Stand Up Paddle Boarding

What is stand up paddle boarding?

Stand up paddle boarding (or SUP for short) is a fun, active watersport that people of all ages can enjoy. It sees the paddler standing on a large board and using a paddle to push themselves forward through the water. When done well this sport looks graceful and almost effortless but, take our word for it, it takes balance and agility to do it really well. As an added bonus for taking part in a fun experience, you’ll get a full body workout as you splash around in the water. The sport can be enjoyed in locations Australia wide, and there are lessons, tours and hire options in locations from St Kilda Beach to Brisbane.

How to stand up paddle board?

Compared to many sports, stand up paddle boarding is easy to learn. The first thing you’ll need to master is standing up from a kneeling position and staying balanced on the board. The temptation will be to look down at the board, but for the best chance of stability you should look straight ahead at the horizon. There are other considerations to make too, like making sure you have the board and paddle the right way around. These may seem obvious things to check, but if you’re not a surfer or haven’t thought about whether the fins should be at the back or front, it’s easy to get wrong.

One of the major benefits of doing stand up paddle boarding (besides the fact it’s a fun way to explore) is the core workout it gives. Focus on using your core to power you through the water. This will be far more effective than just using your arms and won’t tire you out as quickly.

Ready to catch a wave? Make sure you have plenty of space in the water and start slowly with waves you can handle. Falling from the board (and getting back up again) is all part of the experience and, while you’re attached to the board by a leash, it’s also important to fall away from the SUP to avoid landing on it.

Do you need lessons to stand up paddle board?

Most people can pick up the basics of stand up paddle boarding fairly quickly, but if you’re an absolute beginner it will definitely be useful to have some instruction and guidance on technique. Not only will this help you paddle more effectively, but it should help you minimise the risk of injury and help you avoid tiring as quickly.

With our range of experiences you’ll be supplied with all the equipment you need, plus instruction on safety and technique if required. As well as stand up paddle board hire options, we also have dedicated lessons on offer. Whichever stand up paddle board hire or tour option you go for, if you’re not sure about something or need advice then ask the team on the day. They’ll be happy to help.

How long should a SUP board be?

On average SUP boards are around 10-11 feet in length and 32 and 34 inches wide. Exact lengths and board styles can, of course, vary. There are shorter and longer SUP boards, each with their own benefits. Most boards use either a displacement hull (with a pointed nose like a kayak) or a planning hull (flat and wide, making it great for leisure paddling). Both are suitable for all ability levels, so will be fine for those of you hiring a SUP. It’s also worth mentioning that SUPs can be solid or inflatable. Solid boards are slightly faster in the water, but inflatable SUPs offer their own advantages like easier storage and transportation, plus added comfort for those of you planning to use the SUP for yoga poses. The experience provider will make sure you’re supplied with the right SUP for your needs on the day.

Where can I go paddle boarding?

You can go stand up paddle boarding in locations across Australia, on rivers, lakes and in the ocean. It's fun on flat water and among the waves! Check the Adrenaline website for the full range of stand up paddle boarding options. You can sort your search by location using the filters down the side of the page. In New South Wales popular options include The Basin and Manly. In Victoria, you can give it a go in Mornington Peninsula, St Kilda and more. Popular Queensland options include (but aren’t limited to) Brisbane River and Gold Coast. And, for if you’re in or heading to Western Australia, then give it a try in the Blackwood River National Park, Margaret River.

Why stand up paddle board?

One of the best reasons to go stand up paddle boarding is because it’s fun. It’s also a great way to get out in nature and explore as many of the experiences take place in beautiful natural environments. It’s a great full body workout and an activity that all kinds of people can enjoy without the need for a slow learning process.

Once you’ve tried it and mastered the basics you’ll want to come back for more! And, with stand up paddle boarding growing in popularity around the country, what’s stopping you?