What is a Buoy Turn?

By: James | Last update: 6 february 2023

As an experienced stand up paddler, you must know what the buoy turn is and you must also be able to perform it. The buoy turn is known among advanced suppers and is one of the best techniques to make a fast turn. But what exactly is a buoy turn? We explain it in this blog:

Don’t know what stand up paddling is yet? Then first view our explanation of stand up paddle boarding.

What is a buoy turn?

A buoy turn (also called ‘pivot turn’) is, as mentioned earlier, a well-known technique in the SUP world to make a turn as quickly as possible. The buoy turn is especially often used in Stand Up Paddle competitions as this is one of the fastest ways to turn.

How does the buoy turn work?

To begin, transfer all your weight to the back of the board. Then you get into skateboarding position with your feet in a straight line. When you stand like this you lean well on your back foot, when you do this you will see that the tip of the board rises. When the nose of the board has risen you can start paddling to turn the corner as quickly as possible. When you are done with the turn, jump back into your normal SUP position and step back to the center of the board.

Visual explanation of a buoy turn

Did you find this blog interesting? Be sure to check out our other Stand Up Paddling blogs.