Learn What the 7 Worst Pieces of SUP Advice Are and How You Can Avoid Making any Mistakes!
In this article we cover the top 7 worst pieces of SUP advice and how to avoid making these mistakes.
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There is plenty of bad SUP advice floating around out there (excuse the bad pun). You can find it online. Or it can come from a close friend or even a well-meaning relative.
Even so, there are effective ways to avoid such pieces of advice.
The first way is through education. Instead of relying on posts written by an anonymous account on some obscure message board, you should always seek advice from qualified voices.
In the case of stand up paddle boarding — the team at Perfect Paddles aims to be such an authority. We are full of experienced paddlers, professionals, and instructors with thousands of hours spent on the water.
For reference, check out our Knowledge and Resources section for all types of helpful tips, tricks, and interesting information.
And the second way is through experience. We all learn when we fail. It’s inevitable. The key is not to keep repeating the mistakes, and in turn, help spread the truth to others.
Just as we are qualified voices for SUP, the team at Perfect Paddles has also made every mistake there is on the water.
But it was through these mistakes that we learned what worked and what didn’t.
With these two understandings, we’ve become pretty good at spotting some bad advice in the SUP world.
So you don’t fall victim to this haphazard approach to the sport we love, we’ve decided to compile the top seven worst pieces of SUP advice out there…
And let you in on why it’s bad advice, as well as what to do instead.
Ready to hear the worst of the worst? Let’s begin!
1. “You know how to swim. No need for a PFD.”
This right here might be the worst piece of SUP advice out there.
Why?
Not only is it illegal to do so in certain environments (flat water paddling) and can result in a ticket plus a fine, it can also be dangerous.
The water is an unnatural environment for us humans. As such, we need to treat it with the utmost respect.
The wind, the weather, the tides, the boat traffic, even the time of the day can greatly alter your experience on the water.
One moment it can be calm and sunny, the next a storm rolls through and you’re facing 15+mph winds and swell.
With such a variance, it’s always best to be prepared for everything.
And this includes, first and foremost, the use of a PFD or a personal flotation device.
By having a PFD on your person or at least on the board, you have a literal life line available to you in case of an emergency. This simple precaution can often be the difference between being saved or being stuck in a bad situation.
Since it’s easy to bring, takes no effort to wear (especially if it's a waist belt pack) it should always be with you at all times on the water.
It’s just one of those things that’s better to have and not need it, than need it and not have it.
Related note: Always make sure you are wearing a strong leash as well. Your board is the largest flotation device you have on the water. In some instances, your danger increases exponentially the moment you are separated from your board.
2. “You just need to inflate your iSUP until ‘it feels rigid’. Then you’re good to go.”
In truth, you can paddle an inflatable board underneath the recommended psi. It will float. And it will move through the water.
But it will also greatly affect your paddling so…
Why would you?
An inflatable board that is paddled underneath the recommended psi won’t retain a rigid structure. Instead, it will cause the platform of the board to ripple on the water.
This will affect your balance and paddling speed. And it will make your time paddling considerably less fun.
Every inflatable board manufacturer has a recommended psi for a reason. When your board is inflated to this number it will act as close to a hardboard on the water as possible.
You’ll be able to balance easier. Turn easier. Move on the platform easier. And it will respond better to your every movement.
Always pump your inflatable board to the recommended psi to have a great paddling experience.
3. “You can store your board outside, it’ll be fine.”
Yes, you can store your board outside. That is, if you don’t want it to last long.
Paddle boards are designed to be enjoyed on the water. On land, paddle boards are designed to be stored inside.
Why?
The elements, especially the sun, have a real negative effect on both inflatable boards and hardboards.
When you leave an inflatable board outside under the sun, the hot temperature will cause the air to expand. This will put unnecessary and sometimes damaging pressure on the seams of your board. And can result in air bubbles, tears, or splits. Avoid at all costs.
If you are just in between sessions, it’s best to place your inflatable board in the shade. But if you are done for the day, deflate your board and store it in its carrying backpack.
For hardboards, the damage can be just as extensive. As a hardboard sits underneath a hot sun, the epoxy that holds the fiberglass to the foam core can melt and cause massive bubbles to form. You will have to repair this section which will cost quite a bit of money or even replace your entire board.
