How to Pivot Turn on Your SUP

January 16, 2018

One of the big questions is how can we learn to pivot turn on our SUP? Most of us go out on our SUP for some training or just as a social activity. We all see paddlers out there practicing pivot turns and are amazed at their skills. How do they move around on their board and make it look so easy? How can we learn to do this without constantly wiping out? There are some simple steps to help us learn to master the pivot turn and join the ranks of paddlers out there practicing this skill.

SUP SKILLS | HOW TO PIVOT TURN

January 12, 2018 By SUP Magazine

Kai Lenny knows a thing or two about pivot turns. Photo: Aaron Black-Schmidt

To take your paddling to the next level, mastering the pivot turn is a must. Whether whipping your board around to catch a juicy peak, executing a tight buoy turn during a race, or showing off to a few friends, pivot turns are the answer.

The maneuver is performed by stepping back on the tail of the board to lift the nose clear of the water, which makes it easier to rotate. Not only will you be able to turn on a dime, but mastering the pivot turn also increases balance.

Of course, not all boards are made the same. SUP shortboards with ample rocker pivot easily, while a raceboard or longboard with minimal rocker requires a bit more effort. Regardless of your ride, these six steps will help get you pointed in the right direction.

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