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Let ’ s sum it up SUP surfing is a great way to enjoy your paddling . It ’ s addictive , great fun and pushes your general paddling , unlike most other SUP disciplines . It offers you consistent challenges , every session is different , and the progression is endless . Sometimes it can be frustrating when you have a tricky session or the conditions aren ’ t right but don ’ t be surprised if you find yourself researching new moves or studying swell predictions .
If I could give two bits of advice to beginners , it ’ s this . Firstly take your time to learn about the surf zone , waves and what makes them break . Studying the conditions to get some basic knowledge will pay you back a thousand times over when you hit the beach . Secondly , when you are ready , sit and watch for 10 minutes first , watch what the waves are doing , how other surfers position themselves and where the dangers might be . Then when you are ready to go , get stuck in and enjoy the ride .
Surf etiquette SUP is a very popular recreational activity and sport now , with its ease of use and accessibility makes it a great way to get into watersports . This very nature also means that things like SUP surfing is not beyond the recreational paddler and learning to SUP surf is in many ways easier than prone surfing . One of the advantages is how easy it is to get out-back on a SUP board on smaller days , so you can quickly find yourself out with other surfers and ready to go .
Stand up paddlers , however , are often given a bad reputation in the surf , and you may well have heard surfers saying how the paddler just caught everything and dropped in on someone else , for example . Surfers are also very protective about their home spots . Usually , they dread the summer swells when tourists , novice surfers , and other water users hit the beach , meaning the surf zone can be intimidating .
Whilst I won ’ t cover every rule of surf etiquette now , here are a few essential pointers to get you going . Please do , of course , take some time to research surf etiquette before you hit the waves so you and others can enjoy your time on the water even more .
Paddle out and take your time – if there are other surfers in the water when you first paddle out , be prepared to wait for 10 or 20 minutes before catching a wave . This will show everyone you ’ re not just going to come charging through on your big SUP board and wipe everyone else out .
Take the first wave easy – don ’ t rush to get the big moves in straight away ; show you can control your board and are capable of being in the surf .
Give others room – don ’ t crowd over someone , especially if they are on a prone board . Being stood up can look intimidating especially wielding a paddle .
Find a wave to yourself – if it ’ s busy , look for waves to surf by yourself . On a SUP board , it ’ s easy to paddle off to find the empty waves , whereas surfers will often stay close to the main peak .