PADDLERsmart! USA Knowledge Base

There is skill and technique required to operate any type of paddle craft. For SUP boarding, you’ll need to keep the following considerations in mind.

Proper Blade Angle

The ‘bend’ in the blade of a SUP paddle should always be forward with the blade tip facing towards the front of the board.

How to Hold Your SUP Paddle:

• Your hands should be a little wider than shoulder-width apart when you’re holding a SUP paddle.
• Your top hand should grasp the top of the paddle handle and your bottom hand should grasp the throat of the paddle.
• When the paddle is properly positioned and vertical in the water, the back of the top hand will face the sky.
• Keep your arms nearly straight while paddling for more upper body power.
• Your lower hand on the paddle shaft should have a fairly loose, comfortable grip—don’t squeeze!

If you’re right-handed, you’ll paddle primarily on the right side of your board. A lefty will paddle primarily on the left side of the board. The side of the SUP board that you  are most comfortable paddling on is known as your ‘onside’.