Paddleboards are more stable than they look as long as they are inflated properly. The best place to be, to keep your balance, is close to the middle of the board. Whether you're on your knees or feet, the middle of the board will centre your weight more evenly. Keep your feet hip-width apart, stand up straight and engage your core. Remember, practice makes perfect!

Your paddleboard should always have a leash attached. This leash attaches to your ankle or waist, depending on which you prefer. Some people favour attaching the leash to their waist so they can reach and detach it more easily. The leash is there to keep your board close if you fall off, allowing you to get back on the board or use it as a float. 

This can be a little tricky to master at first, but after a few times, it'll be second nature. Get the board in the water and bring it along side you: transfer your weight slowly into the centre of the board. Remember, knees hip width apart! Getting off is exactly the same, but in reverse!

When standing on the board in the water, your paddle should be held with one hand on the T-grip at the top of the paddle, and the other further down the shaft, usually midway at a point comfortable for you. If you're kneeling, you may want to bring your top hand down the shaft a little. 

Just when you've mastered going forward, you have to turn around! Turning is a skill you'll have to practise and master. The easiest way to turn is to do two long strokes (back to front) on one side, and two long backward strokes (front to back) on the opposite side. 

Practice makes perfect! And it also builds your confidence. The more you're out there paddling and practising, the more confidence you'll get and the better skilled you'll become. Joining a club and taking a course will both help your confidence and skill as well. 

As a beginner you may choose to rent a paddleboard and paddle from a local company or club to begin with. But if you've become hooked, you may want to invest in your own. If you've got an iSUP (inflatable SUP), make sure it's inflated to the recommended pressure. And always check there's a leash. 

An essential piece of gear, you want to wear either a pull over buoyancy aid or at least an airbelt PFD (Personal Flotation Device that secures around your waist and inflates when you pull the cord). This will help you stay afloat if you come off the board.

Whether you rent to begin with or buy your own, a wetsuit is great at keeping you warm in and out of the water. In the winter you may need more layers or invest in a drysuit.

This is especially important if you're paddling solo. Make sure to check in with someone before you go, whether that's a quick text or letting your flatmates know. Then someone knows when to expect to hear from you again and if they don't, will come to find you. 

We recommend you wear a buoyancy aid, or at least an airbelt PFD when paddleboarding on flat water. This will keep you afloat if you fall off and is essential if you were to get in a rescue situation, difficult water or separated from your board. 

Do you have the experience and knowledge to go where you're paddling? Have you checked the weather? Do you know how to look for currents, rip tides or paddle in windy weather? Make sure you are confident in your abilities before taking your board out on rivers, lakes or sea. 

The leash is what connects you and your board together. It is so important to make sure this is working before you paddle and not damaged or unattached. The leash will keep you and your board together if you fall off. Make sure you choose the right leash for the water you'll be paddling on.

When on the water you want to be comfortably dry as well as wet. Plan for the weather! In the dryer months a wetsuit, neoprene bottoms and tops work well. These will keep you warm if you are to fall in as well. In winter you may want more layers, pack any additional layers in a drybag. 

Paddleboarding is thirsty work! Especially on the gorgeous, hot, sunny days we have. So make sure to pack a waterbottle and have it strapped down to your board securely or in a drybag. The water you'll be paddling in may not be suitable for drinking.