Getting out in the surf is one of the most enjoyable things to do on a stand up paddle board. You get to ride mother nature’s energy as it breaks over the reef or sand. SUPboarder has put together a great series of videos of how to stand up paddle board in the waves.
How to launch a SUP in waves
Paddling out over waves on your stand up paddle board
How to catch your first wave on a SUP
Improving your wave catching skills on a paddle board
Riding along a wave with your SUP
Extra tips for when surfing on your SUP
Catching waves on a paddle board is usually easier than catching waves on a regular surf board or body board. Therefore it is important that just because we can, doesn’t mean we have to or need to catch every wave. Everyone is out there for the same zen like ride, out there to have fun and probably trying to catch a bigger or better wave than the last one. Your perfect wave is a personal challenge that can last a lifetime. There’s no need to take or fight over every single wave.
This is somewhat easy for me to write about. I don’t usually SUP with surfers or bodyboarders but with over 30 years and counting of water sports experience I know it can get rough out there in the line up. Even more so when conditions are marginal because we’re all fighting over crumbs, not perfect peelers that are running like a swiss watch. As a beginner in the waves, you’ll want to stick to the inside or well off the shoulder. Once you’ve ridden a few little ones. Learn how to rotate through the line up.
For more info, check out the Standup Journal’s guide: https://standupjournal.com/sup-wave-rules/