Paddle Safely Back to Shore

Exiting the Water Safely: A Guide to Paddling Back to Shore

Are you standing on the beach, enjoying the warm sun on your skin, when suddenly a strong wave crashes over the water's edge? You're caught off guard and struggle to regain your balance. This can be a terrifying experience, especially if you're not prepared. But fear not, dear surfers! Knowing how to exit the water safely is an essential skill that every surfer should possess.

Let's consider an example scenario: it's late afternoon, and you've been surfing for hours. As the sun begins to set, you realize you need to paddle back to shore. You're wading in deep water, trying to keep your head above the surface while simultaneously paddling with all your might. The wave crashes over the shore, sweeping you away from the safety of the beach.

This is where paddle etiquette comes into play. If you're caught like this, it's essential to exit the water slowly and deliberately to avoid injuring yourself or others.

Paddle Back to Shore Slowly and Deliberately

When exiting the water, follow these steps:

1. Stop paddling immediately: As soon as you feel the wave pulling you away from shore, stop paddling. Don't try to fight against the current; instead, relax your body and allow yourself to be swept back towards the beach.
2. Kick your feet: Kick your feet in a slow, circular motion to help guide yourself towards the shore. Keep your knees bent and your weight centered over the board (or buoy).
3. Use your hands for balance: Hold onto a nearby object, such as a jetty or a piece of driftwood, for added balance and stability.
4. Look where you want to go: Focus on the horizon or the direction you want to paddle towards. This will help you maintain your orientation and avoid getting lost in the current.
5. Start paddling again slowly: Once you've kicked off and are paddling in a slow, deliberate motion, start again. You may need to adjust your speed and style of paddling depending on the type of boat or water conditions.

Additional Tips

• Always swim or paddle with a buddy whenever possible.
• Be aware of your surroundings and avoid paddling through crowded areas or near boats.
• Keep an eye on the weather forecast and watch for changing ocean conditions that may affect your paddle back to shore.
• If you're feeling exhausted or uncomfortable, consider seeking assistance from a lifeguard or another qualified swimmer.

Conclusion

Exiting the water safely requires practice and patience, but it's an essential skill for any surfer. By following these simple steps and being mindful of your surroundings, you can reduce the risk of injury and enjoy a more comfortable paddle back to shore. Remember, safety is always the top priority when surfing or swimming. Here's a summary of the guide on exiting the water safely:

Step	Description
1. Stop paddling immediately	As soon as you feel the wave pulling you away from shore, stop paddling.
2. Kick your feet	Kick your feet in a slow, circular motion to guide yourself towards the shore.
3. Use your hands for balance	Hold onto a nearby object for added balance and stability.
4. Look where you want to go	Focus on the horizon or direction you want to paddle towards.
5. Start paddling again slowly	Once kicked off, start paddling in a slow, deliberate motion.

Additional tips:

• Swim or paddle with a buddy whenever possible
• Be aware of your surroundings and avoid paddling through crowded areas
• Watch for changing ocean conditions that may affect the paddle back to shore
• Consider seeking assistance from a lifeguard if feeling exhausted or uncomfortable

This guide provides a clear and concise approach to exiting the water safely, emphasizing the importance of practice, patience, and safety.