Learn stand-up paddling: equipment, paddling & basics – tips for beginners

Learn stand-up paddling – Relaxed tours through nature – this form of water sport is very popular on many rivers and lakes.
You stand on a board and paddle your way along.
Many campers take the board with them in addition to the roof tent or tent trailer.
Here you will find tips on how to get started with stand-up paddling, which techniques you should consider when paddling, how to safely plan a tour and five beautiful destinations where you can get out on the water with your board and paddle.

Camping vacation & stand-up paddling?

Experience the beauty of nature from a new perspective as you stand on the water and explore the surroundings.
Stand-up paddling gives you the opportunity to discover new waters and explore hidden bays and river courses.
At the same time, you can enjoy moments of peace and relaxation as you glide gently over the water and take in the surrounding nature.
You can make this activity a shared activity with your family or friends.

That’s why you should think about the board and paddle when you go on vacation:

  • Discover nature from a new perspective
  • Explore new corners of a body of water
  • Discover hidden bays and river courses
  • Enjoy peace & relaxation on the water
  • Shared experience with family or friends

Tips for beginners: With board & fin on the lake

Stand-up paddling is also known as SUP.
You stand on a (usually inflatable) board.
You move around with a paddle.
The fin, a wedge under the board, provides additional stability.
This activity is popular on lakes or rivers.
Stand-up paddling at a glance:

  • Also called SUP
  • Standing on board
  • Moving around with a paddle
  • Fin = more stability
  • Popular on lakes and rivers

Learning with video: Step by step

As you will learn in this video, it is easy to learn to stand on the board with a few tricks.
You will learn how to get your board on the water and how to get on it.
You will also learn how to use the paddle correctly.
As you can see it directly in the video and it is explained to you in small steps, it can help you to soon be more confident on the board yourself.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Twi84eoemfI Here you will find a summary of many of the tips.

From land into the water: putting the board on

You should pay attention to these things when SUPing.
Stones or shallow water can damage the fin and board.
That’s why it’s worth putting the board on the surface only when the water is deeper.
This way you can avoid damage.
If you do want to place the board in shallow water, you should first place it on the water with the fin facing upwards.
If you have placed it upside down in the water, you can bring it into deeper water and then carefully turn it over.
When you come up from the jetty, you should hold the board carefully.
This will prevent it from drifting off and you will have to swim after it.
And you should always remember your paddle.
If you want to get going, this is how you should get your board into the water:

  • Pay attention to stones or water that is too shallow
  • Do not put the board in the water until the water is deeper (otherwise damage to the fin)
  • In shallow water: Upside down (fin up)
  • When launching from the jetty: watch out & hold on tight to avoid drifting off
  • Don’t forget your paddle

Position when paddling: Basics & orientation

In theory, the standing position is very simple.
However, finding the right balance requires some practice.
To maintain this, you should stand in the middle.
If you stand too far forward or back, the board can tip over.
Your feet should be shoulder-width apart and the same distance from the edge of the SUP board.
The carrying handle in the middle can serve as a guide for the correct position.
You can find a summary of tips for standing on the board here:

  • Stand in the center
  • Carrying handle can serve as a reference point

Your knees should never be fully extended.
When standing, you can use a squat as a guide.
This will keep your body’s center of gravity as low as possible and help you keep your balance.
Keep your back straight and your gaze forward.
If you look down or to the side, you can quickly become unstable again.
You should pay attention to this in your posture:

  • Knees slightly bent
  • Keep the body’s center of gravity low
  • Straight back
  • Looking straight ahead

At the beginning: Get up from your knees

When you start, it’s worth doing your first paddle strokes on your knees.
This will help you practise keeping your balance.
Just like your feet when standing, your knees should be about shoulder-width apart.

