Stand-up paddle has a secret: it looks really hard from your beach towel and is surprisingly easy once you understand four things. After handing over hundreds of SUP boards and watching thousands of first attempts, we can tell you exactly where almost everyone goes wrong. Avoid these 7 mistakes and your first outing will be the kind you want to repeat.
1. Starting on your feet
Nobody starts standing. You start kneeling, in the centre of the board, paddling like that for a few minutes until you get a feel for the water. Once the board glides steadily, place one foot where the knee was, then the other, and stand up looking at the horizon, not at your feet. Staring at your feet is fall number one.
2. Standing in the wrong spot
Your reference is the centre carry handle: feet either side of it, hip-width apart. Too far back and the board rears up; too far forward and the nose digs in. Knees slightly bent — stiff legs turn every ripple into a wobble.
3. Holding the paddle backwards
The most photographed mistake: blade angled the wrong way. The bend of the blade should lean away from you, so the scooped face pushes water towards you with each stroke. One hand on the top grip, the other on the shaft, and paddle with your torso, not just your arms.
4. Going out with an offshore wind
The most serious one. With an offshore wind, the water by the shore looks like a mirror while further out a conveyor belt is waiting to carry you away from the beach. Before you go, learn how to read the wind and sea forecast. Golden rule: when in doubt, paddle into the wind first, so the way back is downwind.
5. No leash, no vest
The leash (the ankle cord) stops the board flying away when you fall — and the board is your big flotation device. It comes included with our boards, and so does the life vest. With both on, a fall is just a fun splash.
6. Picking the wrong spot and time
For your debut you want flat, calm water: Cala de Finestrat first thing in the morning is the closest thing to a swimming pool we can offer. The Villajoyosa bay in the morning is also very forgiving. Avoid midday breeze and swimmer zones.
7. Attempting an expedition on day one
Day one is 20 minutes on your knees, falling twice, laughing, standing up and taking a short cruise. The long routes come naturally on your second or third outing. If there are two of you and one already has the hang of it, the 2-board pack lets you progress together without taking turns.
FAQs
How long does it take to stay on your feet? Most people stand within 15–30 minutes on calm water. With chop or wind, much longer — which is why picking the right day and spot matters so much.
Do I need to be fit? Not especially: if you can climb two flights of stairs, you can enjoy SUP at a calm pace. It's balance and technique more than strength.
Can I take a child on my board? Yes — our boards take an adult plus a small child sitting up front. Life vests for both and calm water. More tips in our guide to kayaking and paddle boarding with kids.