Distinctly Montana Magazine

D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA N A • S U M M E R 2 0 1 8 20 BASIC SUP SKILLS If you can stand, balance, and execute a paddling motion, you have the skills to SUP. And even that isn't entirely necessary— starting your SUP session by sitting or kneeling on the board is a good way to familiarize yourself with the rocking motion. e movement of the water can make this more challenging than expected, so standing up once you gain confidence is a good solu- tion if you get the wobbles. To climb onto the board, stand next to it in knee-deep water. Stabilize the board on either side with your hands, then carefully climb onto it in a kneeling position. Slowly rise up, getting used to the motion of the board as you come to a full standing position. You can now plant your paddle all the way to the ground as you stabilize and prepare to start paddling further into the water. Keep your feet hip-width apart, with your knees slightly bent—don't lock them out! Stand in the middle of your board, feet pointed forward, and maintain core tension. is will help keep your back from working too hard, and will help maintain stability as the board moves. Don't look down at your feet—keeping your gaze lifted towards the horizon will help maximize balance. Plus, the view is probably pretty nice. e actual paddling motion is pretty simple. Place your paddle in the water about two feet in front of you with the blade entirely submerged. Next, pull it back towards you, smoothly lifting it out of the water near your ankle. To stay straight, you'll need to alternate sides when you start to move in one direction or the other. If the breeze picks up or you find yourself caught in choppy water from boat wake, you'll want to become familiar with the "brace stroke," which can be used any time you feel like you're los- ing balance. e low brace can be done by deepening your stance, and as you start to fall, pushing on the surface of the water with the paddle and using the resistance to bring your weight centered back over the board. At some point, you probably will fall off the board. When you do, try to control the fall so you land flat in the water, away from the board. e goal is to hang onto your paddle, but if you lose it, retrieve it before climbing back onto the board. Next, tread water near the center of the board, grab the carry handle with one hand, and pull yourself up until you can reach the other side. Grasp the far side, kick your legs for propulsion, and work your upper body to maneuver all the way onto the board. Graceful? Maybe not. Efficient? Certainly. Now you're ready to stand up and start paddling again. WHERE CAN YOU SUP AROUND MONTANA? If you're just starting out, take your SUP session to calm, flat wa- ter. A small pond will be best, then you can move to lakes or inlets as you gain confidence. Here are a few of the most beautiful spots around Montana for your summer SUP sessions. HYALITE RESERVOIR, BOZEMAN: A haven for year-round recreation, this stunning area south of Bozeman is surrounded by woods and cliffs. Quiet shorelines give way to open water, and there is a no-wake rule so you won't have to worry about too much chop. CANYON FERRY, HELENA: Located 20 miles from Helena, this reservoir has 76 miles of shoreline and is one of the most popular bodies of water in Montana. Motorboating is allowed, so watch out for wake… or get ready to practice your brace stroke. ENNIS LAKE, ENNIS: Another easily accessible and popular lo- cation, Ennis Lake has several inlets and quiet shoreline areas perfect to get used to your board. Watch out for boat wake here as well. WHITEFISH LAKE, WHITEFISH: Camp, fish, and bring your paddle board here to enjoy everything this area has to offer. is lake has very little wind, and is a great spot to get your feet under you. FLATHEAD LAKE, KALISPELL: is is the largest natural freshwa- ter lake west of the Mississippi in the contiguous US. ere are 13 man- aged recreation sites, and plenty of places to get the board out for a spin. Watch standup paddleboarding on the Yellowstone River. www.distinctlymontana.com/paddle183 DISTINCTLY MONTANA | DIGITAL Sean paddles on the Madison River in March. Hyalite Reservoir outside of Bozeman SEAN JANSEN MAGGIE SLEPIAN

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