Stand-up Paddleboarding: Pro Tips for Beginners

Setup: Inflating Your SUP

Before you take your maiden voyage, get to know your inflatable SUP by assembling and inflating it. The best inflatable SUP sets come with detachable fins, a collapsible oar and a safety leash, all of which require a minimal amount of assembly.

Your SUP likely comes with instructions, but if you’ve somehow misplaced them, the basic steps are as follows:

1. Unroll your SUP on a flat surface as close to the water as possible.

2. Use the included pump to inflate your SUP to the designated PSI. This can be anywhere from 15-18 PSI typically, and it should say on the instructions that come with your board or the box it came in.

3. Identify the designated slot(s) and attach the fin(s) to your SUP.

4. Attach the safety leash to the designated O-ring. If you have to walk to the water, secure the other end of the leash to the handle of the board so it doesn’t drag, and the SUP is easier to transport.

5. Assemble your paddle and adjust it to the appropriate length (more on that later).

Make sure you’ve reached the designated PSI on your SUP.

This might be the most important setup tip there is because it ensures the right amount of firmness, which directly affects your ability to maintain your balance on the board.  

It may seem like your board is firm enough to take it on the water before you’ve hit 1 PSI, but it isn’t. Your board can hold an astounding amount of air pressure, and it’s important to fill it as instructed for the best stability on the water.

Double-check the gauge on the pump and keep inflating or pumping until you’ve reached your board’s designated PSI (it should be printed near the board’s valve). Bestway handheld pumps have a pressure gauge for reference, and our electric SUP pump has a LCD display screen where you can preset your board’s PSI ahead of time. The pump will stop inflating when it hits that magic number, and you’ll be ready to hit the water.

PRO SETUP TIP: If you want to make inflation even easier, invest in an electric pump that plugs into your vehicle’s outlet with an AC adapter. It’s a convenient option that speeds up the process.

Storage & Gear: Prep Before You Paddle

Before you hit the open water, there are a few more things to consider.

• Be sure to wear sunscreen if you opt for a bathing suit, or wear clothing with Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) material.

• Most lakes require you to wear or have a life jacket approved by the U.S. Coast Guard on your board; it’s always best to be safe especially if you’re a beginner. Plus, you could get fined if you don’t have one. Check local guidelines for details and regulations.

• Make sure you’ve securely attached all of your items to your board before you depart. Most SUPs have elastic storage cords at one end (or, both in some cases) of the board to store your belongings as you paddle along. Dry bags or backpacks are a great option to keep all your items dry and in one place and carabiners can help hold items even more securely in place.

• If you’re taking your board on a river or near a rocky shoreline, invest in some water shoes to protect your feet as you go to and from the shore. They also help you maintain a better grip on the board than just your bare feet.

• A floating dry bag for your keys and phone is a MUST. Nothing flips a day from FUN to BUMMER faster than dropping your phone or keys into a watery abyss.

PRO GEAR TIP: Include a towel in your gear bag to dry your SUP off and remove any dirt or debris before packing it up again. It’s also best practice to rinse your board between trips because of the salt, algae or bacteria in the water.