pay attention
to when you’re taking your children along on the water:

Always have your child wear a life vest. Even though the child might be a
skilled swimmer, something unexpected could always happen. If a wave
1 might come up and the child falls off, this could scare you. Accidents
happen a lot this way, so always wear a life jacket.

The child has to be able to swim before it gets on a SUP board. It is very
2 likely that a child falls or jumps from a SUP board regularly. This is why it is
essential that the child should be able to swim.

Choose a child friendly area. Pick a spot without too much boat traffic
and strong streams. It is most comfortable to start at lakes, until they gain

3 some experience. The length of the tour is also important. Take into
account the strength, coordination, age and swimming capacity of the
child to make it as fun as possible for everyone.

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Together On The Best SUP Fit


For Two Persons
A Paddle Board
Do you choose to SUP together on one
Aqua Marina
board, then it’s important to check if Super Trip Family
you do not exceed the maximum
load weight of the SUP board. Every Great SUP for the whole
board is different and some boards family, also for pets!
are not strong enough to carry two
people. You can find the maximum Extra long, extra wide and
carrying weight per SUP board on our extra thick.
reviews or brand pages.
Inflatable, so easy to
carry along.
The biggest challenge of SUP boarding
together is getting on the board without
falling off. The best method is getting on
the SUP yourself first and stay crouched.
You will have more balance this way. Then
get the child to step on the board. Paddle
and practice first while in crouching
position until the both of you feel
comfortable enough to stand up.

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Paddleboarding
In Colder Weather
When you think about SUP boarding you will probably think of a nice hot
sun, in your beach outfit, with the sun rays shining on the water and
giving you a tan. But, SUP boarding is also possible with colder
temperatures. You do need some extra accessories to conquer the
waves in lower temperatures. Here you can find 3 essential tips for when
you want to SUP in colder weather.

“Live every day like


you never lived before.”

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Paddleboarding
In Colder Weather
1 Ensure proper preparation
It’s important to make sure you’re warm before you start SUP boarding at
low temperatures. That’s why it is wise to take a thermos with coffee, tea
or for example hot chocolate. Drink this before you start supping, so your
body is warmed up. Don’t forget a good warming up, this is always
important before sports, but even more so in cold weather. Your muscles
are colder and need a good and healthy warming up to start working.
This way you prevent unnecessary injuries.

Check all your gear well before you start. Is the ankle cord strapped well?
Do your clothes fit well? Is everything ok with your life vest? Make sure
everything is in order before you start. Also call someone or send a
message to someone to say you’re getting on the water for SUP boarding,
and indicate at which time you think you’ll return. Message or call again
when you have safely returned. After that you should check the weather
forecasts on your smartphone. It is important, especially at lower
temperatures, that you do not get caught in an unexpected storm or very
strong winds. Rain would not be great either.

Has the weather changed and is it possible that a storm is coming? Do


not go out in the water! Do you still want to go supping? In this case stay
close to the shore, so you can quickly get off of the water whenever
needed. If you’re far from the shore when heavy weather breaks out, it’s
very difficult, exhausting and dangerous to get back to the shore.

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Paddleboarding
In Colder Weather
2 Make sure you have the right SUP clothing
In the summer you only need your beachwear for supping, but in the
winter this of course is a different case. It is important to have clothing
that keeps you warm. The best option naturally is a wetsuit that keeps you
warm. The water however is very cold and this could cause hypothermia.
You don’t own a wetsuit and you do not want to purchase one? Make sure
there are enough layers of clothing to keep you warm during supping. For
example fleece clothing, that is excellent for maintaining body heat.

Of course you should not just think about keeping warm the body parts
that are usually covered up. It is also important to have good protection
for your hands and face, especially the ears. On the shore it might be
doable in the cold weather, but on the water this will be different. Take
care of good warmth for your whole body. If possible also wear thermo
socks to keep your feet warm, thick gloves and a good warm hat.

