So you have already taken a tour of your local lakes and have navigated more rivers than you can count. Is it time for you to take on the big waves and head to the ocean? First let's make sure that you have your Paddle Board Equipment

• You have a Stand Up Paddle Board, either rented or purchased.

• You have your paddle.

•You are wearing your personal flotation device (You don't have a choice, the authorities will ticket you if you do not have it on).

• A helmet. It may be optional depending on where you live but it is always recommended. Even if no one is near you in the water, you could take a big spill and knock your head on your own board.

Once you are all outfitted with your Paddle Board equipment, you are ready to catch some waves. Let's talk a little about etiquette first. Surfers do not like Paddle Boarders or "Sweepers". Some people say it is because they are snobs and look down on the new sport. I think it is because some rude Paddle Boarders have given the rest a bad name. A surfer has to lay on their board and paddle hard to get into a position for a big wave but Paddle Boarders don't. Their specially crafted paddle can move them through the water like they have an outboard motor. So you could beat a surfer to a wave 9 times out of 10. Don't do it. Join the line up with the other surfers and wait your turn. You will make a lot more friends and have a better time that way. After all, a Paddle Boarder doesn't need waves to have fun. The surfers have to wait in line but you can go off and explore the coast whether the waves are crashing or not. So be courteous to the other people on the water.

You shouldn't need any special moves. just stick to the standard strokes:

• The Sweep - This paddle stroke give a Paddle Boarder their forward motion and their nick name. Just sweep three or four times on once side of the board and then switch sides to do three or four more.

• The Skull - You may still need to maneuver yourself away from someone in the water, so be ready with the skull. Put your paddle at right angles to your board and make short back and forth strokes. This will push the board sideways through the water.

• The Back Stroke - Just like the name says. It is a reverse sweep for those times you need to go backwards.

You may need to read up on some surfing sites or ask some of the friends that you meet on the water, to find out how to wide a wave in. I have heard that once you do, you're hooked for life.

To become a great paddler, it takes lots of practice and training. Competition and racing events also allows one to test their skills. This also will allow them to be around other advance paddlers. trading ideas and getting input from them will also help.