Paddleboarding: How To Paddle Board
Standing on a board in the middle of a lake while trying not to faceplant sounds like a weird way to spend a Saturday — and yet, paddleboarding? Kind of addictive. It’s low-key, full-body fun that makes you feel sporty and chill at the same time. Plus, it looks great in photos.
Whether you’re testing the waters for the first time or just trying not to wipe out in front of your friends, we’ve got your back. At FUNBOY, we live for anything that gets us on the water, and paddleboarding fits the vibe — easy, floaty, and super fun once you find your balance.
Not sure where to start? Read on for the basics: how to stand up, paddle like you know what you’re doing, and keep things cute while staying (mostly) dry.
What Is Paddle Boarding?
If you’ve ever seen someone casually gliding across the water on what looks like a floating yoga mat — that’s paddle boarding. Technically called SUP (stand-up paddle boarding), it’s exactly what it sounds like: you stand on a board, use a paddle to move, and try not to fall off. But you don’t have to stand. That’s the beauty of it.
You can kneel, sit, sprawl, or snack — whatever feels right. It’s low-impact, great for your core, and gives off major “I work out, but also vacation” energy. The learning curve is super beginner-friendly, and you don’t need crazy waves or Olympic-level balance to have a good time.
And the best part? You can paddle board pretty much anywhere — on lakes, bays, mellow beaches, slow rivers, or even a large pool if that’s what you’ve got. Basically, anywhere there’s water and sun, a board fits in.
Is Paddle Boarding Hard?
We get it — you’ve seen people post up on a paddle board like they were born balancing on water, and now you’re wondering if you’ll just immediately fall in. But here’s the thing: paddle boarding isn’t as intimidating as it looks, and you don’t need pro surfer talent to figure it out.
That’s part of why it’s exploded in popularity lately — because it’s accessible, fun, and actually doable for most people with a little patience (and maybe a wobbly start). Whether you’re nervous to try or just want to avoid going viral for the wrong reason, here are some pointers to help you get paddling.
- Start on calm water:Save the ocean drama for later. Lakes, bays, or even chill sections of a river are ideal for your first few sessions. Less current = more control = fewer unexpected splash landings.
- Face the right way: It sounds obvious until it’s not. Make sure the fins are behind you (they help with tracking). If your board has a handle in the middle, your feet should straddle it — that’s your balance sweet spot.
- Stay low at first:Don’t pop up like you’re in Baywatch. Start by kneeling to get your bearings, then stand up slowly, one foot at a time, keeping your knees slightly bent. It’s not a race — go slow and feel it out.
- Look ahead, not down:Staring at your feet is a fast track to losing balance. Keep your eyes on the horizon (or the snack boat in the distance) to stay steady.
- Use your core, not just your arms: It’s called stand-up paddle boarding, not arm flail boarding. Your core does the real work when paddling — think gentle, controlled strokes, not full upper-body chaos.
- Don’t panic when you wobble:Wobbling is part of the experience — especially at first. Bend your knees, stay loose, and just go with it. Worst case? You get wet. It’s a water sport, not a tax audit.
- Practice turning: To turn, paddle on the opposite side of where you want to go. Want to go left? Paddle on the right. It’s like reverse psychology but for your arms.
- Bring a buddy: It’s more fun, and they can laugh with you when you both fall in. (Or film you for content — either way, it's a win.)
Remember: no one looks cool their first time — and that’s half the fun. It’s supposed to be a little awkward, a little splashy, and a whole lot more entertaining than you expected.
How Do You Choose a Paddle Board?
We talked about what paddle boarding is and how it’s not only for people who say things like 'namaste' while floating, but let’s back it up for a second. Before you even hit the water, you’ve got to figure out which paddle board to use. And no, they’re not all the same.
There are two main types: solid and inflatable. Solid boards are typically made from materials like fiberglass or epoxy. They’re fast, sleek, and great if you’re planning to race or have a dedicated spot to store them. But they’re heavy, harder to transport, and let’s be honest — kind of a pain if you’re short on space or don’t have roof racks.
