SURFSKI SAFETY: Even the smallest details matter BIG TIME - Millers #87 

A few observations, too many long leashes get tangled up and more likely to wrap around your ski that further complicate untangling and remounts. Less is more, shorten calf leash or use a coil leash, avoid using or have your paddle leash connected with a quick release. Bulky front pouches alway cause issues, best to stow keys/phones and clutter in back pocket to avoid damage and reducing bulk. A few tips, Practice remounts in all conditions, always good to finish a dw and do a warmdown lap with a remount in 'fatgued' state until you are confident and well versed. Soften hands so the last three digits form an Ok grip so to increase reach in placing the blade and only close your hand as you pull, this allows you to relax for improved technique. Finally once on a run let your blade trail on one side in a 'light brace' tripod and balance your leading hand on you knee so to relax posture and to quicken response in beginning next stroke. Practice, repeat, enjoy.

Some good learning, honesty shared. I learned early on that anything stowed in front pocket of PFD impeded my remount so I got a Vaikobi with a back pocket and keep the front one empty. Makes it harder to get at stuff, but at least I can get back in the boat!

They say never let go of the ski when falling. Leash is there only as a back-up. Old timers say early surfskis don't even have a leash. They have to hold on to it when falling.

First think, than act! Top👍

I would not be able to any self rescue with these kayaks 😅 Cool video!

Thanks for the share , it's a great lesson. Often people only show the glory , and I'm guessing there was plenty awesome runs during that downwind. Personally I feel that the mistakes are the more valuable learning tools . Thanks again

Thats ironic, same last name, both paddlers haha. I like being in the kayak though...S18r Stellar Alpha.

Survival skills

It’s hard to think straight when you’re tired, plus feeling all sorts of emotions after falling off. I try to ‘write off’ that experience and ‘start again’ by trying to remount as calmly as possible.

Never heard of surfski before. As a former windsurfer I'm paddlling now in kayaks and packrafts, but to me, this looks like a new challenge! Sick how fast you go man! Grtz Eckie

No offense but maybe 2 years paddling is not enough experience to paddle out solo with a swordfish ??? You' d be more safe on a Epic V8 pro or a any other stable boat. No matter what they say swordfish isn't an intermediate boat .

I noticed you have the old Mocke PFD. Try the new one, the Flow without Zip. It is much thinner and makes remount much easier. I speak form experience. About your wrist leash experience a few months back. I modified my wrist leash and added a fast clip so that I can easily unhook if necessary. That prevents entanglement between leg leash and wrist leash after a wipe out. Being able to quickly disconnect the wrist leash also means you can remount both sides.

Not sure if anyone showed you, when u r on a run rest you blade on the water to give your core a break. Have a look at oscars method first remounts, you will notice he takes a paddle on the side his legs dangle before he swings his legs into the boat. U got luck the conditions smoothed out, had the remained rough you would have struggled remounting the way u did. Can only say this as I also learnt the hard way to get lots of remounting practice

No criticism. Why don’t you get a more stable ski ? Why do you want to persist with the Swordy?

I've only seen two of your videos and both of them include you having trouble remounting due to gear. Sort your kit out man, sheesh

On my palm surf ski I used the lap strap to hold me in so I always rolled my ski. I never bailed out especially surfing on my own as that would be a crass thing while on your own in heavy surf.

Thank you very much for sharing !!! This is such a valuable learning tool. I'm sharing with my paddling friends at once !

Talking about risk, there is also that rock at 3:04 😬...

Only just missed a rock on the surf into the beach! That could have been expensive.

Surfskis need mini hatch.