How to Fall off a Paddle Boards and Get Back on
How to Fall off a Paddle Board and Get Back on
Falling off your paddleboard is a normal part of learning and enjoying stand up paddleboarding (SUP). Even the most experienced paddlers occasionally take a tumble, so if you lose your balance, embrace it as part of the adventure!
The key is to fall safely and know how to get back on your board with ease.
How to Fall Off a Paddleboard Safely
Fall Away from the Board: When you feel yourself losing balance, make sure you fall away from the board, not on it. Trying to grab the board as you fall can lead to injury, so it's better to let yourself fall into the water. Aim to fall to the side or off the front or back of the board.
Fall Flat: As you hit the water, try to land flat—either on your stomach or back. This helps distribute the impact across your body and keeps you from diving deep into the water, where you might encounter obstacles just below the surface.
Hang Onto Your Paddle (If You Can): If possible, hold onto your paddle as you fall. However, if you lose it, focus on retrieving your board first. Once you're back on the board, you can use your hands to paddle toward your paddle.
Watch Out for Your Board: Always use a leash when paddleboarding, especially in open waters. However, be aware that the board can quickly rebound toward you after a fall, particularly if you're using a coiled leash. Protect yourself by keeping your arms in front of your face as you resurface.
How to Get Back on a SUP Board
How to Get Back on Your Paddleboard from the Side
Step 1: Secure a strong grip on the handle in the middle of the paddleboard.
Step 2: Use your arms to pull your chest onto the deck, while kicking your feet to help with momentum.
How to Get Back on Your Paddleboard from the Tail
Step 1: Grab the handle near the tail of the board. Pull the board toward you while pushing the tail down to help it stabilize.
Step 2: Pull your upper body onto the board by grabbing the rails.
Step 3: Kick your feet to help while you pull your body further up the board.
Step 4: Prone paddle to retrieve your paddle, and place it across the board at a 90-degree angle in front of you.
Step 5: Get onto your knees, center yourself for balance, and then stand up to resume paddling.
Falling off your paddleboard is a natural part of the learning process and the adventure of paddleboarding. By understanding how to fall safely and efficiently getting back on your board, you can enhance your confidence and enjoyment on the water. Remember, the key is to fall away from the board, stay calm, and practice regularly to improve your skills. With these techniques, you'll handle spills with ease and continue to make the most of every paddleboarding experience.
So, embrace the occasional splash, and enjoy your time on the water—every fall brings you closer to mastering your SUP skills!
At Newell Outdoors, we’re committed to providing you with the best paddleboarding gear and advice to help you make the most of your time on the water. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, following these tips will help you paddle with confidence and enjoy every moment on your board.
Ready to start your paddleboarding adventure? Explore our range of high-quality boards and gear at Newell Outdoors, and get out on the water today!
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