Any of you more experienced suppers able to give me advice on maintaining better control of my sup in wipeouts – particularly when being hit by a sneaky big set when paddling out?

I've been at it for nearly 2 years now and generally have good control of the board and can surf quite confidently in small crowds and clean surf. I do avoid the larger crowds when it gets bigger/messier purely because I don’t wish to cause anyone injury.
I've tried a few different ways to hang onto the board, but usually end up getting hurt myself – last time put me out for a week. So I usually step away from board and let it go. Got abused by someone today (only the 2nd time in 2 years - and the board wasn't really any where near them) don’t want to make any enemies, so though I’d ask for advice here.
I'm 57, 90kg and currently ride an Allwave 9'1. Thanks

ET ,,you got abused at agee The point

Like... the person who abused you... never had their board go flying in someones direction? Was he coming up close behind you when you ejected? Tough titties... suck it up... I am sure it looks like your board is travelling for over twenty feet behind you...but in reality, if you dive down and away from the beach... your board wont be that far back! Good.. you are mindful of others... but Id continue to be careful as possible, and just throw an apology at any abusers. Hold on to your board or leg rope at your own peril. Dont be pressured by others and panic - ending up with a dislocation or bad laceration... all because you did not want to scare Mr "Precious" with your board flying in the air. Having said that... I know there are SUP idiots out there that have no idea at all in the surf, and would not be asking squat about such issues on a forum, like yourself - and frankly they should not be there. Its people like them.. that obviously has given that abuser a nasty chip on his shoulder about Stand Up Paddlers in general.

Agree with LordKuz.
I've only had one run in, and nipped it in the bud. Was on a break by myself about 100M off the point, too fat and full for any prones. Was there for about 4 hours having a ball, and just about to head in. A prone surfer came and sat that close to me he was almost on my lap. I decided to catch the next wave in. Unfortunately I didn't see that he had done the same, and he commenced hurling abuse at me, shouting that I had dropped in on him, which indeed I had. Didn't see him take off at all.
I retaliated and a shouting match ensued. I hit the beach and had a shower and returned to the shore to see old mate had already gotten out (obviously proved his point). I approached him and his mates, and was met with more abuse. I cut him off, which he didn't like as he was enjoying giving me a spray, and apologised and shook his hand. It was hard eating humble pie, and believe me it was the last thing I wanted to do, but I love what I do and don't need the angst.
I see him every now and then and say g'day, hard not to, it's our local.
Even though I've spent a lot of time in the surf, that one incident has really increased my situational awareness, and so far I've managed to avoid a repeat performance (touch wood).

if it is from the point,i find it hilarious as most of the so called locals are blow ins anyways.
when we were surfing the point there was 1 caravan park and a hand full of locals in the place.


I've never had a problem at the point.
1 i don't go when theres a crowd normally sat-sun or holidays
2 dont hang around suck rock on a sup,no room for a start.
3 feel your way into the pack.
4 if you stuff up its all over..no respect coming your way..IMO may as well paddle back in or head down the beach

Haha, Cobra, you obviously know the place well.
It was definitely a "blow in local" but so am I, just blew in a bit later.
I don't go near the point unless I get tired of holding myself against 25-30 Knot winds, and want a bit of shelter.
There's plenty of ok breaks further down the beach, more than enough for a SUP.
It's a really friendly place, just a select few that think they own it. I'm sure this sounds familiar.
Number 1 rule for ALL surf craft - don't paddle out behind someone or cross their line, it's not just about other people's safety, but also self preservation. Waves are predictably unpredictable.

Brenno said..
Haha, Cobra, you obviously know the place well.
It was definitely a "blow in local" but so am I, just blew in a bit later.
I don't go near the point unless I get tired of holding myself against 25-30 Knot winds, and want a bit of shelter.
There's plenty of ok breaks further down the beach, more than enough for a SUP.
It's a really friendly place, just a select few that think they own it. I'm sure this sounds familiar.
Number 1 rule for ALL surf craft - don't paddle out behind someone or cross their line, it's not just about other people's safety, but also self preservation. Waves are predictably unpredictable.

Brenno i started surfing that place late 70s,scrub bashing in EJ holdens ,great place.

i was just at another point last week

just a shame that sort of thing happens there.
peeps should have more tolerance in a casual coastal town like that…good on you, for one, not letting him getaway with his bull**** attitude and

for being big enough to admitting wrong and settling things down.


only advice i would give ET about paddling out, is go wide then go in.
if caught inside and peeps are around just hang on till it thins out.

if not go down to the surf club and catch as many waves as you like,,in peace

Nearly mate, don't think it's the board though, more likely the fact that you're seeing the waves well before them and catching plenty.
Jealousy is a curse!
Never seen you do any harm ET. Avoid the show ponies like I do mate, keep enjoying yourself and keep on smiling.