4 Youtube Channels That Teach You How to Paddleboard

I've always loved paddling.

I grew up canoeing with my family, and we have some amazing memories of close-up encounters with moose, acapella singing in rocky canyons, and sliding down natural waterfalls in the backcountry.  

That's where I grew accustomed to drinking "fire water" (freshly boiled lake water with traces of ash floating on top).  It's where I learned the specific techniques of using a thunderbox (the latrine on backcountry camp sites).   And how to strap every piece of equipment to an external frame backpack so that you can portage completely hands-free (as long as someone else is carrying the canoe, that is!).

Canoeing is such a great experience, but while I can handle one on my own around a lake, I certainly can't do it for any extended length of time.  And I'm not strong enough to portage a canoe myself at all. 

Single seat sit-on-top kayaks are much more maneuverable, but they're still heavy and would take a couple of people to portage and strap to the top of a vehicle before and after being on the water.

So, we've decided to go in a different direction.  We're exploring the world of iSUPs - inflatable stand up paddleboards!  We've ordered two, and we can't wait to give them a try on the water!

In the meantime, I've been researching how to use a paddleboard correctly, as well as what you can do with one.  I've come across some Youtube Channels that share how-to's, tips & tricks, reviews and even their paddleboarding adventures.  

If you're exploring the idea of getting on the water with a stand up paddleboard, this list is for you!

How To Stand Up Paddleboard

#1. iROCKER SUP

iRocker is a manufacturer of stand up paddleboards, and they have an extensive library of how-to videos on their Youtube site about various aspects of paddleboarding.  Most, if not all, of their videos are applicable to any brand of paddleboard, not just their own.

#2. Ethan Huff

Ethan Huff has a well-stocked Youtube channel of how-to's, tutorials, tips and reviews about anything having to do with stand up paddleboarding.  He's a careful and thorough teacher, and each video teaches basic skills, many of which are specifically for beginners.

#3. Lizzie Silver James

Lizzie Silver James is relatively new to Youtube, but her videos are really well done.  She goes on overnight solo adventures with just her paddleboard and a few other pieces of equipment.  

I love the simplicity of her expeditions.  She has some necessities with her, but doesn't even use a tent, preferring to sleep in a bivvy sack on top of her paddleboard.  She isn't specifically a how-to channel, but watching how she maneuvers and uses her board is a great example of what's possible with an iSUP.

#4. Marybeth, Paddle Adventurer

Marybeth, Paddle Adventurer, is an outdoor adventurer that has some great videos detailing her paddleboard trips in and around Ontario, Canada.  I love the fact that she's in my area, but she also has such a great energy and has some great experience and wisdom to share!

Her channel also features some really helpful how-to's, and she shares tips that I haven't seen others share.

Here's a video of a trip in Algonquin Park that she went on with two friends.  It was really neat seeing how they packed everything on their boards, and the convenience of taking paddleboards (instead of canoes) into the backcountry.

These channels are a great place to start, but as we're getting our feet wet (pun intended!), I know we'll discover so many more!

Have you ever been stand-up paddleboarding?  

If so, what advice would you share with a beginner?