Stand Up Paddling for Beginners: Should I take a SUP course?
Many people who want to try stand-up paddling wonder if they really need to take a SUP course. A typical beginner's mistake in stand-up paddling, for example, is the incorrect holding of the paddle or the paddle blade. Furthermore, many people are not familiar with weather conditions and do without the necessary safety equipment. To avoid such mistakes, we recommend that watersports newcomers complete a basic course in which the fundamentals and tips regarding safety are explained.
In this article, we look at the benefits a SUP course offers and what you can do if you have no opportunity to attend one.
Why should I attend a SUP course?
- You learn the correct stand-up paddle technique.
- You find out more about safety while stand-up paddling.
- You can try out and test different SUP boards. This makes buying your own board easier, and you have a contact person if you have questions during the purchase.
- You learn in an area suitable for beginners and can continue practicing on your own afterward.
- You connect with other paddlers and can go paddling together later on.
What you should look for when choosing a SUP course!
If you decide to take a beginner's course at a SUP rental station, you should consider, research, or ask about the following points.
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How large are the groups?
The smaller the group, the more you learn. Sometimes you learn more if you invest in a private lesson. Your needs, skill level, and progress are addressed directly. Many people are self-conscious about asking questions in front of others and are therefore not as well served in groups. Given this, you might learn as much in a single hour as you would in two or three hours of group instruction, without spending more money. -
What qualifications do the SUP instructors have?
If you are spending money on a SUP course, you should also look at the qualifications the instructors have. For instance, there is training for SUP instructors from the VÖWS or VDWS (Association of German Watersports Schools). If you take your beginner SUP course with a trained SUP instructor, you can assume that you will learn the correct technique and that the topic of "safety while stand-up paddling" will also be covered. -
What equipment is used in the SUP course?
Good SUP schools offer modern equipment from brand manufacturers and do not use cheap boards or even discarded surfboards for instruction.
I cannot attend a SUP course. How do I avoid typical beginner mistakes?
Are there no opportunities to take a SUP course in your area because no station offers such a service? Or have you been a watersports enthusiast for many years and would now like to take up stand-up paddling as well? Then you have several options for learning the correct technique.
- There are various YouTube channels about SUP where you can pick up many tips on proper technique, buying a board, and hazards.
- If you have questions about technique and safety, you can join our Facebook SUP group and get tips from experienced paddlers there.
- Perhaps you have a few days of vacation and can choose a destination where SUP courses are offered. This way, you can combine business with pleasure and continue practicing at your vacation spot right after the SUP course.
- If you want to learn stand-up paddling yourself, make sure you have the right safety equipment and practice close to the shore in calm water and nice weather. Definitely take a smartphone in a waterproof case or dry bag with you in case any problems arise.
SUP course – but where?
Are you looking for a SUP course where you can try out our SUP boards? The following stations offer SUP courses using Glory Boards SUPs:
- Driftwood by Danique at Mattsee
- SUP BOX at Lake Fuschl and Lake Attersee
- SUP station in Glücksburg/Sandwig
- SUP AWAY in Kreuzlingen
Would you like to buy your first SUP board? Feel free to send us a message and we will put together the right SUP beginner set for you!
