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The Basics: Stand Up Paddling
For tips and videos visit us at Youtube.com/SeaEagleBoats.
If you are not an experienced stand up paddler, we suggest that
you start in calm shallow flat water and practice for an hour or
two before paddling out into deeper water. We also recommend
that you do so when the water temperature is comfortable for
swimming. Do not be discouraged if you fall in a few times.
Standup Paddling is much like water skiing, it takes some practice
and experience to be proficient. Give it some time and don’t give
up. This is a wonderful experience and pastime once you get used
to it.
When getting on the board, have your SUP paddle already in your
hand and make sure you are in deep enough water (1’ or more) so
the large skeg is not scraping the bottom - you want it to be free to
do its thing.
Center your foot on the board and stand up bringing your other
foot up onto to the board one or two feet in front of your other
foot. Once you are standing, move your feet (one at a time) further
to sides, one a little bit in front of the other.
Use your SUP paddle for balance, switching it side to side as
needed. It is a good idea to get used to moving your feet forward
and backward, always using your SUP paddle to counter balance
your weight. As soon as you are comfortable, start paddling for-
ward keeping most of your weight in the center of the board.
As you paddle forward, switching your paddle from one side to
another, experiment paddling with longer and shorter strokes.
Please note, you can paddle two strokes or more on one side if you
have sufficient momentum. As the board turns to the other side,
switch your paddle to correct.
The Basics: Sit Down Paddling
Before starting make sure that you have installed your deluxe in-
flatable seat on the SUP and it is properly attached (as directed in
this manual). The sit down position is ideal for using our optional
foot rest as you’ll paddle better and faster if you have a secure foot
brace to push your feet against. For sit down paddling use the
AB-30 kayak paddle.
Flat Open Waters, Waves & Ocean Surf:
Once you become proficient in paddling shallow water, you can
expand your practice to deeper waters. As time goes by, you can
try paddling on rougher water days, getting used to the drop and
pitch of larger lake or bay waves. Once you feel comfortable with
paddling on flat water in different wave conditions, you can con-
sider paddling in ocean surf.
Again, we think you should go out on calm day to start. Try to
pick a day with small waves that you can practice in. As you be-
come used to smaller ocean waves, then try larger waves. Here,
some knowledge of surfing and swimming in the ocean is very
important.
These instructions are not sufficient to going into detailed surfing
lessons. We suggest you go online and read up on surfing, if you
do not have ocean surfing experience. Please also note, there are
many good surfing courses offered locally throughout the country
that you might consider.
Bay, Lake & Ocean Paddling
Your Sea Eagle SUP can be used on lakes, bays and oceans. One
thing you might notice if you are accustomed to hard hull kayaks
or canoes is the natural yaw (side to side motion). The two small
skegs and the large center skeg prevent most of the yaw. The way
you paddle can prevent most of the rest of the yaw.
Big Paddling Tip: When you begin to paddle, paddle slowly at
first, building speed with each stroke to control the natural yaw
further and allow you to paddle straighter and faster.
Sit Down Ocean Surfing
The Sea Eagle Long Board is a great pleasure on the ocean. Those
not familiar with the ocean should take appropriate care, and al-
ways paddle within range of a lifeguard station.
Warm-Up
Always perform some warm-up stretches before entering the surf.
This will reduce the risk of muscle injury or cramp while you’re
stand up paddling.
Awareness
Make sure you’re in safe waters. Like snowboarding or skate-
boarding, stand up paddlers sometimes fall when they are still
beginners. Don’t pass over any rocks or underwater debris shal-
low enough to hurt you if you go over. If you plan on a long trip,
consult a navigational chart to be sure your path is clear of reefs,
wrecks, rocks or other debris.
Wind Awareness
Be aware of the wind. Stand-up paddling is far more affected by
the wind than kayaking. The paddler’s body functions as a sail
in windy conditions so paddling downwind is easy and paddling
upwind can be challenging. Make sure you’re comfortable in light
winds before venturing out on a windy day, and it makes sense to
paddle into the wind first so your return trip will be a nice relax-
ing downwind glide. On longer trips, make sure you’re aware of
the forecast as winds can change unexpectedly when you’re out on
the water.
Comfort Zone/Fitness/Food
You should only surf in waves that you are comfortable in, and
never go into ocean waves that are rougher than you can handle.
Never lose sight of the oncoming waves and NEVER exhaust
