Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is more enjoyable and efficient when you know how to control your board with confidence. Whether you’re cruising on Biscayne Bay or navigating tighter spaces, these five essential strokes will help you move, turn, and position your board with ease.
1. Forward Stroke
The forward SUP stroke is your go-to for moving ahead. Start by placing the paddle in the water well in front of you, blade fully submerged. Keep your top hand stacked over the bottom hand and your arms straight as you pull the paddle alongside the board toward your feet. Engage your core, not just your arms, for more power and efficiency. Exit the blade at your feet to avoid dragging.
2. Reverse Stroke
Think of this as your SUP brake. Place the paddle in the water behind you, blade fully submerged. Push the paddle forward toward your feet, keeping it close to the board. This slows you down or stops you, and it can also help you pivot when combined with turning strokes.
3. Draw Stroke
Perfect for moving sideways without turning your board. Rotate your shoulders toward the direction you want to move. Place the blade in the water about 2 feet away from the side of your board, then pull it straight toward you. Keep your paddle vertical to maximize sideways movement.
4. Sweep Stroke
Great for wide turns. Plant the paddle forward near the nose of your board and make a big, wide arc away from the board toward the tail. The more you extend the arc, the sharper your turn will be. Use this stroke on the opposite side of the direction you want to turn, paddle on the right to turn left, and vice versa.
5. Cross Bow Stroke (fastest way to turn your board)
Ideal for quick, tight turns without switching paddle sides, this stroke will turn your board the fastest, master it! Start paddling forward, then twist your torso and bring the paddle across the nose (bow) of your board to the opposite side without changing your hand position. Plant the blade in the water on the opposite side and sweep it in a wide arc toward the tail. This stroke keeps your momentum and makes turning more efficient.


