Starboard Surfing
Review SUP fundamentals
Review stance, strokes, remounting and safety choices before heading out.
Turning and braking
01What path does the paddle take in a sweep stroke?
Plant the blade near the nose. Sweep it in a wide arc out from the board and towards the tail.
Read the guide →02What are the three steps of a sweep stroke?
Soften your knees for balance. Plant the blade near the nose within a comfortable reach. Sweep in a wide arc towards the tail.
Read the guide →03Which way does the nose turn on a right-side forward sweep?
The nose turns left. A forward sweep on the left turns the nose right.
Read the guide →04What are two uses for a reverse stroke?
Use it to slow or stop the board and to turn or fine-tune your heading.
Read the guide →05Which side do you use to turn left with a reverse stroke?
Plant behind you on the left and push the blade forward. Check how much the board turns after one stroke.
Read the guide →06Which way does a right-side reverse stroke turn the nose?
Pushing the blade forward on the right tends to turn the nose to the right.
Read the guide →When balance or energy drops
07How can you lower your stance when the board feels unsteady?
Kneel or sit near the middle when you can do so safely. Once steady, check your surroundings and your route back.
Read the guide →08Why does kneeling or sitting make balance easier?
A lower centre of gravity helps you adjust when the board rocks.
Read the guide →09What is prone paddling, and what should you do if you cannot get back?
Prone paddling means lying on the board and paddling with your hands. If conditions or exhaustion prevent a safe return, call for help early.
References
Standing up and remounting
10What should you avoid if you lose balance and fall?
Try to avoid falling onto the board. Before practising, have an instructor check depth, the bottom and the space around you.
Read the guide →11Where do you hold the board for a side remount?
Approach the side near the carry handle and take hold of it or an accessible grip point.
Read the guide →12How do your legs help you slide chest-first onto the board?
Bring your legs towards the surface and kick to help slide your chest onto the deck.
Read the guide →13What do you check before standing up from a kneel?
Check the space around you and your balance. Place one foot at a time near the centre before rising.
Read the guide →14Where do your feet go in a basic flatwater stance?
Place them parallel either side of the carry handle. Start about hip-width apart and adjust for your board.
Read the guide →15Where should you look while balancing on the board?
Lift your gaze and look ahead, keeping track of where you are going and what is around you.
Read the guide →Paddle setup and tracking
16Which way does the blade angle face on a typical SUP paddle?
It points towards the nose when you set up for a forward stroke.
Read the guide →17What is one starting point for setting flatwater paddle length?
Stand the paddle up and reach overhead. Start where your wrist rests comfortably on the T-grip, then adjust for your board and use.
Read the guide →18What works with your arms in a forward stroke?
Rotate your torso to involve your core and back. Connect that movement once the blade has caught the water.
Read the guide →22When should you switch sides to keep tracking straight?
Switch before the nose drifts too far off line. Adjust the number of strokes to your board, the wind and your stroke.
Read the guide →Leashes and water conditions
19What does an appropriate leash do?
It helps keep the board within reach after a fall. Choose for the flow and snag hazards of the water you are using.
Read the guide →20What is the advantage of a coiled leash on a calm lake?
The coil keeps the line shorter and reduces the amount trailing in the water. Reassess equipment wherever flow or snag hazards are present.
Read the guide →21What comes before choosing equipment near rapids or a weir?
Decide whether the location is suitable. Beginners should keep clear of rapids and weirs and ask a local instructor about practice areas and equipment.
Read the guide →Wave and longboard turns
23Which part of the board does your back foot move towards for a bottom turn?
Move it towards the tail and feel how the board and rail respond. The exact position depends on the shape, fins and wave.
Read the guide →24Which turn sinks the tail and lifts the nose to pivot the board?
A step-back or pivot turn. Start with a small step and learn how the board turns as weight moves towards the tail.