Always keep your hardboard in the shade in between sessions.
For long term storage, you will need garage space or something similar. Boards are less likely to be damaged by the sun during the winter, but other elements, like the rain, wind, snow, etc, can have a damaging effect on the board’s fiberglass surface or even foot pad.
If you want your board to last as long as possible, always store it in the shade in between sessions, never leave it tied to the roof of your vehicle under direct sunlight, and store it inside during the offseason to avoid this worst piece of SUP advice!
4. “All paddles are built the same, no need to spend extra on a different one.”
There are three primary types of paddles.
First, you have the aluminum paddle. These paddles are usually included in SUP package deals. And for good reason — they’re built solid and they’re cheap.
They typically have an aluminum shaft and a plastic, sometimes, nylon blade and are adjustable to your height.
These paddles are great to get you on the water when you’re a beginner and not quite ready to invest in a higher end paddle.. They typically have rubber or plastic paddle blades and are good for rocky rivers, but ultimately they won’t hold up to a good paddle stroke and you want a reliable paddle when you’re on the water.
The second is the fiberglass paddle. Considered an upgrade from the aluminum, these paddles are built in a similar fashion but much lighter weight, with higher-quality materials, and better shaped blades for ease-of-use in and out of the water.
And last, you have the fully carbon fiber paddle. These are the top of the line paddles in the SUP world. They are built with high-performance in mind — better blades, comfy handles, rigid shafts, you can’t get any better.
Quick Side Note: There are wooden paddles as well. These are not common. Typically wooden paddles are specialty items. However, the bamboo paddles you see are often a mixture of bamboo and fiberglass landing them in the fiberglass category.
But what really separates the aluminum, the fiberglass, and the carbon fiber paddle from one another?
Weight and shape.
The aluminum paddle will weigh a few pounds while a fully carbon fiber paddle just…
Ounces.
At first, this might not seem like just a big deal. But when you spend hours paddling on the flat water, carving up a wave, racing on a straight away, or shooting down a river, where you will have to use the full force of your body to paddle…
It makes all the difference in the world.
Some paddlers will even say it's better to have a carbon fiber paddle than a carbon fiber board. In addition, the angled blade is designed to give you a mechanical advantage in the water. It gives you a lift with every stroke (more on that in the next section).
And the reason is with a lighter paddle you’ll be able to be more efficient with each paddle stroke, increasing your performance, and your fun on the water.
So, while aluminum paddles and fiberglass paddles are great for the recreational paddler or the beginner, there is a massive difference between these two and a carbon fiber paddle.
If you don’t believe us — demo one yourself!
5. “You can hold your paddle either way. It doesn’t make a difference.”
This might be the most common mistake beginner paddlers make. And it's also the easiest one to make.
SUP paddles can be a bit counterintuitive when you look at them. They are shaped with a flat side and a scooped or angled side.
Most beginners assume they use the scooped side to push the paddle through the water. While this does work to a degree what happens is the paddle will move side-to-side through the water instead of straight back to your feet.
This can work, but it’s uncomfortable to use this way and will slow your paddling motion.
Instead, you should use the flat side to push the water.
How to Know Which Way It Goes
The easiest way to know if you are holding your paddle correctly is if the flat side of the paddle is facing your feet and the angle of the blade is facing away from you.
This will allow the maximum catch of the blade as it enters the water and will result in a smooth pull back to complete the paddle. The forward angle in the blade (typically around 10 degrees) will give you a mechanical advantage in every phase of the stroke by giving a little lift or boost when paddling forward. Also, it provides an easy exit, and most importantly a strong catch when the paddle enters the water so you can pull the board forward to the paddle instead of just pushing water behind you.
If you’re still unsure (as it can be difficult to explain through words) most paddle manufacturers include a handle that accommodates your fingers. If you want to test whether or not you’re holding your paddle correctly, place one hand on the top handle.
Is there room for your fingers to comfortably grasp the handle and cup in? Or is it flat?
Your fingers should have space to clasp the grip of the handle and the opposite side is flat to fit comfortably in your palm.
