Stand-up paddle boarding is a must-try outdoor water sport. It’s a great way to explore the waters, get some sunshine, and move your body. Like many sporty outdoor activities, there are lots of best practices to keep in mind when using a paddleboard to ensure maximized safety and a fun, successful outing. Here are some basic dos and don’t of stand-up paddle boarding and how to best protect yourself and your board.

Do: Use a Leash When Paddle Boarding

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced paddleboarder, strap in. A leash tethers you to your board, making sure if you fall off, you don’t drift away. It also makes it easier to use the board as a flotation device. Wearing a leash heightens your safety and is an essential step to paddle boarding.

Don’t: Store Your Paddleboard Outside

How you store your paddleboard affects its durability, longevity, and quality. Despite being for the outdoors, paddleboards are still susceptible to weather and UV damage, especially when exposed to those conditions for an extended period. So don’t store your paddleboard outside. Keep your board in a sheltered, raised, and temperature-controlled space.

Do: Paddle in a Pair or Group

From the sounds of the water lapping under your board to the repetitive paddling motion, paddle boarding is therapeutic for many people. It separates you from common daily distractions—electronics, loud vehicles, and industrial surroundings—allowing you to unwind in nature. Although solo paddle boarding further immerses you into a tranquil space, it’s better to paddle in a pair or group. Paddling with some friends keeps you safe and prepared for any possible incidents.

Don’t: Get Onto Your Board in Shallow Water

Paddleboard fins give you more control, enforce stability, and maintain your speed and direction. Getting onto your paddleboard in shallow water risks damaging your fins or getting them stuck between rocks or in the sand. Instead, push your board into slightly deeper waters until the fins clear above any surfaces before boarding.

Do: Paddle on Your Knees and Stomach

Despite “stand-up” being in the name, you don’t have to paddle standing. Paddling on your knees or stomach offers many benefits. It preserves your energy, gives you more balance, reduces your wind obstruction, and allows you to hand paddle in shallow waters. Don’t limit your paddleboarding abilities—paddle on your knees and stomach!

Don’t: Forget To Clean Your Board After Each Use

After spending all day paddling in the sun, the last thing you want to do is jump into more work. However, not cleaning your board after each use causes many future problems. It encourages mold growth, speeds up wear, and often causes stains, discoloration, and deformation. So after taking your paddleboard for a ride, don’t forget to clean it.

These dos and don’t of stand-up paddle boarding make sure you stay safe while on the water, maintain the longevity of your board, and continue to enjoy the experience of paddle boarding. If you’re in need of a new board or are just getting into the sport, check out RJ Nautical’s selection of POP paddleboards for sale. Once you get your new board, keep these dos and don’ts in mind.