LEARN WITH STARBOARD
Riding skills
Practice finding your balance on the board and getting back on.
See it, then read along
17 guides
SUP · 4-minute read
Getting on a SUP, and getting back on after a fall
Start slowly from a kneeling position. Learn how to stand up on the board and how to climb back on from the side.
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SUP · 4-minute read
Paddle basics: which way it faces and how to hold it
Which way should the blade face? Knowing your hand spacing and grip makes your first paddle much easier.
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SUP · 5-minute read
If your SUP keeps turning, start with paddling straight
Where you look, where the blade goes in and the angle you hold the paddle. Small differences that help you go straight.
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SUP · 4-minute read
The reverse stroke: slowing down and stopping
Push the water the opposite way to your forward stroke. Start by practicing slowing down calmly.
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SUP · 4-minute read
The sweep stroke: a wide sweep to change direction
Move the paddle in a wide arc away from the board. Learn why sweeping on the right turns you to the left.
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SUP · 4-minute read
Sideways, not forward: learning the draw stroke
Move sideways without changing the board's direction much. Pull toward the rail and slice out toward the tail.
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SUP · 4-minute read
Across the nose: learning the crossbow turn
A turn to learn after the basic sweep. Rotate your body and carry the move through a wide arc.
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SUP · 4-minute read
In a headwind, check your stance and your way back
Get lower and shorten your stroke. Learn how to cut wind resistance, and make the right call before you set out.
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SUP · 4-minute read
When you lose your balance, think of the board and your head first
Four surf-scene pictures on what to protect when you fall and how much space to keep around you.
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SUP · 4-minute read
SUP racing: three things to practice before speed
See Fiona Wylde's footwork, starts and love of the sport in pictures.
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SUP · 4-minute read
SUP surfing: watch from the shore, prepare on the board
Read the pictures on checking waves, wind and people alongside the pictures on foot position.
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SUP · 4-minute read
Only your arms working? Check your paddling form
Read Connor Baxter's form pictures pointing out the core, arms, knees and top hand.
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SUP · 4-minute read
Forward, sideways and turning: the basic strokes at a glance
Review on one page the movement each of the five strokes creates.
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SUP · 4-minute read
Getting back on from the tail of the board
Five scenes showing how to climb back on using the tail handle.
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SUP · 4-minute read
SUP yoga: feel your balance in low poses
Two pictures showing the support points, center and gaze in tabletop and tree pose.
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SUP · 4-minute read
Opening up with SUP yoga: reading three poses
Find the shoulders, gaze and supporting points in the pigeon, reverse plank and mermaid pictures.
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SUP · 4-minute read
The SUP headstand picture: how to read an advanced pose
Look at the support points and center line in the original headstand, without treating it as a task for beginners.
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