Inflatable paddle boards (our personal go-to) are a lot more practical for most people. They’re lightweight, super easy to carry, and they roll up into a bag when you’re done — yes, really.
Great for road trips, apartment living, or anyone who doesn’t want to wrestle a giant board through a parking lot. Ours inflate in minutes and are 11”6’ to make it sturdy on the water, even if you’re still working on your balance.
For choosing the right one, here’s a quick breakdown:
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Wider boards = more stable. If you’re new or just want something that doesn’t feel wobbly, go wider.
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Longer boards = smoother glide. Ideal for longer paddles or open water.
- Shorter boards = easier to maneuver. Better for kids or casual paddling close to shore.
If you're just starting out, don’t overthink it. Pick something stable, portable, and easy to store. And if it's inflatable, all the better — more room in your car for snacks, sunscreen, and maybe a float or two.
What Should You Wear Paddle Boarding?
Wondering what to wear that won’t leave you soggy, sunburned, or straight-up uncomfortable? Paddle-boarding outfits don’t need to be fancy, but they do need to be functional — especially when you're trying to stand up without flashing everyone or getting dragged down by water-logged shorts.
Here’s the move:
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Swimsuit or quick-dry clothing. Think something you can get wet in and move around in. Athletic one-pieces, swim trunks, or a comfy rash guard are all solid picks. Avoid anything cotton (wet t-shirts = no thank you).
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Sun protection. A hat with a strap, sunglasses you’re okay possibly losing, and sunscreen — lots of it. Bonus points for long sleeves with UV protection.
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Footwear (optional). You can go barefoot, but water shoes or grippy sandals work if you’re launching from a rocky shore or dock.
- Extras. A dry bag for your phone and keys, and maybe a change of clothes if you’re not planning to rock damp spandex the rest of the day.
Keep it simple, wear what makes you feel comfortable, and remember — you will probably get wet. Might as well dress like you planned for it.
How To Improve Paddle Boarding Skills
So you’ve tried paddleboarding, and you’re totally hooked — now what? Once you’ve mastered standing up without face-planting and can paddle in a straight-ish line, it’s time to level up. The good news? You don’t need to go full pro to feel the progress.
Start by working on endurance. Go a little farther each time, try paddling into a light current, or add in intervals — paddle hard for 30 seconds, then cruise. Want to improve balance? Practice different stances, like shifting weight from side to side or trying a light yoga pose (child’s pose definitely counts).
You can challenge your turns, too — try pivot turns by stepping back on the board and lifting the nose slightly or practice tighter directional changes. It’s part technique, part confidence.
Also? Don’t overdo it. Paddle boarding’s supposed to be fun, not exhausting. Give your arms a break, float for a bit, and stretch it out on one of our Water Hammocks — yes, mid-session lounging is totally a skill.
The more you go out, the more natural it starts to feel. Keep showing up, trying new things, and laughing off the occasional splash. Progress looks a lot like practice (with better tan lines).
Conclusion
There you have it — everything you need to know to get out on the water without looking (or feeling) totally lost. Paddleboarding is one of those things that looks fancy but is secretly super doable, even if you start out paddling in circles or slipping off the board every few minutes.
The key? Have fun with it, stay loose, and don’t be afraid to fall in.
At FUNBOY, we designed our Inflatable Paddle Boards to make that first ride (and every one after) feel like less of a learning curve and more of an instant win. Plus, they’re the most stylish boards on the water—think yellow cabana stripes or classic navy toile. Paddle with personality? Yes, please!Lightweight, portable, and beginner-friendly without looking basic — they’re made for laid-back lake days, pool hangs, or wherever the water takes you.
And when it’s time to swap paddles for pool floats? You already know we’ve got you. Let’s go.
Sources:
StandUp Paddle: The World’s Fastest Growing Water Sport | International Surfing Association
Can paddleboarding keep you young? | UCHealth Today
How to Protect Your Skin from UV Rays | Sun Safety | American Cancer Society