There are various waterproof gloves available that are great for using
when you are supping. These gloves are not so thick that you can’t feel
the paddle anymore, but make sure your hands stay dry and warm.
When your hands get too cold you might lose feeling in them and you will
not be able to control the board too well. A lot of people seem to think
that a thick cotton sweater is also ok. But it is important to not wear cotton
in these low temperatures. Cotton gets totally soaked in the water and
will cause hypothermia quickly.

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Paddleboarding
In Colder Weather
3 Safe supping over anything
Do you have a bad feeling about paddling in low temperatures, for
whatever reason? Then it’s better not to do it. The risk that things go
wrong is always present and especially with cold weather that is
something you want to prevent. Don’t go on the water without a life vest.
Even people that are very skilled swimmers can get into trouble when
they fall into very cold water. The best thing is to pick a life vest with
waterproof pockets to take important things, like a mobile phone, a
whistle or a camera. Never go SUP boarding in cold weather without a
good ankle cord. Check if the cord is in good condition and if it is
thoroughly attached to you and your board.

Do you want to go on longer trips while supping in the cold? Also take a
waterproof bag on your SUP board where you keep a set of dry clothing
and something warm to drink. If you happen to fall you could change
clothes before you return to shore. Are you going to SUP in the afternoon?
Keep in mind that it will get dark early. That’s why it is important to take a
waterproof and bright light. It may be that due to circumstances you will
not be back in time before the darkness falls. With a flashlight you will not
just see more yourself, but you are also more visible to boats. It is
recommended to pick a lamp that can be attached to your body, so you
do not have to hold it all the time.

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Did you know that inflatable


boards these days are just
as sturdy as hardboards?

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Yoga Sup
“Spend your time with Yoga on the water
and become all zen in the free nature!”
Even though SUP boarding might not be super popular in your country
yet, it is already a renowned sport in other countries. Alternatives are
invented and disappear again. The Yoga SUP however is here to stay.
Many yoga fanatics have embraced the Yoga SUP in their workout
routine. The combination of spending time outside in the middle of
nature and the relaxation of the water is something that inspires
many people. If you love yoga, why wouldn’t you want to excercise on
a SUP board, while floating on calm waters? Isn’t it great? Check out
our 8 popular yoga poses for beginners.

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13 Popular Yoga Poses

1 The Downward Dog


A great pose to start off your session. It creates length through your
spine and makes sure you find balance on your board.

2 Modified Crescent
Lunge
This pose is ideal for opening up
your hips, psoas and quadriceps.
Put pressure on your foot and feel
your core.

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13 Popular Yoga Poses

3 The Warrior
The warrior seems like an easy
pose, but it is more difficult than it
might seem. To keep balance on
your board, strength and
calmness is required.

4 The Boat
A very good excercise to build
your core strength. Make it
harder by stretching your legs
further towards the horizon.

“Paradise is just a
paddle away”

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13 Popular Yoga Poses

5 The Malasana
The Malasana opens up your hips and your lower back. Put your feet
wide and lower your hips. Breath in and out slowly.

6 The Handstand
One of the most popular poses
among yoga fanatics: the
handstand. Try to keep balance,
something that really tests your
core muscles.

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13 Popular Yoga Poses

7 The Needle
A great way to stretch your shoulders and spine, which leads to more
flexibility and reduction of the tension between the vertebrae.

8 The Wheel
Extend your spine, open your chest, stretch your belly and lift yourself in the
wheel pose. No easy pose but one we surely cannot forget in this list!

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13 Popular Yoga Poses

9 The Bridge Pose


This pose opens the chest, heart, and shoulders. It stretches the spine,
the back of the neck, the thighs, and the hip flexors.

10 The Chair Pose


This pose builds strength in your
legs and core. The closer your
feet are the harder it is, so you
can start with your feet hip
distance or wider.

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13 Popular Yoga Poses

11 The Bow Pose


This pose looks like an archer’s bow, the torso and legs representing
the body of the bow, and the arms the string.