With these two simple tests, you’ll be holding your paddle correctly and in turn, have a better time on the water!
6. “All boards are basically the same, they just have different logos. No need to buy one that’s more expensive.”
If you’re new to the activity of SUP you might have been tempted by a few price point boards in places like Costco and on Amazon.
While these may seem like a great way to get into SUP, we have to warn you…
These boards are cheap for a reason.
They’re built with low quality materials that often need to be repaired. Most repair shops have a slow turn around so you may miss 2 weeks or more of the paddling season. Don’t waste precious time with a cheap board!
Or, even worse, your board might need to be replaced after a season or two.
In addition, the shapes of the boards are non intuitive.
Meaning, they were manufactured by people who don’t know the first thing about how a board performs in the water. As a result, it will feel like paddling a wooden door.
And they don’t have any customer service to back up their products. So, if you do have a problem in the future, you're stuck with what you have.
To avoid any issues, always purchase a board from a well-known manufacturer with quality customer service.
Why?
When it’s your tenth year paddling the same board instead of having to replace the Costco one after a season or two — you’ll be happy you did.
7. “You don’t need a lesson. Paddling is easy!”
In rare instances, some beginner paddlers might not need a beginner lesson.
This is usually the case when you find yourself in perfect, flat water conditions, with no wind, boat traffic, or other dangerous obstacles, and your board is properly sized for your height and weight.
For example, if you’re on a pristine beach in Cozumel, Mexico where they film the Corona beer commercials, you might not need a beginner lesson. Instead, you should be able to mess around and have fun on the water with proper supervision.
However, in every other instance, it’s important to take a lesson from an experienced and certified professional SUP instructor..
With a proper beginner lesson you will learn the nuances of SUP placing your skills on a solid foundation of understanding that will serve you everytime you hit the water.
When you paddle with a qualified SUP instructor you will know:
- How to properly stand
- How to paddle with the correct stroke
- The rules of the waterways
- How to fall without being injured
- How to get back on the board
- What size board works for you
- How to hold the paddle
- Navigating the wind and weather
- How everything always changes on the water, and the more skills you have the more you can do.
- And a ton more!
Quick Side Note(s): SUP is both a vessel and a surfboard. With proper instruction you’ll learn why this is important. In addition, SUP is also headed to the Olympics! Who knows how it will progress from there!
It’s a long list of lessons. So, if you’re a true beginner and you see SUP as an activity you want to pursue in the future, you should start with a lesson or two. As well as avoid this worst piece of SUP advice.
To find an outfitter near you who provides high-quality instruction, head to the SUP Search section on Perfect Paddles!
How This Advice Applies for Beginner and Experienced Paddlers
SUP is a nuanced activity.
While most of the worst pieces of SUP advice apply to both beginner and experienced paddlers alike, there is a bit of nuance when it comes to a couple…
PFD’s
Yes, it’s true you should always wear or carry a PFD with you when paddling flat water. Especially as a beginner. But as you gain experience on your board, you don’t always need one.
This applies specifically to ocean paddling. In the ocean, your board is considered a surfboard. As one, you are not required to bring a PFD with you. And in the case of SUP surfing it can be detrimental to have that extra belt pack or vest on while carving up a wave.
Leashes
In some instances, leashes can actually be dangerous. This is the case for river paddling. Leashes can get snagged on certain water debris which can cause you to be spilled off your board or trapped in a current with no way out.
In an environment like this, you will need a coil leash that will stay out of the water while you paddle down the river.
And always know where your leash is connected to your body in the event you need to release your board due to an emergency.
Experience
As you spend more time on the water, you will become familiar with what works for you regarding gear and paddling in certain environments.
If, however, you are a beginner, always start with extra precautions to stay safe until you become a paddling pro!
Did We Miss Any?
These days, bad advice is everywhere. If we missed out on any worst pieces of SUP advice, let us know! We’d love to include it on our list to help others around the world avoid any costly (and potentially dangerous) mistakes!
To read about great pieces of SUP advice, tips, tricks, even detailed location guides, head to our Knowledge and Resources section on Perfect Paddles.
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