3 Stand-Up Paddle Boarding Tips Every Woman Should Know (That You might not Hear Anywhere Else)
Stand Up Paddle Boarding looks simple from the shore; a board, a paddle, sunshine on the water… but the moment you step onto that board, you realise something surprising: SUP isn’t just a physical activity, it’s actually a mindset practice.
At Enliven Outdoor Adventures, we’ve guided hundreds of women onto the water for the very first time. We’ve seen the wobbles, the nervous giggles, the “I’m not sure I can do this,” and the huge smiles that follow once they realise they absolutely can.
These three tips are from spending time on the water with real women, real experiences, and the way we teach SUP in a supportive, fun, judgement-free environment. They’re simple but they’ll transform the way you approach paddle boarding (and maybe even the way you approach life).
1. Think “Soft Knees, Soft Mind.”
One of the biggest surprises for beginners? SUP is far less about strength and far more about softness.
When women step onto the board, they often brace, tense, tighten their shoulders, and try to “hold” themselves steady. But the more rigid you are, the harder it feels to find balance. Being too rigid in your body means that as soon as the wind or a wave rocks your board, it will rock you off with it.
The secret is softness.
Soft knees. Soft hips. (Maybe even softened expectations).
As soon as you loosen your stance, your balance naturally improves. Your board moves with you rather than against you. And as your body relaxes… your mind follows.
SUP becomes less about “getting it right” and more about letting the experience unfold and that’s where the joy really is.
When you first get to your feet on your board, have a go at gently intentionally rocking the board from left to right to get yourself into that loosey-goosey state to “go with the flow” on your paddle.
2. Look Where You Want to Go (Not at Your Feet).
It’s instinctive to stare down at the board, especially when you’re nervous about falling in. But just like in hiking, surfing, or even business, where your focus goes, you go.
When you look down, your body weight tips forward, your balance shifts forward, and steering becomes much harder.
But when you look up at the horizon?
Instant improvement! Your posture aligns, your paddle strokes becomes smoother and your direction becomes clearer. I always tell women that it’s kind of like skiing or snowboarding in that when you look at the tree, you end up skiing into the tree. So when you’re SUPing, if you look at the water, you will end up in the water too.
It’s one of the most rewarding things to watch as an instructor, the moment a woman lifts her gaze up, relaxes and gets into a taller stance.
And honestly, it’s a life lesson too. Look where you want to go, not at what you’re afraid of.
3. Let the Water Set the Pace, Not Your Inner Critic.
Women are used to pushing: pushing through busy days, pushing to be productive, pushing to meet everyone else’s expectations.
But SUP asks something different of you, to match the pace of the water. Not rush, not force, not hustle, just glide.
When you paddle with the rhythm of the water, everything feels easier, more fluid, and surprisingly calm. This is also where confidence grows: not from “smashing a workout,” but from discovering how capable your body feels when you stop battling yourself. When you learn to put power through the paddle by utilising the strength of your core and your legs, you can relax into long, slow, productive strokes that feel sustainable and won’t burn out your arm muscles!
SUP becomes less about doing and more about being, being present, being outside, being connected, and being supported.
And that’s why women leave Enliven’s sessions feeling not just accomplished, but calmer and more centred too.
Ready to Try SUP for Yourself?
Whether you’re a total beginner, someone dusting off the board in your garage, or a woman who simply wants to feel more confident outdoors, we’ve created South Australia’s most supportive and enjoyable SUP experience just for you.
Enliven SUP sessions are:
- Beginner-friendly
- Led by a qualified female instructor
- Small, intimate, and judgement-free
- Focused on confidence, connection, and fun
- The perfect mix of adventure and relaxation
Public sessions are just for women.
Private sessions are open to all genders and are great for partners, families or friends.
Your only job?
Show up with an open mind. We’ll take care of the rest.
Bonus: Coast is Calling Travel Voucher
Exciting news! The next round of the Coast is Calling Travel Vouchers will see 30,000 vouchers released to boost travel in South Australia’s coastal destinations this Summer.
The Summer Ballot has just been drawn, with $100 experience vouchers available to go towards Enliven Outdoor Adventures’ Women’s Surf Camps, Women’s Kayaking Expeditions, and Stand Up Paddle Boarding Lessons.
Did you win yourself a voucher? Congrats! You can now book in your SUP lesson with enliven on the coast is calling booking page here.
