As a beginner paddleboarder, I was always worried that I would get tired legs or a sore back from standing up the whole time I was out on the water. In this guide I’m going to answer the question, can you sit on a stand-up paddle board?
The simple answer is yes, you can sit down on a stand-up paddle board. Even though stand-up paddle boards are designed to be used standing up, there is nothing stopping you from sitting or kneeling on one. You can also buy different seats to add to your paddle board to give you an even comfier experience.
If you want to know more about why you might want to sit on a stand-up paddle board and how you can add a comfortable seat to yours, read on.
Do You Always Have to Stand on a Stand-Up Paddle Board?
The first time you hop on your Stand-Up Paddle Board (SUP) and hit the calm waters of your local lake, it will be hard to take the smile off your face. However, after a period of time, you will likely find that your legs get tired and the experience becomes less about enjoyment and more about endurance.
Don’t be put off though, you don’t have to stand the whole time you are on your SUP! You can enjoy your experience just as well sitting down on your SUP. The most important thing is that you find a way to enjoy your paddle boarding experience that is comfortable for you.
Why Would You Sit on a Stand-Up Paddle Board?
There are several reasons why you might want to sit down on your SUP instead of standing up:
Rest Your Legs (and Your Back)
Standing for a long time can make your legs tired, especially as a beginner. Add to that the fact that paddle boarding is actually quite a good workout and you’ll soon start to feel tired. Sitting down on your SUP is a good way to give your legs a break without having to head back to shore.
As well as your legs, you can also do your back a bit of a favour as well, as standing for a long period of time can put extra strain on your lower back. Having a sit down can help to ease the pressure on your back.
To Try Your Hand at Kayaking
If you have ever fancied having a go at kayaking or canoeing, then sitting down on your SUP is a good way to practice this whilst using the equipment you already have.
Because of the larger flat bottom that SUPs have, they are much better for practising on that a kayak or canoe as they are less likely to tip over. This means that you can get used to the feel of different paddle positions before learning about a different balance technique.
Just don’t go taking your SUP down your local white water rapids!
Take Pictures Whilst Paddle Boarding
If you are paddle boarding somewhere particularly scenic (which is usually the case with most paddle boarding spots, you might want to sit down so that you can take some pictures of the beautiful scenery around you.
Trying to take pictures whilst standing on your SUP can be quite difficult as you will no doubt also be trying to balance at the same time as taking your picture, so sitting down will give you much more control to frame your perfect social media-worthy snap!
Paddle Board Yoga
If you enjoy a bit of yoga then you’ll know there is nothing better than doing it in tranquil surroundings. When you’re out on your SUP in the middle of a nice, calm lake, why not practice a bit of yoga.
Take a seat on your paddle board and do some deep breathing exercises to relax. Just this simple exercise will help you feel incredibly peaceful. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you could try some more complicated poses. Just be sure to make sure you don’t fall off!
If You’re Taking Other With You
If you have a larger SUP, you might want to take another person on your board with you. Enjoying a ride with others can be a fun way to enjoy paddle boarding without needing more than one board.
Whether you’re taking a friend with you, a younger family member or even a four-legged friend, you are likely to find that balancing on your SUP is a bit more difficult as others moving around will move the SUP from underneath you.
Taking a seat instead of standing will help you maintain the balance of your SUP and lower the risk of you (and others) falling in.
To Have a Paddle Board Picnic
If you’re planning a longer trip out on your paddle board, you might want to stop for a rest and a bite to eat. Why not have a picnic on your paddle board!
If you’re out on the water with friends, you can take a backpack with some food and drinks inside and sit down on your SUP for a snack. Whilst you can try to eat standing up, you might find it easier to sit down.
If you’re looking for a good idea for a more unique date, why don’t you go on a paddle board picnic date! At least if things don’t go well you can simply paddle your separate ways!
Paddle Board Fishing
Traditional fishing from the shore is a good way to catch fish in more shallow water, but why not head out further into the lake on your SUP and fish in the deeper waters.
SUP fishing gives you a unique opportunity to enjoy some time out on your SUP whilst also catching your supper.
If you’re extra lucky and you’re feeling a bit tired, you might just catch a bite from a big fish that will drag you back to shore!
When Paddling in Rougher Waters
If you are paddling in rougher waters, such as by the beach in the sea, you might want to sit to lower your centre of gravity and reduce the impact of the waves on your board.
Sitting in this circumstance makes it much easier for you to balance and control your SUP, due to your lower centre of gravity. This is a great option if you still want to get out on your SUP even when the waves are a little choppy.
Can You Paddle Whilst Sitting on a Paddle Board?
Yes, you can paddle whilst sitting on your paddle board. You will have to adjust the way you hold your paddle as the length of the paddle or shorten the length of the paddle as you will now be closer to the water.
Just like when you are standing, make sure you alternate sides to make sure you go in a straight line.
Can You Kneel on a Stand-Up Paddle Board?
Kneeling on your SUP is a great way for beginners to get used to the feeling of balancing on a paddle board. Compared to standing on the paddle board, you have a much lower centre of gravity, giving you great control over the SUP and making balancing much easier.
Just like sitting on your SUP, you will need to adjust the way you are holding the paddle to compensate for the fact you are now closer to the water than when standing.
How to Sit on a Stand-Up Paddle Board
When is comes to sitting on your paddle board, there are a number of ways you can do this:
- With your legs crossed in front of you. Just like when you used to sit on the carpet at school!
- Legs out in front. This is similar to how you would be sat in a kayak or canoe.
- Legs on either side of the paddle board with your feet in the water. This is a comfortable position of you have legs long enough and don’t mind your feet being in the water.
- Kneeling on your paddle board. This gives you great control and allows you to use your body more to help turn without always using your back to do it
- With a seat attached to your paddle board. You can buy a special seat to attach to your SUP. These are a great choice if you want something that allows you to sit on your paddle board that is comfy.
Best Seats for Stand-Up Paddle Board
The following are a selection of the best seats you can buy to add to your paddle board if you would like somewhere comfortable to sit next time you are out of the water.
GEEZY Paddleboard/SUP Seat High Backrest Chair Conversion Seat with Mesh Pocket
Koet Kayak Padded Seat
Whilst primarily designed to be used with a kayak, this padded seat can also be used with your SUP. Connect the straps to the D rings on your SUP and you’re good to go.
Bluefin Cruise SUP Package
If you’re still yet to invest in a SUP, this package from Bluefin contains everything you need to get started, including a seat.
In need of some D rings? This YiMusic Heavy Duty SUP Bungee Deck Rigging Kit comes with D rings which you can add to your board.
Summary
So can you sit on a stand-up paddle board? Yes, you can and there are various ways you can do it. Whether you decide to buy a seat for your SUP or simply sit down and take a load off with your legs crossed, the most important thing is to have a great time enjoying the great outdoors.