SUP surfing in a line up can be like a game of Chess. It can be fun, intimidating and rewarding but to succeed you need to be methodical and have lots of patience.

SUP surfing is still within its infancy, some countries more than others. It’s important to have this in the back of your mind when thinking about entering the water. Other surfers will be watching how you behave, they will be curious of your ability and most importantly, they will watch how you respect other water users even before you have reached the line up.

In my opinion there are five important elements when dealing with a new surf break that should be considered when using a SUP board.  These need to be adhered to, over and above the usual mandatory surfing etiquette.

KNOW YOUR LIMITS AND WHEN TO PUSH THEM
Study the surf and take into consideration your skill level, how many surfers are out and how many peaks are there? If there’s only one spot to take off, ask yourself are you good enough to make that drop. If there is doubt it may be a good idea to take a regular surfboard out first and get used to the break. The impact of an inexperienced sup surfer in the surf zone is generally much more risky than a standard surfer. This emphasises the importance of knowing your limitations before you set off.

PADDLING OUT
The usual surf rules apply, but there are some extra guidelines for sup surfers. I always keep one eye out for incoming sets and if I have someone behind me I’ll move over so that in the event of me losing my board it won’t hit them.

“ Sup surfers should be paddling out standing up. You have a lot more stability and speed when you are on your feet rather than on your knees, irrespective of how much white water is coming at you ”

DON’T PADDLE THROUGH THE LINE UP
Find the safest route out, wide of the line up. Timing is key; this is when you need patience to work out the best time to paddle out. Sup surfers should be paddling out standing up. This allows you to see the sets coming. Therefore with timing you have a better chance of getting out and not endangering other water users by loosing your board. You have a lot more stability and speed when you are on you feet rather than on your knees, irrespective of how much white water is coming at you. You’ll be surprised with practice how much water you can get over.

When you paddle out, take in the surroundings and watch the other surfers, so you can work out what sort of line up you are paddling into. Watch for any wide sets coming through, that less experienced surfers are paddling for.

Don’t chase every wave. Occasionally sit down on your board after you have had a few waves, let a set go though, and wait your turn. Then move into position, you have as much right to go for a wave when it’s your turn. Do not paddle for a wave that someone else is paddling for if they are deeper than you.

PADDLING HOME
If you come off a wave or get caught on the inside, lie prone with your paddle tucked underneath, it is the safest way to get out of danger. Get yourself out of the impact zone before you attempt to paddle back out.

Don’t be tempted to surf into swimming areas if you fall off the back of your board. It can very quickly head towards a swimmer.

BE CONFIDENT
SUP surfers stand out in the line up, so do our mistakes. However, in my experience if you abide by the traditional surfing rules of the road and consider these SUP surfing guide lines you have as much right to be out there as anyone else.

There’s no substitute for time spent on the water – spending time working on your fitness and your ability to control your position in the line up is invaluable. Once you are confident that you are able to deal with the conditions, paddle out, be positive and enjoy. SUP

Nick is proudly sponsored by K-66, ION, Freeriders and Fanatic. .