SUP Clinics
Build skills for race day – or your next lake day.
Wednesday at 5:00 pm
Whether you’re racing in the SUP division of a triathlon or just love being on the water, this clinic is designed to sharpen your standup paddle boarding (SUP) skills. SUP is gaining popularity as a triathlon swim alternative and a fun, challenging sport of its own. This clinic will help you paddle more efficiently, handle varying water and weather conditions, and build confidence on the board. Learn proper stroke technique, buoy turns, safety, and more.
From tri starts to sunset paddles, this clinic will improve skills, speed, confidence, and safety on the water.
*Clinic is limited to a max group size of 8 participants, please register in advance to reserve your spot.
SUP CLINIC
This clinic is strongly recommended for anyone participating in the SUP division of a triathlon or looking to improve their SUP performance and confidence on open water. Designed to build tactical skills and race-day readiness, the session focuses on paddle technique & efficiency, navigation, buoy turns, managing wind and chop, and transitions—all in real open water conditions.
This is not a learn-to-SUP or learn-to-swim session. Participants must be able to swim and have basic SUP experience. You should feel comfortable standing on your board and be able to paddle at least 500–1000 meters.
Learn SUP and triathlon race skills:
- Equipment setup & basics
- Paddle strokes
- Safety – wind, water, waves, weather
- Reading water conditions
- Water starts and navigating the messy
- Falling off the board & how to get back on (quickly & safely)
- Drafting
- Buoy turns
- Cadence & strokes per/side
- Race strategies
Clinic is single session only and can be done separately or prior to the open water swim event at 6:00 pm (Tri-Training event not included in Clinic fee).
All participants must be a member of USA Triathlon or purchase the 1-day membership
What to Bring
- USA Triathlon membership card or purchase 1-day membership in advance or onsite.
- Picture ID
- Appropriate paddling clothes – swimsuit, board shorts, yoga pants, tech shirt, etc. Avoid cotton or heavy clothes as you may get wet.
- SUP & Paddle (rentals/demos available – reserve in advance)
- PFD/life jacket
- Towel
- Warm clothes for after
What to Expect
On The Edge Tuning
Meet the Coaches
James Graef
Rus Gotzmer
The SUP Clinics are designed to help you with:
- Equipment setup & basics
- Balance
- SUP paddle techniques
- Warming-up
- Water starts
- Falling & how to get back on the board
- Paddle strokes
- Drafting
- Reading water conditions
- Safety – wind, water, waves, & weather
- Buoy turns
- Race strategy