As a growing trend in Lake Tahoe water sports, stand up paddle boarding is a fun and engaging way to experience the beauty of the area.
Stand up paddle boarding, or SUP, allows you to get out on the water with minimal equipment and little to no experience while providing an excellent full body workout.
Tahoe SUP has become one of the best ways to explore the lake, as stand up paddle boarding keeps you on your feet throughout your journey giving you sightlines not available with other Lake Tahoe water sports.
If you are a beginner to SUP and are wondering how to stand up paddle board, it is helpful to know the basics from SUP gear to beginner techniques. Here are the top stand up paddle boarding tips if you’re just getting started with Tahoe SUP.
SUP Equipment and Gear
Tahoe SUP has become increasingly popular because minimal equipment is needed. As a beginner, you will need a few essentials to ensure you start your SUP experience right. First, the right stand up paddle board is key. The perfect board determined by a combination of your weight, skill level and local water conditions. While you can purchase a SUP board from a sports equipment store, you can also try out a board through one of the many locations offering Lake Tahoe paddle board rentals and SUP rentals.
In addition to a board, you will need a SUP paddle. This piece of equipment is designed with an “elbow” or angle to be the most efficient while paddle boarding. It is recommended that a SUP paddle is six to eight inches taller than the user for best positioning while on the water.
Additionally, a personal flotation device is required for safety. Some paddle boarders prefer inflatable devices as they are lightweight and compact when not in use, and these are often available with SUP rentals.
While taking advantage of the wide available of Tahoe SUP or Lake Tahoe paddle board rentals, it is helpful to be dressed appropriately before starting your experience. In mild conditions like those on Lake Tahoe, shorts and a t-shirt or bathing suit are fine. In colder conditions, a wet suit or dry suit is recommended. Finally, a leash is important when beginning SUP, as it keeps you tethered to your paddle board should you fall off.
How to Stand Up Paddle Board
If you have your gear ready but are still questioning how to SUP, there are a few stand up paddle boarding tips you can follow for technique.
As a beginner, the water of Lake Tahoe will be on your side. It is recommended to begin in calm waters before venturing out into more treacherous areas. It may be easiest to kneel on the board to begin while holding the board by its rails.
One hand will also be on your paddle grip as it lays across the board deck. Once you are kneeling on the board, start to gain your balance just behind the center of the board, keeping your hands on either side of the board to help stabilize.
Once you feel comfortable, stand up one foot at a time and keep your feet in the same place where your knees were.
As you begin to get comfortable on your SUP board, you should remember some basics regarding paddle stroke. First, the angle or elbow of the board always faces away from you, with one hand on the top grip and one hand on the lower part of the paddle shaft. Keeping your arms straight, paddle by pushing down on the top grip and submerging the blade into the water. Keep your strokes short and close to the board until you are comfortable with the motion while standing.
If you’re thinking about how to SUP, follow these tips for a successful experience on Lake Tahoe!