Learn stand up paddling

1. The right equipment for beginners

Before you start stand up paddling, choosing the right equipment is essential to learn how to paddle quickly and safely.

• The SUP board: For beginners, it is important to choose a wide, stable board. Inflatable SUP boards are particularly beginner-friendly as they lie better on the water and provide more stability.
• The paddle: A good paddle should be easy to adjust to your body size. The handle of the paddle should end a hand’s width above your head when you hold it vertically in front of you.
• Safety first: Always wear a life jacket, especially if you are not yet confident on the board or the waters are choppy. Even if the Adriatic is often very calm, a life jacket provides additional safety.

2. First steps: The right stance on the board

To learn stand up paddling successfully, balance is crucial. How to find your safe footing:

• Start on your knees: Start by kneeling on the board and paddle in this position to get a feel for the board and the water movement.
• Stand up: As soon as you feel confident, slowly place both feet parallel to each other in the middle of the board. Make sure your feet are shoulder-width apart.
• Slightly bent knees: Keep your knees slightly bent to better absorb shocks from waves. You should be looking straight ahead, not at your feet, to keep your balance.

3. The right paddling technique

Once you have mastered standing on the board, the next step in learning stand up paddling is the right paddling technique:

• Paddle grip: Hold the paddle with one hand on the upper grip and with the other hand further down on the shaft.
• Paddle: Dip the paddle deep into the water and pull it back in a straight line along the board. Make sure you paddle evenly so that you don’t have to exert too much force.
• Change sides: Change sides regularly to paddle straight ahead. This not only ensures an even load, but also keeps the board more stable in the water.

4. The ideal place to learn stand up paddling: Kaprije

Kaprije is the perfect place to learn stand up paddling. The island offers many sheltered bays with calm water, ideal for beginners. The often mirror-smooth water surface and clear water make it possible to see the underwater world while standing on your board. It’s a great activity for families with children in particular, as they can discover nature together and learn the basics of stand up paddling while having fun.
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5. Tips for advanced users

When you feel confident after a few practice sessions, you can start trying out new techniques. Here are a few advanced tips that you can use when stand up paddling on Kaprije:

• Longer paddle tours: Explore the coast of Kaprije and discover secluded bays and beaches that are often only accessible by SUP.
• SUP yoga: If you want to improve your balance even further, try SUP yoga. The tranquil atmosphere of Kaprije is perfect for relaxing yoga exercises on the water.
• Paddle faster: Over time, you can increase your speed and cover longer distances. This is not only a great workout, but also gives you the freedom to cover greater distances on the water.

Fazit: Stand Up Paddling lernen leicht gemacht

Whether you are learning stand up paddling for the first time or already have some experience, Kaprije offers the ideal conditions for exploring the beautiful Adriatic Sea on a SUP board. The calm waters, breathtaking nature and many hidden bays make the SUP experience here unforgettable. So pack your swimsuit, grab a board and experience the beauty of Croatia in a whole new way!