In surf, push it into the wave and swim after it. I've done it when I lost my kayak in the waves, as oodles float.

Tie or strap the paddle to your leg using the broken leg rope

If you haven't got enough leash left to tie off on paddle and your wearing boardshorts with the key loop in the pocket you can can do a snatch loop over the handle n swim
Or loosen leash cuff , put shaft through n tighten firmly.
Release and swim in hand though breaking waves

Well, this works out pretty well.... I just made a video about this yesterday!

FRP said..
I had a long swim a few years ago in big surf and rip. My only survival option was to float on my back and use the paddle as an oar. On your back you can see the big sets coming and prepare for impact. The paddle may have saved me. It was not much fun and remember thinking, "This is not the way I want to go out!" I beefed up my leash after that and started wearing an impact vest.

Bob

I tried this but was not making much progress, I guy offered me a tow in so I though he was in a better Judge of my situation that I was at the time so took up his help. I have always used best leashes I can find, but now will swap it out more often. was thinking about the impact vest but read they could be a hinderance in the surf, what's your experience with them? thanks.

supthecreek said..
Well, this works out pretty well.... I just made a video about this yesterday!

Thanks Rick. Really helpful! I tried it only using the bladed side, but it seems easier to treat both sides as a blade fo the motion....

Great video Creek.
I ain't a good swimmer .....I wouldn't be in the surf without that huge PFD (the board ).....but sh1t happens. A few years ago snapped leash left me in trouble once and exhausted after one hour surfing . After 10 mins swimming (was probably half that) ....made no progress .... tried swimming and throwing paddle forward but current was too strong and I was too tired . Luckily I was near enough to surf club even though it was quiet ...:I humbly put my hand up in hope because no one was around me . Within a few minutes a lifesaver came out on a ski and helped me. I could hardly get on ski as was so exhausted . I can't believe he saw me. He must have been watching . Very lucky .

Next day I ran into a Bull Shark ??

Having had a few long swims in,I have found no matter what stroke you do you get tired so you constantly need to change your stroke. It is also important to relax and rest every now and then, and not rush as this tends to use up unnecessary energy. Remember the important thing is that you get back in, not how quickly you get in.

Been thinking about this a bit, could a strategy be to have a length of cord kept on you somewhere in case you need to swim in.

You could then tie off your paddle and swim in with the paddle in tow?

Souwester said..
Been thinking about this a bit, could a strategy be to have a length of cord kept on you somewhere in case you need to swim in.

You could then tie off your paddle and swim in with the paddle in tow?

Just use the leg rope strap. No rope required. You lot are making it way harder than it really is. No way could you swim in one handed where I play as there are just too many rips. The rope also allows the paddle to hit you when the wave picks it up.

kato said..

Souwester said..
Been thinking about this a bit, could a strategy be to have a length of cord kept on you somewhere in case you need to swim in.

You could then tie off your paddle and swim in with the paddle in tow?

Just use the leg rope strap. No rope required. You lot are making it way harder than it really is. No way could you swim in one handed where I play as there are just too many rips. The rope also allows the paddle to hit you when the wave picks it up.

I don't take any precautions (like taking a rope with me) but once I had the leggie fail at the swivel right at the cuff. Makes me think about taking some thickish bungee cord in a loop around my waist on those bigger days - a loop at both ends to secure it to the paddle handle and the leggie cuff, with a small piece of velcro to tie the two ends together around my waist... It could sit under my rashie (summer) or around the outside of the wettie (same color). Some peace of mind...

In case my description is confusing:

I remember seeing a silastic loop that fitted to your boardies on a Blue planet sup/foil safety vid along those lines. The idea was to put the T piece through it and the paddle shaft floated next to your legs whilst the blade was past your feet.

A number of years ago a company named Maui Rippers made some SUP specific board shorts (baggies) that solved this problem. They had an accessible loop that fit in a small pocket around the back of the waist. If your leash snapped and you had to swim with your paddle you put the loop over the paddle handle and the paddle was loosely secured behind your back. You could then use both arms to swim normally. I only had to use the loop once but it worked well. Definitely a good idea for SUPers... I'm surprised a few manufacturers don't have a line of baggies that incorporates the design into their product..

Here a few pics of the baggies I was talking about. I think you will find having the loop up at your waist around towards the back is much better that down on your leg around the front. You can swim on your stomach and the paddle is completely out of the way. Good design!!

Do freestyle. Paddle is down back and under one foot.
Like everything you need to practice but fast, efficient and easy.