Our recipe for more smooth sup-ing

Got paddle boarding on your mind this summer?  Well our staff member Sam (and qualified SUP instructor) has you covered. We’re revealing the top tips you need for a smooth session. Minimise wobble & maximise glide with this essential knowledge.



This post is great for both the experienced who might need a reminder and beginners who are just starting out. At WiDEYE we’re all about immersing ourselves in the elements wherever possible and Paddle Boarding is one of the most accessible ways to connect with our surroundings. 

Follow these tips and you will be cruising past your friends & family in no time. Before we get started though, here are a few things you should keep in mind.

• Be wary of offshore winds, it’s surprising how hard it can be to paddle against a strong breeze. You don’t want to end up like these guys.

• Calm/flat water will make things easier when starting out.

• Sup boards come in different sizes, if you’re renting, make sure to grab the largest available for ultimate ease.

Our recipe for smooth supping

1 - Master Your Balance

• Either pick a fixed point or just look ahead into the horizon once standing. A fixed point helps you maintain a sense of stability, especially when you're surrounded by a constantly moving environment, such as water ripples or waves. It prevents visual distractions and allows your brain to concentrate on maintaining balance.
  
  
• Keep your knees bent, your back straight and always look up. This helps keep your centre of gravity in the correct place.

Staying nice and steady is without a doubt the most important part of the process. If you’re just starting, take your first few paddles on your knees so you can find your bearing. Once you're ready, begin to stand up and remember the above.

2 - Stay Relaxed

Especially if you are new to the world of water sports, standing up on water can be quite daunting. If you find yourself panicking, just remember to take a few deep breaths to stay calm. Once you're relaxed and at ease, give it another go. In the heat of the moment, it’s an easy thing to forget to take your time.

3 - Get your paddling technique right

• Firstly you want to make sure you are doing nice long strokes (not pokes). This will help you go in a straight line and also make things more stable since having the paddle in the water provides support.
  
  
• This might sound strange at first, but you actually want to paddle using your core. I’d recommend watching this tutorial here for a full breakdown.

Whilst there are plenty more tips & tricks out there, these are a great starting point and will certainly help on your first outing. Remember, getting used to a new sport can take a little bit of time, so don’t get disheartened if you find it harder than expected to begin with. If you get the chance, we’d recommend doing a quick lesson with a qualified instructor. This way you will know for certain that you are on the right track!

To finish off, here are a few places that are particularly great for learning to paddle board.

• Rye Water Sports - Just 10 mins from WiDEYE HQ, located on a beautiful lake that always has flat spots.
  
  
• Falmouth River Water sports - Incredible scenery, for if you find yourself in the west country this summer.
  
  
• Psyched Paddle Boarding - Nestled amongst the Welsh mountains, amazing tours!

WiDEYE products for before and after stand-up paddle boarding:

• Sun & Wind Balm - Ultra nourishing balm for a sun-singed face.
• Muscle Management Bath Bomb - To help ease and aches and pains post water action.
• Arnica Cream - To help with any bruising (or just follow our tips and don't worry about this)
• SLS Free Shower Gel - Safe for yourself and your surroundings when on holiday somewhere rural.
• Mood Roller - To help you relax before or after any activities.