How to Hold a Paddleboard Paddle Correctly
Holding your paddleboard paddle wrong is the number one mistake I see new stand-up paddleboarders making. And it can make a huge difference in not just paddling efficiency, but also maneuverability, stability, and comfort. Here’s how you can always know how to hold a paddleboard paddle correctly.
The Ultimate Guide to What Inflatable Paddleboards are Made Of
Inflatable paddleboards may seem like simple devices, but it may surprise you to learn the differences in how high quality inflatable paddle boards are made. In this guide, we Deep Dive into the inside of inflatable paddleboards!
USA SUP Announces 2026 National Championship Location
Last year’s USA SUP Nationals was an absolute hoot! I had so much fun there, and was excited to see that the stage has been set for 2026. The 2026 USA SUP Nationals Championship Races will be held during the Narrows Challenge race at Gig Harbor, WA (near Seattle) September 18-20, 2026!
There will be a NEW INFLATABLE SUP CATEGORY with EQUAL PRIZE MONEY!!!!!
4 Cold Water SUP Safety Tips for Winter Paddleboarding
Until the water becomes solid there’s no such thing as bad weather for SUP – just the wrong clothing! But that clothing choice (among other choices) can be the difference between a fun paddle session or a fatality. Here are 4 key SUP Safety tips to Stand Up Paddleboarding as the temperatures drop.
Paddling Meta – Pitfalls of Learning and Teaching
The big takeaway for students is to closely evaluate the advice and instruction you are receiving. Ask why something is done a certain way. If the answer is “because that’s how we do it,” or especially if it is “because that’s how XYZ does it,” then you need to take that advice with a pound of salt and look into what is really going on.
Simple SUP Buying Guide to Help Choose Your First Board
Maybe you’ve tried SUP a few times with friends or while on vacation, or maybe you are looking for a brand new adventure on the water. Either way, one of the first things you’ll need to do is get a paddleboard! Choosing your first SUP can be daunting. This SUP buying guide breaks the process down into four easy steps.
SUP Safety – Understanding Your Environment and the Weather
Stand Up Paddleboarding is incredibly fun, but a simple afternoon on the water can turn into a life-threatening situation in minutes. Staying alert to your environment is a key element in SUP Safety to make sure your three-hour tour gets home on time. (cue the Gilligan’s Island theme song)
How to Paddle Faster – Short Strokes for Swift Sprints, Sort Of
One question that comes up quite often is “how do I paddle faster?” There’s way more to unpack there than you might think, and it’s too much to get into with a single post. Recently, though, I was asked about stroke length while sprint racing. Now that’s a singular-enough topic to cover in one post.
Why You Need to Take a SUP Lesson
You should take a SUP lesson. Why is that? Because learning from an actual SUP Instructor is the quickest, most effectively way to get started paddling, learn more advanced techniques, and hone your paddle strokes for safe, effective paddling no matter your skill level.
SUP Leashes – Can This Life Saver Also be Lethal?
SUP Leashes have been considered a critical piece of safety equipment for paddleboarders since the sport began to take off in the late 90’s early 00’s. But why? Are they? Are there times where SUP leashes can be dangerous or even lethal?
PFDs, Life Jackets, and Buoyancy Aids – Oh My!
There is no single piece of safety equipment more important on any boat or board than your PFD – Personal Floatation Device. Also known as a Life Jacket or Buoyancy Aid, PFDs aren’t just required by law in most places – they can save your life.
The Planing Hull vs Displacement Hull SUP Mythos
There are a lot of different ideas about boat design for different purposes, and SUP is fully mired in it. One thing that gets confusing is Planing and Displacement Hull SUPs – mostly because it is not really a “thing” when it comes to SUP.
Which is better – a Hard vs Inflatable SUP?
This has got to be the largest debate amongst social media SUP communities. Is there an answer to the question of which is better – a hard vs inflatable SUP? Yes – but it’s not universal! Buckle up, this is going to be a long one.
3 Tips for Basic SUP Safety
Stand-Up Paddleboarding has taken off around the world for a variety of reasons. One is that it’s a relatively easy and safe way to enjoy the water.
But that doesn’t mean there aren’t risks, and there are a few basic safety precautions that every paddler should take no matter how experienced you are. Here are a few SUP safety tips.
