SUP Surfing Beginner Skills
Overview
Use a special SUP Surf board to catch and ride small breaking waves up to 1½ ft.
Locations and Conditions
Beginner SUP surfing locations are defined as:
- Non pitching (shallow plunging) waves up to 1 ½ ft (½ metre)
- Sandy beach with even gradient and channel
- Free from strong rips, hazards, dumping shore break
- Wind speed less than 12 knots, offshore winds up to 10 knots
Pre-requisites
Before paddling at this level, you should:
- be able to swim 200 metres (656 ft), without stopping.
- have exposed waters paddling skills.
Equipment
SUP surf stand up paddle board
Paddle
Long leash
Skills and Knowledge
To paddle correctly and safely at this level, requires the following skills and knowledge:
Environment & Safety
- Understand the surf environment
- Identify SUP surf hazards
- Choose a safe SUP location
- Demonstrate correct wipe-out and mount/dismount
- Demonstrate correct SUP etiquette
Equipment & Clothing
- Choose suitable SUP surfing board and accessories
- Choose suitable clothing for SUP surfing
Paddle Skills
- Identify safe places to enter and exit the surf
- Negotiate breaking waves
- Correct paddling technique and stance
- How to catch waves
- How to ride waves
SUP surfing manouevres:
- Trim (backhand & forehand)
