Stand up paddle boarding is a sport that can be great fun and learned quickly. In a very short amount of time, you can learn to stand up and paddle for short or long distances. When you rent a paddle board, look for a board rental that comes with paddle board instructions. Here are some paddle board rentals and instructions that are currently available:

Rent a Paddle Board With Instructions:  It is best to rent a paddle board that comes with instructions or work with an experienced teacher that can teach you how to improve your stance and your paddling technique. For a beginning paddle boarder, rent a paddle board that is wider and longer than paddle board surf models. These paddle boards are the easiest to control and maneuver. It is also best to rent a wetsuit with your paddle board as that offers you more protection and security when first learning how to paddle. 

Start With Lessons on Land:  Your first paddle board lessons should be on the beach with an experienced instructor that can explain the way a paddle board is made and how it is controlled. There are different sizes and shapes of paddle boards that are designed to be efficient in different waters and surf conditions. Your instructor can teach you how to paddle board in a quiet lagoon, paddle board in a gentle surf, and paddle board in high surf conditions. 

Learn in Calm Waters:  Your next paddle board lessons should be in calm waters that allow you to get used to kneeling and standing on a paddle board, and then controlling it to go where you want it to go. Your first paddle board lessons should also include how to launch and exit your paddle board in many different surf conditions. 

Expand Your Paddle Board Expertise:  For paddle boarders that have some experience, rent a paddle board with an instructor that can critique your current technique and get you to improve your paddle boarding to become faster and more efficient. Also look for a paddle board class that places you with other paddle boarders that are at your same level of experience and expertise. In that way, you can compete with each other in small races set up by your instructor. These exercises will improve your boarding technique and allow you to closely observe how other paddle boarders use and control their paddle boards. 

No matter what paddle board experience you have, you can improve your technique with personalized instructions. It is best to rent a paddle board and take paddle board lessons for a month or two before venturing out by yourself in the surf. With consistent training and practice, you can become an expert paddle boarder and continue to improve each time you are on the water. 

For more information about paddle board rentals, talk to companies like West End Water Sports.