Proning in out of the impact zone: how to do it?

[zacksc]

I am wondering about the situation where you are caught in the impact zone, for example after a smaller set wave followed by several larger waves, and you would like to catch a wave (white water) prone to get to a reform area or to the beach.

How does one catch a wave prone on a sup board?  How would you hold your paddle? Is this dangerous or tricky? I am asking about the situation of fairly powerful whitewater, to big for me to catch standing up, and particularly concerned about the paddle causing problems or losing the paddle in the process. Does that make sense? Advice appreciated.   

[tautologies]

Just hold on.


How big? I mean you can ride pretty big white wash..get on your board very wide stance and stick the paddle in the water and lean on it...you'll be surprised :-)

On bigger wave, it certainly depends on how far the wave has come..if you're in the impact zone (ie right where the wave is on it's most powerful, right where the lip hits the water, I'd say be careful..it can weigh pretty heavy on the mid section of the board...if it is just breaking it has a lot of power naturally and that can really work you and the board. On the other hand, you're already there....

On issue though it is very hard to control the board if you're on your belly, in whitewash so be careful so you don't run anyone over...a lot of people will be in the water already.

On the other hand there are simply so many variable to consider there is no one best answer. It is very situational.

[zacksc]

Let me try to explain more.  In the situation, I know what to do with just a surfboard, say a 10' longboard. As you say, you slid back and just hold on and the whitewater will pick you up and propel you toward the beach. When you do that, you tend to grip the sides of the board with each hand and use that to aid steering and to keep the nose as needed.

My problem is the paddle, which becomes a liability in the situation.  It interferes with gripping the rails, it could ripped out of my hand, or it could possibly injure me in some way... So I am thinking about how to hold the paddle and still control the board, or wondering if maybe this (prone takeoff in whtewater) is just not a good idea, not worth the risk?

[raf]

I've felt like a noob more than once after catching the final wave of an epic session, dumping inside, thinking it'll be a cinch to get to the beach and then getting worked by wave after wave of whitewater as I try to prone back to the beach.  Its a humbling experience.  I pretty much just let the board pull me in until I can get my feet down and walk out.  This is in a non-crowded spot though.

[Shark]

One solution would be to put the blade of the paddle under your chest with the handle sticking out in front of you.  I've done this paddling out prone before getting the hang of paddling over waves standing up.

[ehrawn]

One solution would be to put the blade of the paddle under your chest with the handle sticking out in front of you.

This works, but even better is to slide over so the handle is under your armpit and the blade is by your side. Hug the board as tight as you can, and then hug it a little tighter (seriously, or you will lose your paddle). I've used this technique to get me out of some tight spots. Sometimes it's nice having a big floaty SUP.

[skyfish]

On the days or situations where I have to prone out or have total control of board with both hands, I attach a carabiner clip a few inches below the t handle and when needed just clip it to the leash.
this way you can forget about th epaddle as it will trail behind you and you can get out easier. with practice, smaller board you can even do "turtle rolls"
 

[zacksc]

Ehrawn, thanks. That sounds interesting. I am not exactly sure what you mean by slide over. Toward the paddle side I guess? So that you can pin the paddle down more?  So blade is way back by the tail, yes?  Is blade oriented in, out, up or down or...?

[zacksc]

Thanks sky fish. That sounds interesting and cool.  How is the carribiner attached to the paddle? Some sort of short leash tied on just below where you grip the handle? That would have to be done well I imagine.

[skyfish]

You can either secure first with a piece of velcro and then tape it around.
there is another variation where you can use a small loop on the paddle side and the biner by your leash on th eboard. I p[ersonally don't like this last one , because the paddle stays to close to me and the board, also the biner on the tail will cause drag and can damage the board.
On small days and short impact zones , you can just lay on top of your paddle or put it on your side.

[zacksc]

Makes sense.  So then the paddle just trails behind you. Do many people use this?

[1tuberider]

Makes sense.  So then the paddle just trails behind you. Do many people use this?

I don't. 

Trapping the paddle on the deck and prone paddling is the solution I use any time I need to prone paddle.  Times I prone paddle to surf includes
       tight lineup
       to much wind
       to much water movement
       to big to stand thru.
       contest surfing on my sup
When I catch waves from a prone paddle position I place my paddle on the deck trapped by my side and when popping up I grab it and start using it.  No problem.
How much time do you have for rigging?  Simple solutions are user friendly and always ready.   

From your first post it sounds like your playing chicken.  Learn to go beyond your limits takes some beatings.  Start out with the little ones then work your way up and maybe you will learn how to avoid it.  Diving was probably the best solution to your first question.   

[zacksc]

Not playing chicken. Just that after 45 years or so, my surfing abilities exceed my ability and strength for fighting through whitewater.

Yeah, maybe just diving is the best choice. It is hard for me to envision prone whitewater takeoff without some risk of loosing the paddle.

[skyfish]

Proning out in small surf with the paddle under you...no problem...try it when it goes double overhead and youy need both your hands...

[zacksc]

Word. I'll try the carribiner