Summer Stand-Up Paddleboarding Class: 3 Beginner Tips from the Coach

Learning stand-up paddleboarding at Ligou Hot Spring, I was won over by the coach’s 3 tips. It only took 1 hour to go from “can’t stand steady” to “able to paddle to the opposite shore.” This is how summer water fun should be.

1. First, practice the “kneeling balance”
Don’t stand up right away. Kneel in the middle of the board with your knees shoulder-width apart. Paddle with the blade flat against the water surface. The coach said, “This is the most stable posture, perfect for enjoying the scenery.” I paddled kneeling to the center of the stream, watching the reflection of Yala Sacred Mountain in the water, and suddenly felt it was even more comfortable than standing.

2. When standing, “step on the gunwale”
When you want to stand up, first support yourself with both hands on the board, then slowly place your feet on the sides of the board (not in the middle). Your body will sway left and right like a “roly-poly toy.” The coach stood beside me and said, “Don’t be afraid, if you fall in the water, I’ll catch you.” Sure enough, after standing for a few seconds, I found my balance.

3. Use the “sweeping paddle” to turn
When you want to turn around, insert the paddle blade vertically into the water and sweep it backward like sweeping the floor. The board will slowly turn. The coach smiled and said, “This trick helps avoid suddenly appearing small fish.” Indeed, I saw a few small fish swimming under the board.

After learning, I raced the coach to the opposite shore. Although I lost, the wind blew past my ears and water splashed on my face, feeling 100 times better than sweating in the gym. After playing, soaking in a hot spring relaxed all my muscles. This is how summer should be enjoyed!

Post by Amelia Gray96 & | Aug 16, 2025