SUP Surfing Basics: Rules, Techniques and Etiquette

Riding ocean waves on a stand-up paddleboard looks effortless when the experts do it, but there’s a real learning curve behind those smooth rides. Before you paddle into the surf, you need a foundation of flatwater skills, a clear understanding of safety and a basic grasp of surf etiquette so you’re not “that person” in the lineup.

This guide walks you through the golden rules of SUP surfing, key safety considerations, the techniques for catching and riding waves and how to behave respectfully in the lineup. Along the way, two instructional videos help you see the skills in action.

The Golden Rules of SUP Surfing

Before you think about your first wave, start with these core rules to keep yourself and others safe.

• Don’t paddle into crowded surf zones when you’re learning. If there are swimmers or surfers in the area and you’re not experienced, stay out of the surf zone. SUP boards are large and can hit hard if you lose control. When you’re starting out, look for knee-high waves in an uncrowded spot where you’re not putting anyone else at risk.
• Always wear a leash. A board without a leash can turn into a runaway missile that injures other people in the water. Use a leash every time you surf. In many situations, a straight (non-coil) leash is preferable because it’s less likely to slingshot the board back toward you.
• Build your skills on flatwater first. The surf zone is not the place to learn how to stand on your board, paddle straight or turn. Practice the basics—balance, bracing strokes and moving around on your board—on calm water until you feel confident and in control.
• Learn from more experienced paddlers. One of the fastest ways to progress is to learn from people who already know the break. Connect with local SUP surfers, clubs, instructors or paddling shops. They can help you understand local conditions, hazards and unwritten rules that don’t show up in a simple how-to list.

Safety Basics Before You Enter the Surf

Good habits on land and flatwater carry over into the surf. A few simple safety practices can make your first sessions smoother and less stressful.

• Start small. Limit yourself to no more than knee-high waves while you’re learning to control the board in moving water.
• Choose an uncrowded practice spot. When possible, work on your early sessions where there are no swimmers and no dense surf lineup.
• Respect the power of your board. Even inflatables can cause significant injuries in a collision; keep your board under control at all times.
• Mind the depth. In shallow areas, fall flat rather than diving feet first or head first to reduce the risk of hitting bottom or obstacles.
• Check your gear. Inspect your leash, fin hardware and paddle before paddling out, and dress appropriately for water temperature and conditions.

How to Catch Your First Wave

Once you’re comfortable on flatwater and have a handle on the golden rules, you’re ready to work on catching small, clean waves.

• Pick your wave early. Watch the sets and choose a wave that matches your comfort level. Turn your board to face the beach and commit to that wave instead of changing your mind at the last second.
• Paddle to match the wave. As the wave approaches, take a few quick, strong strokes to get your board moving at nearly the same speed as the wave. This makes it easier for the wave to pick you up.
• Step into surf stance. When you feel the wave lift the tail of your board, quickly move into surf stance—a staggered stance with your back foot near or over the fins and your front foot slightly forward. Drop into a light crouch to stay stable.
• Keep the nose from pearling. With your back foot over the fins and your weight slightly back, the nose of the board stays out of the water instead of diving. This stance also allows you to steer left or right down the line.

Trimming Your Board and Staying on the Wave

Once you’re on the wave, the focus shifts to staying in the “sweet spot”—the non-breaking shoulder of the wave where you have the most control and speed.

• Move forward to speed up. If you feel yourself sliding off the back of the wave, shuffle your weight slightly forward and take a couple of strokes to stay with it.
• Shift back to keep control. If the nose starts to bury or the wave steepens, move your weight back toward the tail to keep the nose from diving.
• Use your paddle. Your paddle isn’t just for propulsion; it’s also a brace and steering tool. Light strokes and bracing on your toe side can help you hold your line and stay balanced.

Paddling Back Out Through the Surf

After you ride a wave in, you’ll need to turn around and get back to the lineup safely and efficiently.

• Face the waves head-on. Paddle straight toward oncoming waves. Being sideways to the wave is a fast track to getting knocked off and losing control of your board.
• Build speed before impact. As a wave approaches, increase your paddling rate so you have momentum when the whitewater hits.
• Step back into surf stance. As the foam reaches you, step back into surf stance and keep your weight centered and low.
• Keep your paddle in the water. Don’t stop paddling as the wave hits. Use your paddle to brace and pull yourself through the whitewater instead of becoming a passenger.

SUP Surf Etiquette: How Not to Be “That Person”

Good etiquette keeps the lineup safe and enjoyable for everyone. As a SUP surfer, you have more speed and visibility, which makes it even more important to be respectful.

• Don’t take every wave. Just because you can see and catch waves early doesn’t mean you should. Share waves and give prone surfers their turn.
• Learn and follow local rules. Many breaks have their own rhythm and unwritten rules. Watch the lineup, ask questions and follow the lead of experienced locals.
• Stay clear of others. Give other surfers plenty of space when paddling out and when taking off on waves. Avoid paddling directly into someone’s line.
• Control your board. Always be aware of where your board is and where it will go if you fall. Your leash is a backup, not a primary control method.
• Respect the vibe. A friendly attitude and a willingness to learn go a long way. Acknowledge your mistakes, apologize when needed and keep the mood positive.

Keep Learning and Building Your SUP Surf Skills

Progress in SUP surfing comes from combining book knowledge, on-water practice and guidance from more experienced paddlers. Keep honing your flatwater skills, pay attention to local conditions and seek out instruction from SUP clubs, instructors or specialty paddling shops.

Start small, stay humble and surf with respect. With a solid grasp of the rules, safety basics, techniques and etiquette, you’ll spend more time riding waves and less time worrying about what’s happening around you.