Jumping on to a Paddleboard and paddling off straight across a remote lake is the dream of many folks. But what happens when you find yourself going around in circles, or just bumping into other paddleboarders?

Keeping the Paddleboard going in a straight line, or even just in the right direction can be a real challenge especially for the beginner to SUP. Fortunately there is a solution (or several solutions) that should make this task a little less onerous!

There are a number of reasons why you may be wandering around and struggle to go straight ahead, the first of these could be your positioning and stance.

SUP Positioning on the Paddleboard

To get your position on the board correct just be sure that you are evenly positioned in the centre of the board. Too much to the front and the board will dip into any oncoming waves. Too much to the rear and the front will rise up and ‘surf’ any wave or ripple. This will also make the front of the board light and lead to instability.

Keep your feet apart and evenly placed, just a few inches from either side. Keep your back straight and tighten your core muscles slightly (not tense!).

Even if you are kneeling on the paddleboard, the principles are still the same. Keep everything centred and even. Straighten the back and tighten the core. This will help with balance and direction overall.

Paddling Technique

When paddling in a stand up position or kneeling, keep the paddle close to the board (not touching). Reaching too far out will result in a loss of direction and your forward momentum will suffer. It will also result in early fatigue as it is physically harder work.

When stroking the paddle reach forward (don’t stretch) and draw the paddle back with an even motion. When the paddle reaches the vertical position, lift it from the water and start the process over.

If you keep the paddle in the water and let it behind you before you lift (beginners error), then it is much more laborious for the user and less effective overall putting a real strain on the arms and core especially.

You will notice that the paddleboard paddle has a blade that curves at an angle? Make sure the blade is curved with the bottom pointing towards the front when you paddle. This may be the opposite to what you would think, but if you point it to the rear then the paddle would ‘scoop up’ the water resulting in a very heavy paddle.

Stack your hands one above the other and keep the paddle as vertical as you can when pulling back. This will get you the best results for your labours. Constantly access the length of your strokes and find the ‘sweet spot’ where you are travelling the smoothest for the least effort.

Watch where you are paddling!

The mistake many beginners make is being too conscious of how the board is performing, or indeed anxious should they be about to fall off!

Once you have your balance on the paddleboard settled, and your paddling technique sorted out you should be concentrating on where you are going.

This is not being facetious believe me. When paddling look straight ahead, or at least to the object of your intended destination – not at the board. This is a similar discipline used in most sports or activities where a destination is involved.

When you look straight at your intended target, your body will align itself to that point naturally (ok, so it may take a while for the naturally part).

This is a principle not only in sports but in life as well. If you have no idea where you are going you will wander aimlessly and never get to your destination – because you have none!

So to re-iterate these points.

Get your position on the board right with the correct centres and balancing. Get to grips with the proper paddling technique, and look ahead to your destination – not down at the board.

Above all however I should add – be patient with yourself! Like most things in life, practice does make perfect (sort of). It will take a few lessons that is all before you really begin to master paddling in a straight line.

Other things that may cause issues with paddleboard direction

• Paddleboard fins. You will have noticed that paddleboards come with fins on the underside? There are usually 3 detachable fins on most inflatable SUP’s. Check that these fins are not missing or loose. This often happens when paddling is water that is too shallow and the fins catch the bottom or get broken of stones and such. These fins are designed to give better directional control so if there are missing or damaged then you may have issues with direction.
• Balancing issues. This goes along with the first point about positioning. If you are having difficulty balancing on a paddleboard to begin with, then going in a straight line is the least of your problems! Check out this article on how to balance on a SUP.
• Paddleboard length. The length and indeed the width of a paddle board as well as the fin length and location all contribute to the directional abilities of the board. If you are having difficulty steering your board then a quick solution may be to borrow somebody else’s for a quick try-out. It could be that you and your board are not compatible! As a general guide the longer paddleboards tend to track straighter overall, whilst the shorter boards have better manoeuvrability and suit more experienced paddlers.
• Overloaded paddleboard? It could be that your inability to steer straight is linked to the amount of gear you have aboard, and how you have it distributed. Make sure that first of all you need the kit you have packed aboard, and that it is effectively and evenly distributed.

 Straight Paddleboarding Summary

As you can see there are quite a few reasons why you could be struggling with keeping a straight line on a paddleboard – at least to begin with!

However as mentioned earlier, most of these issues can be solved just by practise and just doing it! Technical or mechanical issues aside, paddleboarding is not at all difficult and all about having fun and getting away from the stresses and trials of life – so no use getting all stressed out over steering issues.

Jump on your board. Get out in the great outdoors, and have lots of fun paddleboarding – it’s what this is all about after all 😊