Paddleboarding isn't a brand new water sport, but it is quickly gaining in popularity. With paddleboarding, you either kneel, lie or stand on a flat surface. This is usually a paddleboard, though some people also use a surfboard. If you want to stand on your paddleboard, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind.

How to Hold the Paddle

The first thing you should learn when paddleboarding is how to hold the paddle. Standing up requires a lot of stability, and it will be very difficult if you have not yet learned the paddling technique first. When holding the paddle, always grip it at the top with one hand and in the middle with the other hold. Hold it in front of you with your elbows bent, giving you enough space for paddling. The blade angle should always be facing away from you. One good thing is that if you drop it in the water, it will float, so it's not lost.

Steps to Standing Up on the Paddleboard

Once you have mastered holding the paddle, you can learn how to stand up on your paddleboard. Here are the tips to keep in mind when you first start learning:

1. Wear a wetsuit when you start learning to stand as you may fall into the cold water multiple times.
2. Push the paddleboard out far enough to where the fin is not touching the bottom of the body of water.
3. Get onto the paddleboard and begin by kneeling on the board. Stabilize yourself on the board on your knees, stroking the water a few times on both sides of the board.
4. Keep one knee and the board and begin standing with the other leg. Put the foot flat on the board, remaining as close to the center of the board as possible.
5. Stand up with the other foot, still paying attention to your placement on the board. If you feel uneasy about it, bend your knees and remain in that position before standing up straight on the foot. Keep your feet parallel and about shoulder-width apart.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

There are some mistakes that beginners tend to make when they first start standing on a paddleboard, or paddleboarding in general. Try to avoid making these mistakes:

• Do not hold the paddle like a broomstick. Keep one hand at the top of the handle at all times, with the other on the shaft of the paddle.
• Do not make a surf stance on the board. Your paddleboard is different from surfing, so you don't want to keep that typical surf stance. Always keep your feet parallel when standing on a paddleboard.
• Keep a long and firm grip on the paddle in order to have the most powerful stroke. Put the blade of the paddle into the water before taking a stroke, which allows your back muscles to do most of the work and not your arms.

With these tips, you will be well on your way to paddleboarding and learning how to stand up while you use your paddle.