For a fun and successful paddleboarding adventure, the paddleboarding experts here at Methow River Raft & Kayak have come up with nine important tips to help you on your next paddleboarding adventure.

Wide And Stable

If you are new to paddleboarding, selecting a wide, stable board that is more forgiving will help get you up, and keep you up.

Leash Your Leg

By using an SUP leash, you ensure your board cannot get away from you, and that you will have a safer paddleboarding experience. You also give others the courtesy safety because they will not have to navigate around a rogue board loose on the river.

Your Paddle Is Not A Broom

Properly holding your paddle will help you to make the most of each stroke. It is a common mistake to hold the paddle at its shaft, like when holding a broom. Remember to hold it from the top handle by one hand, and with the other hand, hold onto the shaft.

Knees First

When you are first starting out on your paddleboard, begin on your knees. Take your first several paddles from this position. This will get you familiar with the feel of the board and give you a nice parlay into standing up.

Stand For What's Right

When you have comfortably made it to your feet, remember to stand with your feet parallel and shoulder width apart. It is common for beginners to try a surfer's stance on the board, and this will only make your experience more difficult.

Eyes On The Horizon

When people are new to paddleboarding, the tendency is to look down at their board. This usually throws people off balance and into the water. For the most stability, find a fixed place on the horizon and stick with that.

Scoop Faces Away

It is easy to hold your paddle facing the wrong direction when your primary focus is staying on the board and feeling steady. Just remember to keep the scoop facing away from your body, and this will be one less thing to compromise your technique.

Don't Over Paddle

For efficiency and control, do not over paddle. If you are extending your paddle past your feet, you are reaching too far. Not only does this potentially throw you off balance, it also slows you down.

Put Your Back Into It (And Your Core)

No matter how much you want to use your arms as the primary source of power, remember that the majority of the work should be coming from your back muscles and your core. The arms will tire quickly and don't deliver that much power.