Paddleboarding, like any sport, takes a bit of patience, practice, and time on the water. The good news? A few simple adjustments can dramatically improve your balance, confidence, and overall experience—often faster than you’d expect.

If you’re just getting started or want to feel more comfortable on your board, these beginner-friendly paddleboarding tips will help you progress safely and confidently.

1. Start Slow and Build Confidence
   
   Before heading onto the water, take a moment to familiarize yourself with your board. Make sure the nose (front) is pointed toward open water and the tail (where the fins are located) is behind you.
   
   If you’re new to paddleboarding, begin on your knees. Practice moving from kneeling to standing slowly—either on dry land or in shallow, calm water. Move through the transition deliberately: knees → hands and knees → one foot at a time → standing. Slower movements allow your body to adjust and correct balance naturally.
   
   Once standing, place your feet about shoulder-width apart, keep your knees slightly bent, engage your core, and face forward. Falling is part of learning—embrace it, especially on warm days.
2. Prioritize Safety Every Session
   
   Always stand near the center of the board where balance is most stable. Wear a leash to stay connected to your board—your board is your flotation device and your way back to shore.
   
   A properly fitted life jacket or PFD is strongly recommended and required in many areas. Choose one that allows free movement while paddling. Safety gear doesn’t limit fun—it extends it.
3. Find Your Balance Through Your Core
   
   Balance on a paddleboard comes from your center, not your feet. Engage your core, relax your upper body, and let your hips subtly shift to stay upright.
   
   When small waves or boat wake approach, place your paddle in the water on your dominant side for added stability. Over time, you’ll feel more natural reacting to movement—almost like a dance.
4. Use Proper Paddle Technique
   
   Make sure the paddle blade angle (the bend in the blade) faces away from you. This reduces strain on your shoulders and creates a smoother, more efficient stroke.
   
   Keep your arms relatively straight and use your core to pull the paddle alongside the board’s rail. Think of planting the blade fully in the water and pulling it back toward your feet—not past them. Longer strokes past your feet actually slow you down rather than increase speed.
   
   Sweep Stroke Tip: To turn sharply, place the paddle near the tail and sweep it in a wide arc toward the nose while rotating your torso in the direction you want to turn.
5. Look Ahead—and Learn to Fall Safely
   
   Avoid staring at your feet. Keeping your gaze forward—toward the horizon—helps maintain balance and paddle straighter while letting you enjoy the scenery.
   
   If you fall, aim to fall away from the board and into the water, not onto it. Think of falling as a quick reset: climb back on, smile, and keep going.

Every paddler improves at their own pace. The key is getting out there consistently, staying relaxed, and enjoying the process.

Have tips of your own that helped you progress on a paddleboard? We’d love to hear them. Share your experience with us at chat@nixysports.com.