Demoed a SUP for the first time this week.
Really enjoyed it but was surprised by how wobbly I felt, even though I was on a whopper!

Is that usual for your first time?

assuming it is, how long does it normally take to get your "sea legs" and feel comfortable wandering around on the acres of deck space?

Spend some time in the flatwater getting used to paddling/turning/moving around on the board and then progress to open water with no attempt at waves - just paddling around and getting the feel for moving/wobbly water. It really just takes time and it will just click - although there will be days when you just won't get your sea legs and be wobbling about all over the place - even when you are proficient at it, some days are just like that.
The fact that you are on a whopper or similar huge/wide board doesn't always mean a wobble free ride. Yes, it may stop you falling off as much but being such high volume and so floaty those type of boards can actually move about as much or more than a narrower/smaller board due to their corkiness.
The three keys to stability are having the right board for your ability (u got that covered) momentum (keep paddling and the wobbles will settle down) and looking at the horizon or where you are paddling to and not looking down. Momentum and looking ahead are guaranteed to make you more stable. Hope this helps.

I found the most important thing at first was looking at the horizon, as a reference point.

Shortly there after, it just falls into place.

I agree, rack up some time on dead flat water, and become comfortable with powerful paddling, turning, and a little walking on the board.

And yes, I'd say it's pretty normal to feel a bit wobbly at first.

Greenroom said...

Your just a kook Grumps

Dammit Greenster, none of these blokes know me, so your not supposed to word them up like that

^^^ Unfortunately one "sickie" per week is my limit