SUP: Basic Paddle Strokes || REI

Take some time to hone your paddle stroke, and soon you'll be gliding gracefully across the water. Let's talk about the basics of how to hold your paddle, how to do the forward stroke, the reverse stroke, and turning with a sweep stroke. Before you hit the water, it's important to make sure your paddle is the right length. With the blade on the ground and your arm raised, the handle should rest in the bend of your wrist. It may seem counterintuitive, but the right way to hold the paddle is with the blade angled forward, like this, not like this. When you're paddling, one hand goes on the handle and the other will be a few feet down on the shaft. Whichever side you're paddling on, that hand is on the shaft. Always dip the blade all the way into the water to get the most power for your effort. The forward stroke is the most important. It's what gets you from A to B. Bend your knees a little, reach forward, and plant the blade fully in the water a few feet in front of you. Keep your arms pretty straight and give your torso a little side crunch to bring the paddle back to your feet. The power for your stroke comes from your core. If you just pull back with your arms, you'll tire out pretty quick. At the end of the stroke, roll your upper wrist so your thumb points forward and slice the blade out of the water. A couple quick things will help you track straighter. Keep the shaft as vertical as possible and don't pull the blade past your feet. Angling the paddle or pulling it too far back will make the board turn. And switch sides every three or four strokes. The reverse stroke is good for slowing down and stopping. Reach back and plant the paddle in the water near the tail. Keep your arms straight and twist your torso to bring the blade forward. To completely stop, just keep your blade in the water. You want to course correct without losing momentum or pivot the board when you're not moving. The sweep is your go-to. Bend your knees more than you do for the forward stroke so you can reach the paddle closer to the nose of the board. Then plant the blade so it faces away from the board and make a wide arc from the nose all the way to the tail. Remember, rotate from your torso and leverage your hips for more power. To get the biggest turn, keep a low shaft angle and bring the blade all the way to the tail. To learn more, check out these videos or click here to find a class near you.