Stand-up paddleboarding is a great outdoor exercise that lets you explore calm water and take in the beauty of nature. But before you can fully enjoy the peacefulness of paddleboarding, there is one important step that is often overlooked: getting your SUP to the water and out of the water. This simple job can have a big effect on the rest of your time on the water. Knowing how to carry a SUP in a safe and efficient way is more than just a matter of logistics; it’s an important skill that makes sure your transition from land to water goes smoothly.
Imagine that you are standing on the beach, and the calm water is calling you to go paddling. Your SUP, a reliable friend for these water adventures, is sitting nearby, ready to be moved. At this point, you should understand how important it is to know how to carry your board the right way if you don’t want to risk breaking your favorite board.
How to carry a SUP
Carrying a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) is not only a practical necessity but also an important skill that every paddleboarder should learn. Even though it’s hard to deny how appealing it is to glide peacefully across the water on your SUP, getting from your car to the water’s edge is one of the most important parts of a smooth and fun paddling experience. In this detailed guide, we’ll go into great detail about how to carry a stand-up paddleboard. But don’t worry, this is a breakdown of the steps and techniques that will make this job easy for both new and experienced paddlers.
When you carry your SUP the right way, accidents and injuries are less likely to happen. If your board isn’t set right, you could slip, fall, or hurt yourself, which could ruin your day on the water. Your SUP is an investment in having fun and going to new places. If you know how to carry it, you can keep it from getting dings, dents, or other damage during travel. Using less time and energy to carry your SUP will give you more energy and excitement for your paddleboarding trips.
Picking It Up
The first thing to do when bringing a SUP is to put it in the right place. Start by turning the board on its side so that the bottom is facing you and the front is facing you. This way, the board can be lifted from a stable base. During this step, it’s very important to keep the right stance. Keep your back straight and bend your knees. This stance helps you balance the weight of the board and keeps your back from getting too tired. Once you’re in the right position, reach across the board to the handle, which is usually near the middle. You should have a firm but not too tight hold on the handle. Now that you have a good hold on the SUP, you are ready to lift it off the ground.
Stand the Board on Its Side
Careful placement is the first step in learning how to carry a Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP). Start by putting the SUP on its side so that the bottom of the board is facing you and the front end is facing where you want to go, whether it’s a calm lake, a flowing river, or an inviting beach. This simple-looking move is the basis for a smooth and controlled board lift. By putting the SUP in this spot, you give yourself a stable starting place that not only makes lifting it easier but also reduces the chance of something going wrong. This placement makes sure that you can start your water adventure with confidence, knowing that your board is ready for a safe and easy trip to the water’s edge.
Bend Your Knees and Keep Your Back Straight
Your comfort and safety need to take a Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) correctly. To do this well, slightly bend your knees and keep your back as straight as possible. This position serves two purposes. First, it helps spread the board’s weight evenly, which keeps certain muscle groups from getting too tired. Second, it makes you much less likely to get hurt, especially in your back. Keeping this balanced stance gives your legs the power to carry a big part of the weight. This keeps your back from getting strained, which can happen if you slouch. This simple but essential method is necessary for transporting your SUP without any trouble. Still, it protects your health and lets you enjoy paddleboarding without worrying or discomfort.
Reach for the Carry Handle and Lift
Most stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) have a well-placed carry handle, making lifting and moving the board easier. This handle, usually near the middle of the board, is where you hold the board. When you’re getting ready to lift the SUP, you must reach across the board to the other side and easily find the carry handle. Hold the handle tightly when you find it, but don’t try too hard. A good grip is essential because it lets you keep control of the board and keeps it from slipping or falling while carrying it. This handle, placed in a way that makes it easy to use, is your anchor as you make your way to the water. It makes the transfer from the land to the calm waves smooth and worry-free.
While Carrying
There are a few essential things to remember as you carry the SUP. First, it’s best to always have one hand free. This free hand can keep your balance, change your grip, or give extra support on rough ground. Hold the SUP on the side of your body, facing away from the wind. This will help you keep control of the board and reduce the effects of wind resistance. For example, if the wind is coming from your right, you should hold the board to your left. This helps keep the board from getting caught up in the wind, which makes it easier to move.
