Stand up paddling on the western shores of Lake Erie can become a little tricky, with boat wakes and wind chop. Good old shallow basin western Lake Erie... The islands make for some beautiful paddling, but before you head out into open water, here are a few good tricks.

A good stance is the foundation of good stand up paddling. Everyone will have their favorite, most preferred stance to match their body requirements, but we generally break it down into two basic stances.

The square stance is when both feet are perpendicular to the nose of the board. Both feet are usually centered, spread wide to the grab slot or the true center of the board.  This is the beginner's stance, or the most stable stance when paddling in areas where you simply do not want to fall - crowded marinas, etc. A wide base is the most forgiving in terms of balance. We encourage all of our students to learn the square stance first before progressing to the stagger stance.

The stagger stance is the more common to the surf stance which allows the paddler to turn into a wave.  The stagger stance allows the back foot to help steer the board along the face of a wave.  On flat water a stagger stance allows for a longer paddle stroke. A goofy foot will have the right foot forward a normal stance will have the left foot forward.  How the term “goofy foot” came into the surf world is not really known by me, but the majority of surfers have their left foot forward. The minority of the right foot forward people became known as goofy foot. (Many might think that they named it after me, because I was - and still consider myself to be - a little goofy. But I digress.) For this writer, it was a no-brainer to face the waves that only broke left as a kid.

When in a stagger stance, both feet are usually in a more parallel position to the sides of board (rails). The stagger stance is more effective in getting the total stretch of the paddle motion. As you become proficient either surfing or paddling, you will be able to change back and forth from both stances.

The stagger stance requires more control of toe and heel in maintaining board balance. From and aesthetic view, the stagger stance is the more demanding to learn. It is also the more productive to use, especially if you get the opportunity to paddle into a wave.

When fighting the effects of choppy water conditions and a churning surface, use a square stance that will provide the opportunity to lower your center of gravity, and crouch to maintain balance. Never forget that dropping to the knees to keep control and momentum is a great alternative to taking that constant pounding. You always need to be prepared for that transition from the calm leeward side to the open effects of the windward. On our western lake Erie wind chop, it reminds me of standing on a balance bosu ball, on one foot. The good part is that your body is always in an exercise mode simply to maintain balance.

Both stances will provide a good Core Body workout, and don't forget the benefits of muscle use in the feet and lower legs. Beginners will feel a burning sensation in both the lower legs and the feet as you train a new group of muscles to help your body balance.

A quick trick for additional balance in switching stance for the novice...

Place the grip knob of the paddle on the deck pad in front of your front foot or simply in front of the grab slot. Use the paddle as an additional stabilizing point. Three points of contact with the board is a quick way to stabilize your footing, and it will aid your switching stance.

And don’t forget, being in the water is as good as being on the board. Don’t be afraid to walk the board trying new things and new stances. My personal favorite is to lie down on the board to rest after a strong paddle. The boards are stable in the water whether standing, kneeling, sitting or lying down.

Finally, and most importantly, always paddle with a friend if possible, and wear a surf leash and or a life jacket. Paddle boards are floatation devices by nature, but we recommend a life jacket and a surf leash for everyday use.

Enjoy the water!