In 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 needs. Expert paddler Luke Chaffer shares practical advice to help you build confidence in one of the most critical paddling manoeuvres.
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. Practising remounts in safe, predictable environments builds 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." Even in the surf zone, a calm mindset is key to a successful remount.
Lessons from the break zone
"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." Being stuck in the break can feel chaotic, but staying composed and knowing your remount strategy can keep you safe and in the race.
Luke's technique for big surf remounts
- 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. Let go of the ski if needed to protect your shoulder.
- 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.
- 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 moving and balanced, bring your legs back in.
Quick tips for rough conditions
- Practice often - start in calm conditions and progress to choppier water.
- Breathe and pause - once on the ski, take a moment to assess before dropping into the seat.
- Use a leash - a calf leash is essential for keeping your ski within reach after a fall.
For flat water remount practice, check out South African paddler Hayley Nixon's video on YouTube.
Luke's advice is clear - mastering your remount isn't about perfection, it's about preparation. With time, patience and practice, every paddler can build the confidence to recover in even the most challenging conditions.
