How to Stand Up on a Paddle Board for the First Time

by Coastal Paddle Boards April 20, 2026

Getting to your feet on a paddle board for the first time feels daunting. But with the right approach, most people are up and paddling within their first session. Here is how to do it.

Before You Get On

A few things to sort before you launch:

Attach your leash to your ankle. Always.
Make sure your board is fully inflated to the correct PSI.
Start in calm, shallow water where you can stand up if you fall in.
Remove your shoes. Bare feet or neoprene boots give you much better feel for the board.

Step 1: Start on Your Knees

Do not try to stand up straight away. Start by kneeling in the centre of the board, just behind the handle. This is the balance point of the board. Get comfortable here first and take a few paddle strokes to get a feel for how the board moves.

The centre handle is your reference point. Your feet should end up roughly where your knees are now when you stand.

Step 2: Find Your Balance Point

With your knees on either side of the handle, place your hands flat on the board in front of you. Feel how the board responds to your weight shifting forward and back, and side to side. A good board will feel stable here. If it feels wobbly, you may be too far forward or back.

Step 3: Move to a Crouch

When you feel ready, curl your toes under and push up into a low crouch position. Keep your weight centred over the board and your hands out for balance. Stay low for a moment and let the board settle.

Step 4: Stand Up

From the crouch, straighten your legs slowly and bring yourself to a standing position. Keep your feet parallel, roughly shoulder-width apart, centred on the board. Bend your knees slightly. Keep your gaze on the horizon, not down at your feet.

Looking down is the most common mistake beginners make. It shifts your weight forward and makes the board feel unstable. Eyes up, horizon ahead.

Step 5: Start Paddling

Once you are standing, start paddling. Moving forward actually makes the board more stable, not less. Short, steady strokes on alternating sides will keep you tracking straight.

Hold the paddle with one hand on the top handle and one hand on the shaft. Keep the blade angled forward as you stroke, not back. This is the most efficient technique and feels more natural once you get used to it.

When You Fall In

You will fall in. Everyone does, especially at first. Here is what to do:

Try to fall to the side rather than forward onto the board.
Your leash will keep the board close. Grab it and pull it back to you.
To get back on, approach the board from the side, grab the handle in the centre, and kick your legs to get your body horizontal on the water. Then pull yourself up onto the board and get back to your knees before standing again.

Practise getting back on in shallow water before you head out somewhere deeper. It is much easier than it sounds once you have done it a couple of times.

Tips for Staying Up

Keep your knees slightly bent at all times
Look at the horizon, not your feet
Keep your core engaged
Paddle to maintain momentum
Relax. Tension makes balance harder, not easier.

Get the Right Board

A wider board makes learning much easier. Our Salcombe Seeker is 31 inches wide, which gives excellent stability for beginners without sacrificing performance as you improve. Browse our full paddle board range to find the right fit.