SUP Self Rescue to Get Back on Your Board Quickly and Safely

Have you ever found yourself unexpectedly in the water during a paddle or caught in the surf? Whether you are experiencing a calm day on flat water or the turbulence of moving water, it is important to rescue yourself quickly and safely. It’s one thing to paddle confidently on your board, while it’s another to stay safe after a fall. So, how do you get yourself back on the board quickly and efficiently after falling in? Here are the key steps to mastering Standup Paddleboarding (SUP) self-rescue.

Falling Safely: Why It Matters

Falling off the board is part of paddleboarding, especially when you push your limits. But how you fall is a big factor in the ease of getting back on your board. To be set up for success at all times, aim to fall into the water with arms and legs spread out like a starfish. This technique reduces the risk of sinking too deep, which can slow you down and prevent you from hitting the bottom in shallow water. Never dive in and don’t lose your paddle! Grab it when you fall as if you drop it; catching both your paddle and board is a big deal.

Pro tip: Think of your fall as a controlled fall straight and stay loose while holding your paddle. When in the surf, also cover your head if you are in the impact zone.

In the Water: Retrieving Your Board Quickly

After you get into the water, aim to get back to your board. If the board is nearby, don’t waste energy trying to swim to get it. Just grab your leash and kick in the opposite direction underwater. This tension will naturally bring the board closer, saving time and effort.

Always get back up in the middle of the board. This is the most stable area to come back on.

If you are surfing and in the impact zone, wait for the wave or the set to pass before getting back on.

Getting Back On Your Paddleboard: Key Techniques

Getting back on your board can seem like doing a jigsaw puzzle while blindfolded. Repeated many times, it becomes something you do without thinking. Here’s how to do it.

1. Use Your PFD (Personal Flotation Device): Your PFD makes it easier to lift yourself out of the water because it gives you buoyancy. So, if you are wearing one, start pushing your body further down into the water, then use that momentum to propel yourself upward as if getting up onto the edge of a swimming pool.
2. Push Down: This method involves placing your hands near the rail (the edge) of your board and pushing down on it instead of pulling yourself up. This lifts your upper body out of the water without flipping the board. Now, extend your arms and pull the rail towards your pelvic area to bring your upper torso onto the deck.
3. Kick for Momentum: You can kick to gain momentum, like swimming, which will help you lift your body onto the board using your legs.

In one movement, you will complete all these actions: dipping, pushing, and kicking. The idea is to “flop” your body onto the deck as if you were getting out of a swimming pool without a ladder. Once you bring your chest onto the board, you can move your hand to one side of the board for balance and then move your knee to the deck. From there, you can push off onto your hands and knees, facing forward on the board, and you’re getting ready to paddle again. Keep your paddle in the water to brace yourself as you stand up. Stay on your knees paddling until you are ready to stand up again.

Common Challenges During SUP Self Rescue

Even if you have adopted the right techniques, sometimes there are some common problems when trying to get back onto your board. Let’s take a look at some of them and learn how to overcome them.

• Pulling on the Rail: One of the worst mistakes a paddleboarder makes is trying to pull themselves onto the board from the opposite rail, which causes the board to flip over and makes it even more difficult to get back on it. Now, you must remember that your focus should always be on pushing down and not on pulling to stay stable.
• Struggling with the Board’s Width: If you can’t reach the board from the middle, try it from the back end. It is narrower and easier to get on, and the padding on the deck will also prevent you from slipping.
• Not Lifting High Enough: If you are unable to put your knee on the board, it is probably because your body is not able to reach high enough in the air. Practice this activity by trying to get out of the water in a pool.
• PFD Obstruction: Sometimes, your PFD gets stuck on the board. Adjust your body angle slightly to ensure it doesn’t resist against the board or try sinking the back on the board and sliding on that way on your stomach.
• In the surf: Take a lesson with us if you are thinking of surfing with your SUP. There are many dangers that need to be avoided. If trying to get back on your board in the surf zone, wait until the waves have passed and keep the board in a position where it is not between you and the wave as you are climbing back on.

Final Thoughts: Why SUP Self-Rescue Matters

Mastering the art of SUP self-rescue isn’t just a useful skill – it’s essential for safety. Whether you’re paddling on a calm lake, facing fast-moving river currents, or in the surf, knowing how to efficiently get back on your board gives you the confidence to handle anything that comes your way. This skill ensures you can quickly recover from a fall without putting yourself or others at risk. Plus, your fellow paddlers will be pleased to know you can handle a fall without needing constant assistance.

Ready to test your SUP self-rescue skills in a real-life setting? Join a stand-up paddle tour with Tofino Paddle Surf and explore beautiful waters while learning essential safety techniques. Set yourself up to paddle safely anywhere you go!