Techniques for Reboarding Your Paddle Board After a Fall
Paddleboarding offers a serene and exhilarating experience on the water, but even the most experienced paddlers occasionally find themselves taking an unexpected dip. Whether it's due to a wobbly stance, choppy waters, or a playful wave, falling off your paddle board is all part of the adventure. The good news is, with the right techniques, getting back on your board can be a breeze. Here's some commonly used techniques for reboarding after a fall.
1. The Flip and Climb Technique
2. The Side Mount Technique
3. The Turtle Roll Technique
4. The Knee Climb Technique
Practice, Practice, Practice
Falling off your paddle board is a natural part of the paddling experience, but it doesn't have to be a daunting ordeal. By familiarising yourself with these techniques and practicing them regularly, you can build confidence and skill in reboarding your paddle board with ease. So the next time you find yourself taking an unplanned plunge, remember these tips and get back on that board like a pro!
1. The Flip and Climb Technique
- Start by positioning yourself near the centre of your SUP, with your hands gripping the sides.
- Flip the board so that it's upside down, creating stability in the water.
- While keeping hold of your paddle board, use your legs to kick and propel yourself upward onto the overturned board.
- Once you're partially on the paddleboard, use your arms to pull yourself up and onto the deck, finding your balance as you go.
2. The Side Mount Technique
- Position yourself next to your paddle board, facing the side.
- Reach across the paddle board and grab the far rail with one hand, using it for support.
- With your other hand, reach across your body and grab the near rail of the board.
- Kick your legs and propel yourself upward, using the support of the rails to assist in pulling yourself onto the board.
- Once you are partially on the paddle board, continue to use your arms and legs to push yourself up and onto the deck.
3. The Turtle Roll Technique
- If you've fallen off in rough or choppy waters, the turtle roll technique can help protect you from incoming waves while you reboard.
- Start by flipping your board upside down and positioning yourself alongside it.
- Grab the far rail of the board with one hand and use it for stability.
- Kick your legs and roll yourself onto the board, keeping your body low and close to the deck to avoid being swept off by waves.
- Once you're safely on the board, quickly flip it back over and assume your paddling stance.
4. The Knee Climb Technique
- For those who struggle with upper body strength or mobility, the knee climb technique offers a more accessible option for SUP reboarding.
- Start by positioning yourself in the water next to your paddle board.
- Kick your legs and bring your knees up toward the surface of the water, creating buoyancy.
- Using your arms for support, pull yourself up onto your knees on the deck of the board.
- From this kneeling position, you can then stand up or remain on your knees, depending on your comfort level and balance.
Practice, Practice, Practice
- Like any skill, mastering the art of reboarding your paddle board takes practice.
- Take the time to familiarise yourself with each technique in calm, shallow waters before venturing into more challenging conditions.
- Experiment with different methods to find the one that works best for you and your individual abilities.
Falling off your paddle board is a natural part of the paddling experience, but it doesn't have to be a daunting ordeal. By familiarising yourself with these techniques and practicing them regularly, you can build confidence and skill in reboarding your paddle board with ease. So the next time you find yourself taking an unplanned plunge, remember these tips and get back on that board like a pro!