12 The Savasana
This is a perfect pose for meditation and allows you to clear the mind and
take in the full experience of what floating yoga has to offer.

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13 Popular Yoga Poses

13 The Half Pigeon


Stretches the thighs, groin, psoas, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and
neck. Stimulates the abdominal organs.

Read about the best


Yoga SUP boards
https://standuppaddleboardworld. in my blog
com/best-paddleboard-yoga/

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Paddleboarding With Your Dog


Paddle boarding with your dog is a great way to enjoy nature with
your best friend while floating on the water. However, it’s not always
easy to take your dog with you on a Stand Up Paddle Board.

Before you take your pet out on the water, it is important that you have
prepared yourself correctly. This makes the dog feel at home on the
paddle board and in an environment surrounded by water, which of
course is not normally the case.

Even more important, you can paddleboard pretty well yourself before
you risk it with your dog. Paddle boarding is easy to learn, anyone can do
it with a little practice. The more experienced you are and the more
stable you are on the board, the easier it becomes for your buddy.

To make it easier for him, the dog must:

Already be good at swimming Not too easily be distracted


Directly follow commands and orders Not weigh more than 45 kg

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Paddleboarding With Your Dog


Not all dogs are swimmers by nature. There are even some breeds
that can’t even swim and because of their body structure they can
easily become overheated in the sun. These include: Bulldogs,
Dachshunds, Boxers, Pug dogs and a few other breeds. If your dog is
one of these breeds, you will first need a life jacket for your dog.

In fact, it is always advisable to put a life jacket on your dog before you
stand on a paddle board, even if he or she can already swim. Preferably
choose a dog’s life jacket with a loop on it, which allows you to easily lift
the dog back onto the board. After that, the dog must learn to swim.

Make sure the paddle board you have is big enough to take your dog with
you. It is possible that a large German shepherd will not easily fit on your
paddle board, especially if you have a smaller board such as a Aqua
Marina Vapor or Aqua Marina Breeze. For such large dogs, you need a
board of at least 3 meters, which is also somewhat larger in width. This
gives the dog more stability and is also more comfortable for you.

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Paddleboarding With Your Dog

Safety Instructions

Make sure that the dog is not on a leash when you start supping
1 with him. If he jumps into the water unexpectedly, the line can
cause him to be strangled.

If your dog is afraid of the water, don’t place him on a sup board.
2 Make sure he overcomes his fear first, before you start supping
with him.

We always advise to put a life jacket on your dog before you stand on a
3
paddle board.

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Maintenance of
a Paddle Board
When you own a SUP board, it of
course requires good maintenance
to keep the inflatable SUP board in
top condition. Because after all you
want to enjoy your SUP board as
much and as long as possible.
Obviously a SUP board has to go
through a lot when being used.
Inflated and deflated over and over,
the salt water, possible sand,
hopefully no rocks or pebbles. But in
general the SUP boards are very
sturdy, even with excessive use of
your board.

“If in doubt …
Always lift your SUP board.

Protect your board whenever

paddle out”
you're not using it.

Use a spray and a towel.

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Stand Up Paddle Board World Ultimate Beginner’s Guide 46

Maintenance of
a Paddle Board
1 Always lift your SUP board
It seems so easy to just drag your sup board behind you over the floor or
beach. It is of course, but this could seriously damage your inflatable SUP
(or non-inflatable SUP for that matter). The surface rubs against the
material and this of course damages the SUP board. Even sand, that
might feel nice and soft to your skin, can have a very negative impact on
your SUP board.

That is why it is always recommended to lift your inflatable SUP to the


water and lift it up again when you get out of the water. This way you
prevent the SUP board from touching surfaces or objects that may
damage the SUP board material. Of course it is also important to watch
objects in the water, so your SUP board does not get damaged and you
do not get harmed on for example a rock sticking out of the water.

