To get back on a paddle board after falling, swim to the middle of the board, grab the center carry handle, kick your legs up to the surface behind you, and pull your chest onto the deck, then rotate to sit or kneel before you stand. Falling in is part of learning, and climbing back on is a simple move once you know where to grab and how to use your legs.
Start at the side of the board, at its balance point, which is the center carry handle. Reaching for the nose or tail tips the board and makes it fight you. The middle stays stable.
From there, let your legs float up behind you so your body is flat on the surface, then kick and pull at the same time to slide your chest and belly onto the deck. Trying to climb straight up out of the water is the common mistake, because it drives the board down instead of pulling you on. Get horizontal first, then slide on like you are climbing out of a pool.
Once your torso is on the board, rotate so you are sitting or kneeling in the center. Catch your breath there. Stand up only when you are steady, one foot at a time, from a kneeling position. A wide, stable board makes every step of this easier, which is why beginners do better on an all-around shape than a narrow race board.
The NIXY Newport G5 All-Around ($649) is 10'6" by 33 inches, a stable all-around shape that stays flat while you climb back on and gives new paddlers a forgiving platform to learn on. Every G5 board also ships with a coiled leash in the box, which keeps your board close after a fall.
Always wear your leash so the board cannot drift out of reach, and wear a flotation device, especially while you are still learning. New to paddling? Our step-by-step beginner guide to paddle boarding covers balance and stance so you fall in less often to begin with.
Frequently asked questions
Is it hard to get back on a paddle board after falling?
No, it is easier than most beginners expect once they use the center handle and their legs. Get flat on the water first, then slide onto the deck from the middle of the board rather than trying to climb straight up. On a wide, stable board it takes only a few seconds.
Should you climb back on from the side or the end of the board?
Climb on from the side, at the center carry handle. That is the board's balance point, so it stays flat while you pull yourself up. Climbing on at the nose or tail tips the board and makes it much harder.
Do you need a leash to get back on a paddle board?
A leash does not help you climb on, but it keeps the board from drifting away after you fall, which is the bigger risk. On windy days or moving water, an unleashed board can float off faster than you can swim. Always wear one, plus a flotation device.
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