Buoy Turn Tutorial with Connor Baxter

MAUI, Hawaii - Join Connor Baxter, one of the best standup paddlers in the world, as he shares his expert tips for mastering buoy turns on a SUP! In this video, Connor walks you through his step-by-step techniques for both backside and crossbow turns, covering key elements like foot placement, paddle angle, timing, and speed control. Whether you're training for a race or honing your skills, these pro-level insights will help you navigate every buoy with speed and stability.

Steps for a Backside Buoy Turn:

1. When you're a board length away from the buoy (approx 14 ft.) take a small hop back on your board and position your feet for a turn.
2. Continue paddling to maintain speed. Do not stop paddling when you position to the back of the board. Maintain your speed and keep your momentum.
3. Step to the tail of the board and take your stroke around the buoy. Once your body is in line with the buoy, that's when the turn should initiate.
4. Your paddle placement plays a big role in a successful buoy turn. While initiating your buoy turn, get nice and low in your stance and take a big arching turn, kind of in the shape of a rainbow, keeping the paddle low and angled.
5. Keep your eyes up and looking to where you want to go.
6. Once you get to your desired position around the buoy take a hop or step to the desired position on your board after the turn.

Steps for a Crossbow Turn:

1. Hop back on your board once you're a boards length away from the buoy.
2. Continue paddling to maintain speed.
3. Once you're a little bit past the buoy, take a step back and initiate your turn. The reason to wait til you're past the buoy here is if you're at the buoy you're going to hit the buoy with your paddle so be sure to wait once you're slightly past it so when you go to put your paddle in the water you actually get your paddle in the water and aren't hitting the buoy.
4. Cross over the buoy with the paddle in the water, keeping the chest open and the back of the blade facing the nose.
5. Bring the paddle around to the other side to complete the turn.
6. Hop or step to the desired position after the turn.

For a full breakdown of each step, check out the video below.

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