How to walk on your SUP - 4 Essential Tips for Better Footwork

Walking on the board prepares you for a buoy/pivot turn and is required for adjusting board trim for surfing and downwinding. And it's great practice for building your overall paddling confidence and balance - and is fun!

Here, my instructor Joe demonstrates how not walk on the board:
Placing the paddle vertically on the deck may feel good but in rough water you'll be swimming.

Trying to balance like on a tight rope with the paddle blade out of the water will make you unstable and more likely lead to a fall.

Using a static slap on the water at your side, or a sweeping brace at your side will give you a ton of flexibility like a tripod or outrigger. in rough water you'll feel confident while moving on the board or even standing still.

Paddling is stability. Like riding a bike, momentum creates stability. When you walk on the board and are preparing for your buoy turn or to catch a wave, paddling will give you the support you need to do so without falling in or struggling. When in doubt, paddle. Practice walking on the board forwards and backwards when paddling forwards and backwards.

Walking on the board is also called Footwork. You can also slide or hop. Wear a leash to keep your board close when you fall.

Gear used in this video and/or recommended (Note: Some gear is video is outdated):

NRS SUP Coil Leash https://amzn.to/3FXF32z (attach to waist to not walk on it)
SurfCo Superflex rubber 9" fin: https://amzn.to/3VraqbM
MTI Fluid 2.0 Belt Pack Co2 PFD https://amzn.to/3I87Sw6
NRS Zephyr Belt Pack Co2 PFD - https://amzn.to/3Vf2M4Z
Vest option: Mustang Survival Vibe PFD https://amzn.to/3G2v50e
Vest option; Mustang Survival Khimera foam/CO2 vest PFD: https://amzn.to/3PRMyNc
Boardworks Shibu Great Bear 14’ Inflatable Paddle Board https://amzn.to/3PTRNvM
Boardworks Great Bear 14’ Touring Paddle Board https://amzn.to/3vlVEsd
Werner RipStick Paddle https://amzn.to/3VIqJkJ

These are affiliate links. If you purchase through the link I get a small commission to help me keep posting these! Thank-you. Rob

Need more info or to take our classes give me a holler..

Rob Casey
Seattle, WA USA
www.salmonbaypaddle.com
IG: @salmonbaypaddle

Questions? Need a Lesson?

Rob Casey
www.salmonbaypaddle.com
rob@salmonbaypaddle.com / 206-465-7167
Seattle, WA USA