Best Way To Swim With Paddle.

[UKRiverSurfers]

I would opt for a breast stroke kick on my back.. or a scissor kick on my side.

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http://wavecloudswimschool.co.uk/

[UKRiverSurfers]

I usually just leave my paddle and swim in and get my board and then paddle back to get my paddle.

Another good option!

[gtcali]

UK, Is the 'catch up' with the shaft and handle in front of you?

Just got a new 8mm 8ft leash.  Hopefully I won't be loosing my board anytime soon.

For those who ditch their paddle, get board, and get paddle...You'd ditch your paddle in the impact zone?

[tribalthunder]

I'd be nervous leaving a $300 paddle in the impact zone. I've always pushed it ahead of me while I scramble for the board, but next time I'll be using the proper technique.

[LeftSide]

UK, Is the 'catch up' with the shaft and handle in front of you?

Just got a new 8mm 8ft leash.  Hopefully I won't be loosing my board anytime soon.

When waves are big you want a 9mm or 9.5mm leash with a SUP. Stay Covered, located in Oceanside, has 9.5mm's in stock and in various sizes. It's probably the strongest non-custom leash made anywhere. A 9mm is made by Creatures of Leisure, but is in all likelihood considerably less strong than the Stay Covered.

[aircube]

I broke a leash the other day after i jumped over the back of a face that was closing.  Threads broke where the leash tubing was sewn into the velcro on the board end, the other end of the leash still attached to my ankle.  Couple of ways to deal with it:

-if velcro is still on ankle use it to strap paddle to your ankle
-if you wear booties, use the straps on the booties to attach paddle to your foot
-if you have a backzip wetsuit, use the long zipper pull and tie to paddle handle
- chuck the paddle towards shore like a javelin, swim, repeat
 

[SUPcheat]

I broke a leash for the first time today.  My impact vest offered some flotation, but the swim to the board "on the inside" with churning sets coming in was a bit of a challenge, the board did not go to shore but was some distance that increased with each wave.

I probably should have updated the leash as it was the one I used to paddle in the harbor.

It took some time to orient, but I wound up sticking the paddle in the impact vest and then swimming as best I could. Swimming sure seems slow when you are bobbing around the ocean. Body surfing some of the white water helped.

Using the velcro leash remainder or the velcro on the booties seems like a good suggestion, didn't think of it because of the surprise factor, the ocean sure seems like a different place without that board.

However, count another good reason to wear in impact vest.

[funkart]

if wearing baggies I carry a 8' piece of webbing or chord in pocket it takes up no space and tie to ankle and paddle only problem is in extreme winter with lobster gloves

[unclesaltdog]

I have snapped a few leashes and most of the time they have broken near the board (probably due to fin cuts) and I have been left with a reasonable length of leash attached to my ankle.

In cases like this I just tie the broken leash around the paddle handle and drag it along behind me, not so easy if you are in the impact zone though, but can still be done if you are careful.

[PonoBill]

I've broken more than my fair share of leashes. I've also had the cuffs pull off when the velcro gets worn. A loop on the side of your boardshorts is a great addition, or for you wetsuit guys, maybe adding a loop would make sense. Doesn't need to be strong, just enough to retain the handle and drag it along. Whatever you do, you want to start swimming for your board ASAP. They don't move any closer.

[supmate]

Swimming with your paddle is difficult in any waves and moving currents, so when swimming with your paddle after a snapped leash a handy hint my mate discovered is if you place a leg rope string around the shaft of your paddle it can come in handy for two reasons, first is if you break your string you don't need to go in, second is you can tie the string on the paddle to your wetsuit cord freeing up two hands for paddling to retrieve your board, handy if your surfing a reef or bar far out from shore........... as you would be when this occurs of course!

..........Here's one I prepared for you earlier. 



BTW, If its really crazy I would recommend you ditch the paddle and swim in, retrieve it later, red tape will help you see/find it.