Like any other sport, paddle boarding requires practice to acquire perfection in paddling especially in handling the paddleboard. However, regardless of whether you are a beginner or a professional in the sport, you must fall off your paddleboard at some point. In that case, it is not a matter of if but a matter of when so you need to be prepared. This article shows you how to get back on your paddleboard after falling off.
How to Get Back on a Paddleboard after Falling Off
1.Position Yourself Correctly
After falling off your paddleboard, do not panic but instead position yourself correctly to get back on your paddleboard.
Ensure that you are at the center of the board (where the handle is located) as this is the most balanced part of the paddleboard. Lugging on this part is sure to help you get back on your paddleboard successfully.
2.Use your Predominant Hand To Pull Yourself Onto The Paddleboard
When you acquire the best position, pulling yourself up is the next thing. Use your predominant hand to pull yourself onto the paddleboard and use the other hand to hold it in place. It is important to note that if you are left-handed, the best side to climb up your paddleboard is the right side while if you are right-handed, the best part to get back on your paddleboard is the left side.
When about to pull yourself back onto your paddleboard, ensure that your predominant hand goes across the board to its centerline. This offsets your weight equally on the rail that you intend to climb up. you can use other weight offsetting and board holding tips such as trying to reach out to the rail lying across your paddleboard then carefully pulling yourself up or you can hold on to the handle (if you have a wide board). Your other hand should help you keep the paddle in place while you pull yourself up.
3.Acquire a Comfortable Sitting Position
Once you have pulled yourself up to a position where the entire weight of your torso is on your paddleboard, swing your legs around the sides of the board and get yourself to a position where you can sit.
4.Stand Up Slowly
Here is where you need to be very careful. Begin by dropping the paddle across the board then slowly shift your weight forward and put your soles down. Stand up carefully and you will be back on your paddleboard successfully.
It is important to note that even the best fall off their paddleboards. It is therefore not a surprise when you as a beginner fall off more times than you can count. When it happens, never give up. Instead, insist on practicing until the day you perfect the art. Enjoy the process rather than taking it as a hard task. In no time, you will notice that you will have perfected the skill to the extent that you will be in a position to help others learn.
Alternative Way of Getting Back to your Paddleboard after Falling Off
If the above method does not work for you or seems a little bit complicated, you can try the alternative method below:
Swim towards the back of your board
Place yourself in a position where you are eye level with the tail and you can look directly at the paddleboard
Choose a side that suits you and then grab the tail while pushing the board downwards so that your body comes out of the water while the tail submerges.
Continue to push the board down until you can sit on its end.
Slide carefully back onto your paddle board.
At one time, whether you are a beginner or an expert, you must fall off your paddleboard. However, it is more challenging for beginners to get back to their paddleboards as it is for experts. This calls for the perfection of skills that enhance efficient get bat to paddleboards by beginners. This article takes you through a step-by-step procedure of getting back to your paddleboard after falling off and has given you an alternative method in case the first does not work.
