Paddleboarding is an exciting, family-friendly water activity you can enjoy on vacation. If you’re planning a trip to Maui and want to take paddleboard lessons for the first time, it helps to know what you can expect. Here are a few of the best beginner paddleboarder tips so that you can enjoy this sport to the fullest.

3 Beginner Paddleboarding Tips

1. Begin on Calm Waters

Standing up and balancing yourself on the water are basic techniques you’ll need to master when paddleboarding. This can be difficult to accomplish when you’re starting out in windy weather or on a rough body of water. Schedule your paddleboard lesson when the weather is mild and pick a calm area of a beach without waves to get started.

2. Don’t Look at Your Feet

When you’re learning how to balance and stay on your board, avoid looking at your feet. Keep your gaze toward the horizon, as tilting it downward could throw off your center of balance. If you feel yourself wobbling after glancing at your feet, look up and pick a point in the distance, then fixate your gaze on it.

3. Use a Rental Until You’re Comfortable

All sports require the right gear; however, if you’re new to the activity, it’s best to hold off on board investments until you’re comfortable and know what you need. For instance, if you’re having trouble with balance, you might need a bigger board. If you aren’t sure what to use, ask your instructor during your paddleboard lessons or try different rentals until you find a model you like.

If you want to try paddleboarding for the first time, head to LahAina Surf Shack in Hawaii. This premier school offers group, semi-private, and private paddleboard lessons to locals and visitors of all ages. They also provide 24-hour board rentals so that you can practice what you learned in class at your own pace. Call (808) 661-2700 to schedule a lesson, or learn more about their paddleboard yoga sessions online.