Where do I start?

[72andsunny]

I couldn't pass up SIC's Christmas sale and bought a Bullet 14V2. Only problem: I don't know how to downwind. I can surf (though at a novice level) and I've been stand up paddle boarding in flat water frequently for the last year. Should I watch a bunch of youtube videos, then give it a try? Should I pay someone for lessons? Any and all advice welcome.

Mike in Kihei

[LaPerouseBay]

Should I pay someone for lessons?

Welcome to the neighborhood.  Yes on the professional advice.  It's worth it. 

[burchas]

Should I pay someone for lessons? Any and all advice welcome.
Mike in Kihei

Hi Mike, had the same issue and I followed the doctor's advise.
I went to Jeremy Riggs, that was just what the doctor ordered

Here is a video review of one of our sessions from last August:
http://www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php/topic,30321.msg328464.html#msg328464

That was also one of my top fun days paddling since I started sup.

[coldsup]

I would spend a bit of time paddling it about first...flat, coastal wee bit of small surf.....then get the DW lessons. On the other hand, if you are comfortable with the board then go for it. Good to go with a number of folk who DW regular...a club or something if poss..

[headmount]

It's not fun but paddling in choppy slop really hones your balance.  You have muscles just above your ankle that get developed.  Downwind is fun but there are sometimes transition periods where it's not all warm and fuzzy so you have to be ready for side wind and even wind in your face... especially in Kihei.  Yesterday was a great day for slop training.  Urrgh.

[yugi]

- Learn how to paddle correctly.   
Plenty of good info online. You’ll need it.

- Learn how to be mobile on your board. 
Spend plenty of time messing around moving around on your board. Perfect your kick turns. That’ll develop your footwork and your reflexes for bracing.

- Practice catching every little passing bump. 
Be it a boat wake or a light down breeze get used to catching the tiniest of bumps. That’ll help you timing. 

- Ditto to plenty of time on water in chop and slop.

Then just do it.

[blueplanetsurf]

+1 on getting downwind coaching with Jeremy Riggs or Headmont and practicing in rough water on your board first.
This page has some drills you can work on before your first downwinder and other useful tips:
https://blueplanetsurf.com/news/sup-tips-catching-waves-and-bumps-flatwater-drills-to-help-you-get-ready-for-open-ocean-stand-up-paddle-boarding/

[robcasey]

Definitely on lessons by a DW expert - plenty in the islands (R Stehlik below) and Riggs, Cooney and Kalama on Maui. Stay within your skill level by starting with small waves and low wind, then build in time. Go with a buddy that knows how to DW and won't leave you behind. See this week's blog by Suzie Cooney on DW safety, really important tips in there.  Wear/Get the right gear.  You can learn to DW surf on shorter (non DW) boards to learn how to connect bumps, then get the right gear when ready. Cross train on coastal surf, both benefits the other. If you can't surf you won't DW well in dealing with rough seas and waves.  Wear a leash. I'd say wear a PFD but those are not common in HI.