In the exhilarating world of surfski paddling, staying upright is only half the battle. The ability to remount your ski confidently (especially in turbulent surf) is an essential skill every paddler must master. Expert paddler Luke Chaffer shares practical advice and techniques to help you build confidence in one of the most critical paddling manoeuvres: the remount!
Practice Makes Confident
"The best way to get better at this is by practising, either in flat water like rivers or lakes, or when the ocean is calm," Luke advises. Like any technical skill, consistency builds confidence. Practicing remounts in safe, predictable environments helps you develop muscle memory, making execution easier when conditions turn rough.
Don’t Rush, Even When It’s Rough
One of Luke’s golden rules? "Take your time. As soon as you rush, you start to make mistakes and panic. If you slow down, you can do it a lot quicker and you won't panic as much." He emphasises that even in the surf zone, where speed is often necessary, keeping a calm mindset is key to successful remounts.
Lessons from the Break Zone
Luke recounts a memorable moment: “I was racing at Manly when I got caught in the break for a good five minutes. There was nothing I could do. I just had to roll with it, make sure I didn’t fall off, and if I did, get back on as soon as I could.”
This scenario is a reality for many paddlers. Being stuck in the break can feel chaotic, but staying composed, controlling your ski, and knowing your remount strategy can keep you safe and in the game.
Luke’s Pro Technique for Big Surf Remounts
When rolling under waves in big surf:
- Hold your paddle in your left hand and grab the footstrap with your right.
- Maintain a firm grip on the strap as the wave washes over, but don’t fight it. "You can end up dislocating your shoulder - let go of the ski if needed to protect yourself.
- Position yourself near the cockpit with the bow into the wind or waves to prevent drift. Keep your paddle and ski close.
- Still holding your paddle; grab the far rail with your opposite hand, and kick your legs to propel your body up and onto the ski (sideways across the ski)
- Land your chest over the rail or seat area
- Shift your weight and drop your bum into the seat position.
- Start paddling immediately - even with your legs out - to regain balance. Once you are moving and balanced, throw your legs back in.
Quick Tips for Rough Conditions
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Practice often: Start in calm conditions, progress to choppier waters.
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Breathe and pause: Once atop the ski, assess before dropping into the seat.
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Use a leash: A calf leash is essential for keeping your ski within reach during a fall.
For some great flat water remount practice technique, check out South African Paddler Hayley Nixon's video.
Luke’s grounded, experience-driven advice reinforces that the key to mastering your remount isn’t perfection - it’s preparation. With time, patience, and practice, every paddler can build the skill and confidence to recover in even the most challenging conditions.