Try to face the board into the wind as much as possible. This makes it even less likely that the wind will catch the board and makes it easier to move. When it’s windy, facing the board into the wind makes it less likely to get pushed away from you.
Keep one hand free, and hold board between other hand and body
Keeping a hand free while carrying your stand-up paddleboard (SUP) is an excellent idea to help you stay more stable and flexible as you move it. This free hand is a valuable asset that can help in many situations. On your way to the water, for example, if the ground is uneven or there are obstacles, this hand can give you extra support or help you keep your balance by touching or leaning against nearby items. Also, having a free hand lets you respond quickly to sudden changes in your surroundings. This makes sure you can move around quickly and with confidence. Whether it’s a slight change in how you hold the board or a quick pause to look at your path, that free hand can be used in many ways to keep control and stability as you carry your SUP.
Hold the Board on the Downwind Side of Your Body
A critical method that can make a big difference when transporting a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) is putting it on your body’s downwind side. Think of the wind as a possible opponent who could slow you down or even tip the board if you don’t handle it right. By keeping the SUP on the side facing downwind, you create a barrier against the wind and reduce the amount of surface area exposed to it. This reduces how much the wind slows you down, making it easier to keep control of the board. For example, if the wind is coming from your right, holding the board to your left will ensure that the wind pushes against the side of the board instead of getting the whole surface, which could make the board unstable. This method is all about working with the elements to make the trip to the water smoother and more accessible. This way, you can focus on the fun of paddleboarding instead of fighting the wind.
Face the Board Into the Wind
You should turn your Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) so that it faces into the wind. This intelligent move will give you much more control and make it easier. Think of it as matching your SUP with how the wind blows, making it less likely that the wind will slow you down. When the board faces the wind, it is more efficient because the bow cuts through the breeze instead of letting it catch on a large surface. This makes it less likely that the board will blow away from you and also keeps it responsive to your commands, making it easier to move even when the wind is strong. Facing the board in the wind is like sailing with the wind. It lets you use the factors to your advantage and makes the transition from land to water smoother and easier to handle.
Shoulder Carry Strap
If you want to make things easier, use a shoulder strap. This accessory can make it easier to take your SUP, especially if you have to walk a long way to get to the water. To use a shoulder carry strap, hook it to the handle of the board, put it over one shoulder, and adjust the length of the strap until it fits snugly and comfortably. With a shoulder carry strap, you can spread the weight of the SUP more evenly across your shoulders and back, making it easier on your arms and hands.
To use a shoulder carry strap, connect it to the handle of the board and put it over one shoulder. Hence, the board hangs behind you, and adjusts the strap length so it fits comfortably. A shoulder strap can make carrying your SUP even more accessible, especially if you must walk a long way to get to the water.
Getting a stand-up paddleboard from one place to another is easy. Following these simple steps for picking up and carrying your SUP, you’ll be ready to get your board to the water safely and efficiently if you use a shoulder carry strap. With your SUP in tow, you can look forward to many fun trips on calm waters where you can paddle as much as you want.
In conclusion, any paddleboarder must know how to carry a SUP correctly. Following these steps and tips, you can move your SUP safely and efficiently, so you’ll be ready for your next paddleboarding trip. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned paddler, learning this skill will improve your SUP experience.
Tips for a Windy Day
On a windy day, it could be really difficult to carry a paddleboard using the handle because when the board is sideways it’s like a giant kite. The wind is going to blow you and paddleboard all over the place. It is really difficult to control, especially since you just have one hand on it.
On windy days, carry the paddleboard over your head. I typically start by standing the board upright in front of me and putting my head against it with my hands gripping either side. The handle is in the center of the board, so the handle should be directly on top of your head while you’re carrying it. This will make it easier to balance.
Carrying a Paddleboard a Long Distance
Using the handle to carry a paddleboard a long distance isn’t great. Your arm and and will get tired. You’ll likely have to take a break and switch hands. It is easier to carry the board over your head, since you’ll use your head mostly to carry the weight and control the board with your arms. However, your arms and should will get tired and you might still have to take a break.
An alternative to carrying the board, is to use a cart for paddleboards. They are relatively small and there are options for two boards.