Master Buoy Turns: Backside & Crossbow Techniques for Paddleboarding

In this video, Connor Baxter from the Starboard SUP team, provides a guide on performing buoy turns in stand-up paddleboarding, featuring two main techniques: the backside turn and the crossbow turn.

Backside Turn:

Starting Position: The instructor, who is goofy-footed (right foot forward), explains the right-hand turn.
Initial Steps: About a board-length from the buoy, they make a small hop back, maintaining paddling to sustain speed.
Key Actions:
- Step towards the tail.
- Begin turning when the body aligns with the buoy.
- Use a “rainbow stroke” (a wide, arcing paddle motion) to efficiently navigate around the buoy.
- Keep eyes focused on the desired direction to avoid tipping.
Finishing: After completing the turn, a hop or step is used to regain balance and proper position.

Crossbow Turn:

Purpose: Ideal for situations where switching foot positions isn’t preferred or feasible, such as in competitive races.
Technique:
- Similar initial setup: a hop back and continued paddling.
- Begin the turn slightly past the buoy to avoid collisions.
- Cross the paddle over to the opposite side, keeping the chest open and arms uncrossed.
- Use the back of the paddle blade to guide the nose of the board around.
- Keep eyes on the intended path for stability.
Finishing: Depending on the situation, either complete another stroke in the crossbow position or switch the paddle to the other side to finalize the turn. Perform a hop to stabilize and position the board for the next movement.

Both techniques emphasize maintaining speed, proper paddle angles, and body positioning for efficient and smooth buoy turns.

Check out all the racing paddle boards we have available.