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Stand Up Paddle Board World Ultimate Beginner’s Guide 47

Maintenance of
a Paddle Board
2 Protect your board whenever you’re not using it
Earlier, we indicated that you should dry the inflatable sup before storing it.
However, this is mostly for storing the SUP board for a longer time, like for
instance storing it in the shed or during the whole winter. It is also possible
that you want to keep your SUP board inflated because you are using it
every weekend in the summer. In this case you have to take the conditions
in between the weekends into consideration.

Always make sure your inflatable SUP is not placed on the bright sun for
such a long time. Place it on a dry spot where the temperature will not get
too high. Because if the board is in the full sun the heat will cause the air in
the SUP board to expand, which might cause it to overinflate and start
leaking. If you want to leave your SUP board outside, it is wise to cover it up
with a protecting canvas, so the weather has no influence on the board
and no dirt can get in it. Of course it is important to never leave your SUP
board in the sun for too long, not even when you’re using protective spray.

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Maintenance of
a Paddle Board
3 Use spray and a towel
The first thing you have to take care of is the material of your inflatable
SUP. First off it is always recommended to use the so called 303 protective
spray. Most stores that have a department for inflatable items, like boats,
kayaks and boards, have this spray for sale. On the can of the 303
protective spray is indicated how it should be used. It is important that
you treat your whole board with this spray.

If you use too much, you can dab it a bit so the spray does not clutter on
your inflatable SUP. SUP boards are often used when the sun is shining.
Unfortunately it is the case that the sun has a negative influence on your
SUP board. The quality of the material goes down quicker because of
exposure to the sun. The 303 protective spray creates a protective layer
over your inflatable SUP, which neutralizes the influence of the sun. The
second thing you need to protect your inflatable SUP board well is a
towel. Of course you will already own one of these.

Your SUP board could lose some of its quality when it is stored wet or
moist, because this way mildew or mold could get on your board. Always
dry your inflatable SUP board well before you store it. This way you extend
the life span of your SUP board and you can enjoy it extra long.

“Trust yourself that you


can do it and get it.”

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Stand Up Paddle Board World Ultimate Beginner’s Guide 49

Extra Tip For


The Use Of Your
Paddle Board
The weather circumstances have a
constant influence on your SUP board,
even when you are using it. It is good to
know that the air pressure will expand
when it is really warm outside. This could
mean that while supping you might have
to open up the SUP sometimes to let some
air out, so the air pressure stays at a stable
level. Are you going to SUP at low
temperatures? Then the opposite might
be the case. It could be necessary to add
extra air during a longer trip, so your SUP
board keeps the right air pressure and
does not get too soft.

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5 Essential Tips
If you’ve already read the above quickly, but still want some tips for a
good start, check out the following 5 tips.

1 Always Use An Ankle Cord


As you have read several times in this book: safety above all. Don’t
be surprised by a hard fall and all the nasty things that can happen
next. Make sure your board is always close by using the ankle cord.

2 Hold Your Paddle Correctly


This sounds like a no-brainer, but a lot of people hold their paddle
exactly the wrong way around. One more time the right way, so
you’re sure you’re doing it right.

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5 Essential Tips

3 Always Look
At The Horizon
While paddleboarding, try to not
look at your feet or the water, but
at the horizon. It is very tempting
to look down to see how you
move your paddle, how the
water flows or how stable you
are. But do you really want to
stay stable? Then look ahead at
the horizon!

4 Think about
your posture
This sounds rather crazy, but
never paddle with just your
arms. Get the power from your
core muscles. These are the
strongest muscles in your body
and can provide you with the
most power. While paddling,
keep your back straight and
your body weight over your toes.

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Stand Up Paddle Board World Ultimate Beginner’s Guide 52

5 Essential Tips
5 Fall off your board the right way
Even the best professional sometimes falls off his board, so chances
are it will happen to you too. Falling is not a problem, but the way it
happens is important. If you are just about to catch a wave and you
fall too close to your board, it can be smashed onto you by the
wave. So try to distance yourself as much as possible from the
board when you fall. Don’t worry about your board, it should be
properly attached to your ankle cord.

