Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is one of the easiest ways to get on the water. It is a great low-impact workout, it works on almost any flat water, and most people are comfortable on a board within about an hour.
This guide covers what to know before your first time: board types, sizing, safety and life jacket rules, and basic technique.
Inflatable vs. hard boards
Hard boards
Most SUP boards are fiberglass with epoxy shells and foam cores, typically 9 to 12 feet long, with padded decks and one or three fins. A hard board is stiff and glides well, but it needs a rack or truck bed to haul and space to store.
Inflatable boards
Inflatables fold into a bag, so they suit small cars, apartments and travel. They take a few minutes to pump up and roll up. Quality inflatables can feel very solid underfoot.
Pedal boards
Prefer to pedal while standing? The Hobie Mirage Eclipse and iTrek Eclipse add pedal-driven power to a stand-up board. See our Hobie iTrek collection.
Which should you pick?
- Little storage or you travel: inflatable.
- Launch from your garage and want the best glide: hard board.
- Not sure yet: rent first.
Sizing a board
Bigger boards are more stable. For beginners, look for a wider, thicker board with a padded deck. Manufacturers publish weight capacities, so make sure the board suits your weight plus any gear.
- Length: longer boards track straighter, shorter boards turn easier.
- Width and thickness: wider is more stable.
- Capacity: check the rated load before you buy.
Not sure what fits? Stop by and we will help you compare.
The paddle
A paddle that is the right length makes a big difference. A common rule of thumb is a "shaka" length, or 5 to 7 inches, taller than your height. Paddles are made of aluminum, carbon fiber, fiberglass or wood, and lighter paddles are easier on your arms over a long day.
Safety and life jacket rules
Treat a paddleboard like a boat, because the law often does.
What the rules say
- Federal: the U.S. Coast Guard classifies paddleboards as vessels when used outside a designated swimming, surfing or bathing area. That means a Coast Guard-approved life jacket should be on board for each person, with a whistle or other sound signal, and a light if you are out after dark. Inflatable belt-pack life jackets must be worn to count. Check current rules at the Coast Guard site, because details vary by situation.
- Illinois: the Illinois DNR requires a wearable life jacket for each person aboard. State guidance also says children under 13 must wear a life jacket on watercraft under 26 feet in length while underway. We could not confirm paddleboard-specific language, so check the current Illinois DNR boating regulations or ask a conservation police officer.
- Local rules: parks, forest preserves and marinas may add requirements.
Our rule
At Quest, all riders wear an approved personal flotation device at all times. Premium boarding PFDs are provided with rentals, or you can bring your own. We recommend wearing yours on every paddle, no matter what the minimum is.
More safety tips
- Check the wind and weather. Wind makes paddleboarding much harder.
- Wear a leash if your board has one, as it keeps the board with you. Do not use a coiled leash in moving current.
- Stay close to shore until you are confident.
- Stay clear of boat traffic and barges, and never go near dams.
- Dress for the water temperature.
Technique for your first time
Getting up
- Launch in calm, shallow water.
- Start on your knees near the middle of the board, where it balances.
- Place your hands on the board, bring one foot up, then the other.
- Stand with feet about hip-width apart, knees slightly bent, and eyes up on the horizon rather than your feet.
Holding the paddle
Put one hand on the handle and the other about one-third of the way down the shaft. Alternate hand placement depending on which side you paddle: if you paddle on the right, your left hand is on the handle and your right hand on the shaft. The angled blade tilts forward.
The stroke
- Reach the blade 1 to 2 feet in front of you.
- Pull through with a motion like punching with the top hand while pulling with the bottom hand.
- Finish when the blade is 6 to 12 inches behind you, then lift it out.
- Switch sides every few strokes to stay straight.
If you fall
You will fall at some point. It is part of learning. Fall away from the board, climb back on from the side at the middle, and get back to your knees first.
For a quick visual lesson, see our stand-up paddleboarding page, which includes video.
Try it at Heritage Harbor
We rent Hobie DuraGlide stand-up paddleboards from Heritage Harbor Ottawa, a protected 32-acre marina that is ideal for learning. Rental paddleboards stay within the harbor for safety. Rental season runs April 15 to October 1, weather permitting, and reservations are recommended. See rentals for details and rates.
Once you are hooked, browse kayaks and paddleboards, and read our guide to paddling near Starved Rock. Need financing for gear? See financing.
Ready to paddle?
Call us at 815.433.2200 or visit the shop. We will help you rent your first board or choose one to take home.
FAQ
Are inflatable paddleboards good for beginners?
Yes. Quality inflatables are stable and easy to store and transport. Choose a wider board with a padded deck.
Do I need a life jacket on a paddleboard in Illinois?
The Coast Guard treats paddleboards as vessels outside swimming and surfing areas, which means a life jacket should be on board. Illinois also requires children under 13 to wear one on watercraft under 26 feet underway. Quest requires everyone to wear a PFD on its rentals. Check the current Illinois DNR rules.
How long does it take to learn to paddleboard?
Most people become comfortable on a stable board within about an hour.
Can I paddleboard on the Illinois River from Quest?
Quest rental paddleboards stay inside Heritage Harbor for safety. Kayak riders may go out on the river.
How do I choose a paddle length?
A common rule of thumb is 5 to 7 inches taller than your height.