Tips for Falling off and Getting back on a SUP Board

Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) is one of the most enjoyable water sports - but for beginners, one of the biggest challenges isn’t paddling… it’s getting back on the board after you’ve fallen off.

Falling into the water can be a fun part of learning, and when you do fall, it’s safer to land flat on the water’s surface rather than feet first, as you may not know what is submerged beneath you.

However, if you’re paddling in colder conditions or farther from shore, struggling to remount your board can become a safety concern. In this video, we’ll show you common issues that make getting back on difficult — and step-by-step techniques to help you get back on with confidence and ease.

Watch the video, then read the full transcript below for easy reference and to help you practice these techniques on your next session.

Did you know that getting back onto a paddleboard is one of the hardest things for a beginner paddler to do?

Falling off the board and being immersed in cold water can become a safety issue. It can be hard to get back on and you can get frustrated and tire out. This can also be a safety issue. In this video we're going to show you some of the potential issues that you may have when getting back onto a paddleboard.

The first problem will be where the legs go underneath the board so the paddler is unable to get their chest back onto the deck.

Next, the board may flap around as it's too light or too narrow. The board can also flip over and onto the paddler. Wearing a buoyancy aid is good as it aids flotation but sometimes the buoyancy aid can get stuck on the rail and prevent the paddler from getting back on. When wearing a waist belt, if it's attached in the wrong position it can slide down the body and get caught underneath the buoyancy aid. This can make it difficult to get the waist belt off.

We're now going to show you some of the methods of getting back on the board properly.

First of all, approach the board with the legs out behind you. Use your legs as a propulsion method to get your chest back onto the board. Reach over to the far side rail at a 30-degree angle. Hook the inside knee onto the near side rail and then swing the legs around and onto the back of the board.

Inside tip: When using a hardboard it can be easier to get back on rather than an inflatable board. This is because the board is heavier and it won't flap around so much. So make sure you practice getting back on your board. Practice it enough so you can get back on with ease.

 Key Takeaways

• Expect to fall off — it’s normal!

• Stay calm — panic and fatigue make remounting harder.

• Understand common challenges like board flipping, buoyancy aid snagging, or legs slipping underneath.

• Use the right technique — approach from behind, secure a rail, and swing onto the board.

• Practice often — every session is a chance to build confidence.

About ASI

ASI is a global leader in training and accrediting instructors, coaches, and schools for surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and bodyboarding.  ASI instructors and schools ensure world-class training, safety and operational standards. Whether you're learning for personal enjoyment or to establish a career in the industry, ASI opens the door to new skills, global opportunities, and adventure.