"Half the fun of SUP surfing is learning. Get out for a session every two days and you will feel a 6 pack coming on - it really does work your core muscles.
Once you learn the basics of SUP surfing taking it to the next level so you can maximize your surf sessions is done by practicing certain things and just paddling on the flat days consistently.


Here's a few things to do on flat days that are both fun and great training...

Paddles both sides with feet offset. Then switch natural to goofy and do the same.

Practice turning by reverse paddling on one side and then finishing the turn on the other. Do 360's - both sides

'Stall turn' by stepping back to the tail and paddling to turn - practice 360's - both sides.

Throw in some sprints to simulate taking off on waves. Start with short rapid strokes.

Paddle! Paddle! Paddle!!! Take the scenic route - nothing beats just paddling around.... "


Have a look on a map, find a cove out of the wind, or a river or a lake and get out there Oliver before your gills dry out!

And Revvin, thanks for that Laird at Puerto link, I am amazed at how skillfull he is.

Oliver,after just taking deliverey of (da-stoka) sorry the stonker,mate get the hell out there! The glass is always full or half full,unlike you to be negative!

enjoy the ride mac

I love glassy surf as much as anyone but if that was all I did I wouldn't spend much time on the water.

I look for windy, choppy days to go out for a training paddle and do mini-downwinders. Best workout on the planet.

Here's the recipe...

In heavy onshore winds with 2-3 ft chop paddle out 1/2 -1 mile offshore. You'll want to time your paddling to the chop and you'll be switching sides constantly to match the angle of the oncoming chop. The constant battle for balance works every muscle you've got. Turn and run with the wind back to shore. Still a battle but developing a different set of skills. ( Heavy metal goes good with this workout...)

Repeat until you can't do anymore.

Once I started doing this as a normal part of my workout for awhile my everyday balance on my board was ridiculously easy. Now I look for wild windy days because they are FUN. I love getting out into the middle of a violent storm now. Makes me feel alive. I'm closing in on 51 and I'm in the best shape I've seen in 20 years now too...helluva lot more fun than a gym.

Not sure if I posted this earlier..late october strorm. Found out after posting it the winds were actually more like 40 mph with gusts to 50. No wonder I couldn't make it past the outer break. Kept trying but would get pushed back each time. These were pretty extreme conditions but what a blast. 3 hours of this and I was like a ragdoll and slept like a baby. Can't wait for the next nor'easter.