  • First paddle strokes while kneeling
  • Knees about shoulder-width apart

Stand up: Finding balance & understanding the basics

Once you have found your balance and can paddle stably, you can try to stand up slowly.
To do this, place the paddle in front of you on the board and hold it firmly with both hands.
Then put your feet up one after the other.
If you feel that one heel is firmly planted, you can also straighten your upper body.
You can also sway slightly with your knees.
You should also quickly pick up the paddle and hold it in the water.
In fact, the paddle provides you with additional stability if you hold it steady in the water.
You should have understood the basics in about three hours.
However, this time is different for everyone and you shouldn’t be disappointed if it takes you longer.
Here you will find a summary of tips for standing up:

  1. If kneeling safely: then stand up carefully
  2. Paddle across the board & hold on with both hands
  3. Carefully place both feet one after the other
  4. Heel must stand firmly
  5. Compensate for movements of the board with your knees
  6. When your feet are firmly planted, slowly straighten your upper body
  7. Take the paddle up with you
  8. Dip the paddle blade in water after standing up (more stability)
  9. Approx. 3h until basics understood

A dog is standing on a paddleboard and in the background you can see the leg of a person.

Paddling: forwards on the water

To move forward in the direction you are facing, you need to paddle.
To do this, orient yourself to the side on which you want to paddle.
If you want to paddle on the left side, grip the handle of the paddle with your right hand and the shaft with your left.
If you want to paddle on the right side, the whole thing works the other way round.

Adjusting the paddle: Finding the right length

So that you can get started and your paddle is set up correctly, you will find tips here on how to set the paddle to the right length.
To measure this, place the paddle on the ground and grab the paddle handle.
It should now be long enough for your elbow to be slightly bent.
When you now start paddling on the board, you should do so in such a way that you push the paddle vertically into the water.
The paddle blade at the end has a curvature.
This should point forwards so that you displace as much water as possible and make faster progress.
You can find tips on how to hold your paddle here:

  • When paddling left side
  • Handle with right hand
  • Hold the shaft with your left hand

You can use this overview to adjust your paddle to the right length:

  • Not too short or too long
  • Place on the floor and grip the paddle handle for correct adjustment
  • Then adjust the length so that the elbow is slightly bent
  • Blade must be curved forwards
  • Pierce vertically into the water

Forward stroke: basic movement, explanation & common mistakes

The forward stroke is the basic movement for moving forward.
You plunge the paddle blade completely into the water next to the front end of the board.
You should do this as far forward as possible so that you can make faster progress with a long paddle stroke.
When the paddle is level with your heels, you should pull it out of the water.
The paddle has little effect behind your heels.
You should also pull the paddle back close to the board.
If it is too far away, you may end up making a turn.
You should also change hands after a few strokes.
If you only paddle on one side, you may end up going in circles after a while.
Here is a summary of the paddle strokes:

  • Submerge the front of the paddle blade completely in the water
  • As far forward as possible, so that long paddle stroke
  • Pull backwards close to the board (otherwise curve)
  • Remove from the water next to the heel
  • Change sides after a few moves

More tips for the paddle: Standing & turning

If you just want to stand on the water, for example to wait for your fellow travelers, you should hold the paddle blade calmly in the water.
This will prevent you from drifting back and forth uncontrollably and give you more stability.
You can turn on the water with a backward paddle stroke.
In other words, reverse the sequence of movements described above.
You should also make sure that you take the power from your upper body and arms so that you can compensate for any swaying with your legs.
You should have the feeling that you are pushing your legs into the board.
It is worth practicing this paddle stroke on dry land or on your knees beforehand.
You should be able to stand and turn with these tricks:

  • Standing: Paddle blade in the water & hold still (more stability)
  • Turning with paddle stroke to the rear
  • Use your upper body & legs to push into the board
  • Practice on dry land or on your knees beforehand

Equipment: Board & care

For beginners, we recommend a wider and longer board so that it has more surface area on the water and is more stable.
You can get advice on this from a specialist dealer.
They will also adjust your board to your body weight.
If you want to enjoy your SUP board for a long time, you should not leave it in the sun for too long.
This can wear out the material.
With an inflatable board, you should also make sure there is enough air, otherwise it will become unstable.

  • Beginners: wider & longer board (more stability)
  • Board is adjusted to body weight in specialist shops
  • Do not leave the board in the sun for too long
  • Always fully inflate the inflatable board

Two people bring their stand-up paddling board into the water on a beach.

