SUP whitewater riding technique for beginners
Paddling in flowing waters, however, requires a completely new paddling technique and suitable boards. On the other hand, the correct reading of the river (hydrology), the correct stance, paddling technique and the appropriate equipment are also part of river and whitewater paddling.
Here are some helpful tips for SUP on the river: The four stance positions:
1) Parallel stance (cruising stance): On slow-flowing, often wide rivers, you can adopt the same stance on the SUP board as you would in still water. The feet are positioned parallel to each other, similar to on skis. Your stance is about hip-width apart, so you are stable and your knees are slightly bent. In moving flowing water, white water with wave formation, on cutting lines, when entering and exiting eddies and when wave surfing, the so-called
2) Surfing stance is usually the right choice. The surfing stance is similar to standing on a surfboard with your feet across the board, the front foot is positioned slightly forwards up to a maximum of 40 degrees, the back foot is positioned in the centre of the board, usually around zero degrees (or slightly negative, see snowboard). The knees are bent to increase board control. The basic rule is: the rougher the water, the deeper you bend your knees.
3) Indian stance: To maintain control in larger waves and rollers in the river, you put your back knee down on the board. You can adopt this position at any time if the water becomes too choppy. You simply go down with your back knee until it rests on the board. Experienced pilots can also stand up again from this position at any time. By paddling on your knees
4) (Safty Stance) you achieve a lower centre of gravity and are less likely to be thrown off the board. If you decide on the knee position, you should definitely do this before a difficult spot in order to be prepared. In the Safty Stance, the knees are parallel to each other (as in the normal stance position) and the torso is slightly bent forwards. The paddle is kept shorter or, if a vario paddle is available, slightly shortened.
The SUP whitewater riding technique for beginners is available as a PDF download below:
- Turning water entrance
- Turning water exit
- River paddling technique
- River Traverse
- Safety in flowing waters
- Material tip
Safety Stance
Cruising Stance
Indian Stance
Surfing Stance