“I Don’t Sup To Add Days To My Life.


I Sup To Add Life To My Days.”

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Stand Up Paddle Board World Ultimate Beginner’s Guide 53

Frequently Asked Questions


SUP is hot! Because it’s not been popular for a long time in every
country yet, we receive a lot of practical questions from visitors and
interested parties. For your convenience we have listed all these
questions and their answers below:

1 How long does it take to inflate an inflatable SUP board?


This depends on the size of the SUP board and the pump
that is used for this. When a manual pump is used, it will
take between 4 and 8 minutes before the SUP board is fully
inflated. Whenever an electric pump is used, this will take
about the same time, but without any effort.

2 Can the fin be removed?


This depends on the model. There are models where the fin
can easily be removed, but there are also some types of
boards where the back fin has a permanent connection. In
most cases the small fins are not removeable. This also
differs by brand. For example the Aqua Marina SUP boards
have different fins than ZRAY SUP boards.

3 Can I take a SUP board in an airplane?


Yes, this is possible. You can take your SUP board with you
on holiday whenever you want. Of course you need to pack
your inflatable SUP board as compact as possible. It could
be necessary to reserve a special spot for your SUP board
and SUP paddle.

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Stand Up Paddle Board World Ultimate Beginner’s Guide 55

Frequently Asked Questions

4 How much pressure should my sup board have?


The air pressure is often indicated in PSI. In most cases you
should have a pressure between 10 and 17 PSI, the average
is 14. However, when the SUP board is used by a lightweight
person, like a small child, the air pressure can be lower. The
appropriate air pressure is stated for each specific model
in the manual.

5 How do I know if my SUP board has a leak?


If a sup board seems to lose air, this may also be due to a
lower temperature. This reduces the air pressure. Do you
think there is a leak? Then you can inflate the SUP board and
grease it with soap or dishwashing liquid. Are there bubbles
in one specific spot? Then there must be a leak at that spot.

6 How can I repair my SUP board?


You can use the repair kit for this. You take a bit of
pvc and grease this with waterproof glue (not
included!). It is very important that the SUP board is
dry. Glue the piece of pvc on the leak and let this
dry long enough. The drying time should be
indicated on the glue.

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Frequently Asked Questions

7 How do I store the SUP board?


Make sure the SUP board is completely dry before you store
it. When it is still damp, mildew or mold may occur. It is best
to store the sup board in a garage or a closet, where it is
cool and dry. Prevent sunlight from shining on your SUP
board, because this will affect the quality.

8 How do I maintain the high quality of the SUP?


This is done by properly storing your sup board. When using
a sup board you can use a protective spray.

9 What kind of SUP paddle should I choose?


For children it is good to opt for an adjustable paddle.
For adults, the more expensive sup paddles are lighter
in weight, more durable and more comfortable in use.
However, as a beginner it’s not necessary to buy an
expensive paddle. Especially important is that the
paddle has an appropriate length and is made of
good material. You can read more about SUP paddles
in my Best SUP
https:/ standuppaddl eboardworPaddles
ld.com/paddle-board-accessorguide.
ies/best-sup-paddles/

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Stand Up Paddle Board World Ultimate Beginner’s Guide 57

Frequently Asked Questions

10 Which basic techniques should I learn with the paddle?


It’s important that you learn how to turn, accelerate and
slow down with your sup paddle. You can follow lessons,
but there are also a lot of videos on YouTube that explain
the basic techniques for the paddle. What is especially
important is that you feel comfortable and stable on your
sup board. Then, just keep practicing until you’ve
mastered it. You can find information on our blog with
essential tips for paddling.

11 What happens if my SUP board hits the shoreline


or an object?
In most cases nothing will happen. SUP boards are made of
a particularly strong material, which prevents it from
leaking easily when it comes into contact with the side or
for example with branches in the water. However, sharp
objects can, of course, cause a leak. It is therefore always
important to lift the sup board on the shore and not to drag
it over the ground.

