The surf was nearly perfect for the Hinano SurfRace to Victory Sunday in Huntington Beach, Calif.: Big enough that race boards could be surfed with style, but not so pumping that the carnage factor exceeded the pure entertainment value. “It was definitely the most fun event of the season,” said elite SUP competitor, Brandi Baksic. [...]

EVER MISSED A WAVE BECAUSE YOU COULDN’T TURN QUICK ENOUGH? Had a hard time rounding that buoy during training runs? By adding the pivot turn to your arsenal, you can turn any length board on a dime. The pivot turn is based on stepping back on the tail of your ride to lift the nose clear of the water, which makes it easier to rotate. Mastering the pivot turn also increases balance. Each board will turn differently: A short board with ample rocker pivots easily while a race board with minimal rocker requires more effort. Here’s how to spin.

Wiping out is part of learning to standup surf. An instructor once told me, “If you’re not falling, you’re not trying hard enough.” Here’s a few techniques on how to fall gracefully to avoid injury. First, don’t fall. When in doubt, use a paddle stroke. A brace stroke can provide that split-second recovery: lowering your [...]

Every day in the ocean is different, and though most of us prefer to ride waves on our frontside (toe side), conditions don’t always cooperate. Chuck Patterson’s tips will help you dial your backside cutback and keep you in the wave’s power pocket.

The Art of Downwind Paddling

The spring issue of SUP magazine features our first ever Board Guide–a comprehensive rundown of some of the industry’s best rides. So what if this is your first SUP? How do you choose the size, shape and style of your precious new toy? We solicited lifelong shaper and waterman Brian Szymanksi to give us his [...]

Full of equal parts intimidation and excitement, I head to Laguna Beach to meet up with four strangers for my SUP Boot Camp indoctrination. It’s just shy of 0800 as I pull up to Stand Up Paddle Co., and spot the ubiquitous Werner Paddles Dodge Sprinter van. Moments later an extremely fit and cheerful Nikki [...]

Standup paddling makes everything more fun. Shin-high waves become bragging fodder. Your local lake can be surfed. And moving water, even the easy stuff, is like a carnival ride minus the sketchy carnies and corndogs. Here, whitewater kayaking legend and river SUP guru Dan Gavere shows us how to exit an eddy with style. Eddies [...]