Safety: falling, swimming & sun protection

As with surfing, the board is connected to your foot or calf via a leash.
So if you fall, the board doesn’t drift away but stays close to you.
You can then climb back on very quickly.
In the event of a fall, it is important that you have good swimming skills and wear a life jacket.
Then you won’t sink.
You should also pay attention to these broad points with your fellow travelers.

  • Leash connects foot & board
  • Swimming skills are important
  • Do not forget your life jacket

Planning: getting to know the area & paddling in a group

Especially at the beginning, you should never go out on the water alone, but always with at least two people.
The other person can then help or call for help in an emergency.
As a beginner, you should plan short trips of two to three kilometers so as not to overexert yourself.
It’s worth finding out about the area in advance, especially when doing sports on wild waters.
You won’t be able to predict every rock, but you can avoid any nasty surprises.
These include currents and sandbanks, for example.
You should also check the weather in advance.
It can quickly become dangerous if you get caught in a rain shower or even a thunderstorm.
If you are still unsure, you can also attend a course.
There, all the basics will be explained to you in detail and you will receive help with the basic techniques.
You should pay attention to these points on your trip with the SUP board:

  • Never alone (companion can help & get help)
  • Beginners: Short tours 2-3 km
  • Inform about the area in advance
  • Check the weather beforehand
  • If you are unsure: Attend a course

Clothing & luggage: you should think about this!

You are free to choose your clothes on the board, but it is worth avoiding heavy cotton fabrics or jeans.
If you fall into the water, these can become soaked and make swimming more difficult.
Swimwear with adequate sun protection is recommended.
In other words, a waterproof sunscreen with a high sun protection factor.
If you get tired or thirsty in between, you should take some sugary snacks and drinking water with you in a waterproof bag.
With this tip, you’ll be well equipped for your adventure on the SUP board:

  • No jeans or heavy cotton clothing
  • Waterproof sun cream with a high sun protection factor
  • Snacks for sugar in between meals
  • Sufficient water to drink

Top 5 destinations: Paddling on the lake

The sport is particularly popular at these locations:

More from your vacation: water sports & activities

Here you will find even more tips for fun activities on vacation.
Whether in the water or in the mountains, here you will find lots of tips for beginners to help you get an overview of even the more complicated tasks.

Water sports on vacation: alternatives to SUP

Not only can you go stand-up paddling on vacation, you can also get active on the water in other ways.
Water sports are a popular pastime on vacation, be it on a canoe, motorboat, surfboard or water ski.
Whether you’re interested in fishing, canoeing, swimming, sailing, surfing, diving, water skiing or wakeboarding, you’ll find plenty of tips for beginners here.

Vacation activities: a varied trip

However, it’s not just in the water that there are opportunities for great experiences, but also outside.
Are you planning a vacation and still looking for activities for yourself, your family, your partner or for outside the campsite?
Here you will find numerous inspiring ideas to enrich your vacation.

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T-drawbar or V-fork ?
Thousands of trailer drivers know the problem of tight spaces only too well: if you drive into a narrow lane and have to turn, it is important to back your car as far as possible against the trailer in order to get around the bend without any problems. With a T-drawbar, you can utilize the maximum steering angle. This is precisely why we at CAMPWERK rely on this tried-and-tested technology – for optimum flexibility and maneuverability, no matter how tight things get.
T-drawbar
V-fork
T-drawbar
V-fork
Chassis
  • 2 crossbars
  • Maintenance-free rubber spring axles
  • Independent suspension
  • The chassis is exclusively from the renowned manufacturer AL-KO, market leader in the car trailer and caravan sector
  • Safety indicator on the clutch
Aluminum structure
  • Our aluminium trailers are equipped with anodized aluminium profiles
  • double-walled anodized aluminium side panels 30mm, 440mm high
  • Large emergency lighting with integrated rear fog light
  • Equipped with balanced tires as standard
  • Base plate stable screen-printed base, non-slip
  • Complete M8 stainless steel screw connection (V2A stainless steel)
  • Electrical system: Supply cable (wiring harness) standard with 13-pin plug
  • Tailgate latches very elaborate, made entirely of stainless steel
Equipped for every situation thanks to the versatile accessories...

Raised dropside

20L canister

Towbar adapter for bike carrier with coupling connection

2-4 bike racks

Anti-drag clutch

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