Keep these tips in mind as you dip your toes into the wide waters of SUP.

1. SIZE UP YOUR BOARD

Many beginners get started on a SUP that’s too small for them. When your board is too small, it can be difficult to maneuver and stay balanced. You’ll want to make sure you’re choosing a board that’s the right size for your needs and skill level.

2. HOW TO BALANCE ON YOUR SUP

Stand on the board with your feet hip-width apart and parallel. Point your toes forward, bend your knees, and look straight ahead. (You might feel tempted to look down, but don’t!) Engage your core, and make sure you’re paddling the right way.

3. HOLDING YOUR SUP PADDLE THE RIGHT WAY

The correct way to hold your SUP paddle may contradict your initial instinct. To hold it correctly, angle the paddle blade away from you, toward the nose of your board. Lightly hold the T-grip with one hand, and hold on to the shaft with the other. Rotate hand positions when you switch paddling from side to side.

4. FALLING OFF YOUR BOARD (AND GETTING BACK UP AGAIN)

Every paddler falls now and then, no matter how experienced. Aim to fall away from your board and flat into the water. Then, get right back on the horse - er, board. While treading water next to your board, grab onto the center handle, and use it to pull yourself up. Pull on the handle with your arm and kick with your legs to get back on your board.

5. LEARN TO PADDLE IN A WIDE, OPEN SPACE

If you’re new to the open water, make sure you head out with an experienced fellow paddler. Be sure to check the weather in advance, and let someone know when and where you are going. Always make safety your priority.

6. PADDLE WITH YOUR CORE

Your core is stronger than your arms, so the benefits of this tip are two-fold. Engaging your core makes paddling easier and makes for an excellent low-impact exercise. Who needs a crowded aerobics class when you’ve got your board and the sparkling water beneath you? You’ll paddle faster and farther from your core than you ever will from your arms.

7. BE AWARE OF THE WIND

Before you hit the water, check the direction of the wind. Be sure to face towards the wind on your way out. This way, if you're fatigued on the way back, the wind can boost you instead of fight you. If you come across strong winds out on the water, get on your knees and move your hands toward the middle of the paddle’s shaft. If you need to, you can “row” the board, canoe style, until you can safely stand back up.

8. HOLD YOUR HEAD UP STRAIGHT

Keeping your head up high and looking straight out ahead will help you maintain balance on the board. Resist the urge to look down at your feet!

9. AVOID COMMON BEGINNER’S MISTAKES

Don’t hold your paddle with the curved part of the blade facing toward you. Instead, you’ll want the angle of the blade to point away from you.

Don’t face the opposite direction on your board. One easy way to orient yourself is to check for the location of the fins - if they’re in the back, you’re facing the right way.

Don’t paddle solely from your arms. Your core strength is where it’s at!

Don’t paddle from a surfboard style stance. Keep your feet parallel to each other!

This will become second nature before you know it. You’ve got this!