No thunderstorms; check wind and gusts.
← Back to forecastSUP + SAIL · BEGINNER'S GUIDE
From your first ride
to wind in your sail
The essential guide to safe, relaxed SUP sailing. Save this page on your phone and run through the start check before entering the water.
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The beginner's golden rule
Start into the wind and stay close to shore. If you get tired, the wind can then help you return to your starting point.
BEFORE YOU GO
The 60-second start check
Buoyancy aid, leash, phone and whistle.
Tell someone where you are going and for how long.
Choose a clear turning point along the coast.
Watch the water and other paddlers for five minutes.
IN 4 PICTURES
How to start with a SUP sail
WIND →back to wind
01Stand behind the board
Stand in the water with your back to the wind. Keep the board across the wind in front of you. The sail lies flat on the leeward side. Hold the board and uphaul rope.
WIND →sail stays flat
02Climb on and kneel
Climb onto the middle and kneel briefly for balance, still facing away from the wind. Keep the sail flat to leeward. You are not sailing yet.
WIND →pull upwards
03Stand and lift the sail
Place one foot on each side of the mast foot. Stand slowly and pull the sail out of the water with the uphaul rope. Hold the mast first, then the boom.
WIND →power gently
04Add power last
First hold the sail upright with almost no pressure. Gently pull your back hand towards you until the wind fills the sail. Look where you want to go and release immediately if you lose control.
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Remember: board across the wind, back to the wind, sail to leeward. Kneeling is only a stable way to get onto the board while the sail stays flat. Stand, lift the sail and only then let the wind create power.
READ THE WIND
Green, amber or red?
✓10–18 km/hComfortable for learning
!19–25 km/hTake a lesson or experienced buddy
×> 25 km/hNot for beginners
Gusts, offshore wind and cold water can make a modest average wind dangerous.
NEVER FORGET
What should you take?
- 🦺Buoyancy aidWell fitted and fastened
- 🪢LeashQuick-release with current or sail
- 📱PhoneWaterproof and on your body
- 🧥WarmthWetsuit for the water temperature
- 📯WhistleTo attract attention
- ☀️SunWater, sunscreen and hat
1Falling?
→Release the sail and fall away from the board.
2Stay with your board
→It is large and easy to spot.
3Get back aboard
→Climb on at the centre, not the nose.
4Unable to recover?
Wave, whistle and call 112 in an emergency.
TURN BACK NOW
Dark skies, thunder, increasing offshore wind, loss of control or cold?
Do not wait for things to go wrong. Return to shore immediately. Your board and sail are replaceable; you are not.
The surf-weather score is a planning aid for beginner SUP sailors, not a safety guarantee. Follow local warnings, stay within your ability and preferably take a lesson.