Falling off your paddle board is part of the fun — and even the pros do it. The key isn’t to avoid falling altogether, but to learn how to fall off a paddle board safely so you can protect yourself, your gear, and your confidence on the water. Whether you’re just starting out or pushing your SUP skills, here’s how to make every spill a safe one.

No matter your experience level, you’ll fall eventually. It’s a natural part of improving balance, testing new moves, or just paddling in rougher water. Falling helps you:

• Learn how your board reacts in different conditions

• Build confidence in recovery techniques

• Stay relaxed on your board instead of fearing the fall

With the right approach, falling becomes a skill — one that helps you progress faster and stay safe.

When you feel yourself tipping, push away from your board. Your paddle board is big, firm, and can bruise you if you land on it.

Pro Tip:

Push off diagonally and aim to fall clear of the board. The Glide Retro and Lotus boards have rounded rails that are forgiving, but it’s still best to fall away rather than onto the deck.

Never dive into the water. Instead, aim to fall flat — landing on your side or back. This distributes the impact and protects your head, neck, and shoulders from injury.

Quick Tip:

Lead with your butt, not your head. This shallow-style fall helps you avoid hitting any submerged obstacles, especially in shallower water.

It’s easy to forget your paddle in the chaos of a fall. Keep it under control so it doesn’t catch on the water or pull your arm awkwardly.

Best Practice:

Let the blade or handle slice through the water first — never flat. Glide paddles are lightweight and durable, making them easy to manage even during an unexpected dip.

When resurfacing, lead with one hand to check for your board or obstacles. This prevents you from surfacing directly into the underside of your SUP.

Safety Reminder:

If you’re paddling in a group, check for nearby boards or paddlers before popping your head up.

Getting back on is easier than you think. Approach your board from the side near the center handle — that’s the balance point.

Steps:

1. Place your paddle across the board.

2. Grab the handle with one hand and the far rail with the other.

3. Kick your legs while pulling yourself onto the deck.

4. Stay on your knees before standing up again.

Pro Tip:

If you’re in surf or choppy water, stay low and use your paddle like a brace until you’re steady again.

✅ Wear a Leash: Keeps your board from drifting away — Glide includes one with every inflatable SUP.

✅ Use a PFD: A personal flotation device is non-negotiable, especially in deeper or moving water.

✅ Check Conditions: Avoid windy days, strong currents, or areas with rocks or heavy boat traffic.

✅ Practice Falling: Yes, practice it. Knowing what a safe fall feels like makes real spills less intimidating.

Learning how to fall correctly makes you a more confident paddler. You’ll:

• Worry less about mistakes

• Push your limits safely

• Enjoy longer, more adventurous paddles

Every fall becomes a quick reset — not a setback.

Falling off your paddle board isn’t a failure — it’s part of becoming a better paddler. With good technique, proper gear, and a calm mindset, you’ll stay safe and make recovery second nature.

Remember:

• Fall away from your board

• Lead with your butt, not your head

• Resurface cautiously

• Hop back on confidently

At Glide SUP, our durable, stable boards like the Retro and O2 Lotus make every fall forgiving and every recovery quick. So get out there, splash a little, and keep paddling — every tumble is one step closer to mastery.