12 How long does an inflatable SUP board last?


This is very difficult to say. There are several factors
involved. For example, the life span depends on the level of
use and of course the way in which it is handled. With
proper treatment and proper maintenance of an inflatable
SUP board it could last for years.

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Stand Up Paddle Board World Ultimate Beginner’s Guide 58

Unless you paddle for the


wave, you’ll never know if you
could catch it.

But once you do...


Ride it as long as you can.
Love as long as you can.

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Stand Up Paddle Board World Ultimate Beginner’s Guide 59

Frequently Asked Questions

13 How long do I have warranty on my SUP?


The warranty you receive depends on the brand you
purchase. Brands like Red Paddle and Bluefin offer a 5 year
warranty, but most companies offer a 1 year warranty.

14 How long does it take to deflate and store a SUP board?


The deflation of a SUP board should only take a couple of
minutes. Then it is important that the sup board is
completely dry before it is placed in the bag. Deflating and
drying a SUP board can take up to ten minutes.

15 What kind of life vest do I need?


This really depends on your own preferences. Most suppers
wearing a life jacket use a model with a waistband, which
inflates itself when the cord is pulled. However, basically all
life jackets are great to use while supping.

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Frequently Asked Questions

16 Are dogs allowed on an inflatable SUP board?


Yes, this is definitely possible. If the dog likes it, it can surely
stand on the inflatable SUP board to accompany you on
your cruise over the water. Of course the dog could also sit
on the SUP board while you are supping. It doesn’t matter if
it’s a big or a small dog. In fact, a dog on your sup board
provides additional stability because of the additional
weight on the SUP board.

17 How many people can fit on a SUP board?


It is of course the intention that only one person uses a SUP board
at a time. However, it is possible to transport multiple people on a
SUP board. A maximum of two adults and two children, or two
adults, a child and a dog, can be placed on a sup board. This
depends, however, on the size and weight of all persons and / or
animals. The maximum weight of a sup board is always given in
the manual of a SUP board. There are also family SUP boards on
the market for up to 8 people at the same time!

18 Can I store my SUP board outside?


This is not recommended. It is better to store your sup board
in a dry and cool place. Of course, it is possible in the shed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

19 Do the length and width influence the performance


of a SUP board?
Yes, this is definitely the case. The longer and more
streamlined a SUP board is, the faster and straighter it goes
while supping. Wider SUP boards are more stable and more
comfortable in restless waters and for children. The SUP
boards with an average length and an average width are
very well suited to sup in every situation. A handy purchase
guide for beginners htis
tps:/ staavailable
nduppaddleboardworld.com/best-inflatablhere.
e-paddle-board/

Visit our https: facebook page


//www.facebook.com/standuppaddl eboardworldand
instagram
https: page
//www.instagram.com/standuppaddl eboardworld/ for more info

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Stand Up Paddle Board World Ultimate Beginner’s Guide 62

Epilogue
You have reached the end of this e-book.
Now you should be able to get on your
paddle board, catch your first wave, take
a child or dog on your paddle board and
even practice some yoga exercises. We
hope this e-book will help you with the
principles of paddleboarding, the most
beautiful and fastest growing water
sport in the world.

If you have any questions or suggestions


regarding this book, please do not
hesitate to send us a message to
tom@standuppaddleboardworld.com.
We also like to receive spelling and
grammatical errors. This book is written
by water sports enthusiasts, not by
language experts.

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Stand Up Paddle Board World Ultimate Beginner’s Guide 63

Copyright 2021 ©
STAND UP PADDLE BOARD WORLD

CREDITS:

https://greenwatersports.com/
https://www.supconnect.com/
https://isupworld.com/
http://www.sup-guide.com/
https://www.seabreeze.com.au/
https://www.islesurfandsup.com/

EMAIL:
tom@standuppaddleboardworld.com

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