When you get your board, the fin configuration will be one of two options - a single middle fin or three fins, with the standard middle fin and two side bites. Individual fins can be easily tracked in the water and are the most common setting for paddle boards for beginners. The other setup is optimal for surfing.

 

Assembling your board may seem like a bit of a challenge, but it's actually easier than it seems. From the shore, you can put the board in shallow water, grab the sides and get on the SUP on your knees. Once you feel stable enough to try to stand up, you can do so. Don't worry about diving into the water as it's inevitable and not as bad as it seems. If you are in the water and fall off the board, you will need to attach the board from the side. If you try from the front or the back you will find that it doesn't work and you end up having to flip the board over. Oops, oops ...

 

Now that you know how to get on the board, watch the video below to learn the basic techniques of paddling. One important thing to remember is that you need to hold your paddle so that the blade is tilted away from you, that you keep your feet up parallel to each other but not too close to the sides and that you are with Stand up with your knees slightly bent.

 

 

When you need to make a turn in the water, the best way to maneuver the paddle is keeping your strokes quick and short. This will help you get where you need to go in the water.