We have a number of members who have a lot of skill and training. I am hoping one of them will comment here.
I am well familiar with the method “hold the shaft of your paddle against the back of your coaming while using the paddle like an outrigger”. I use it often and have taught it to other people over the years. Recently I’ve been paddling a lot more and I got to where this method is too ‘fussy’ for quickly jumping in and out. Instead I have become comfortable with balancing on the back of my cockpit as I tuck my legs in or pull them out.
It has been interesting exploring this, because I came to see it’s the same balancing act getting in at the start of the paddle as it is when arriving, and also if you’re doing a cowboy scramble re-entry.
Beyond just balancing on my coaming or back deck, I find that putting my hands on the heels of my coaming, almost sitting on them, offers the best control over my boat while sliding in or out. I found that moment was the crux move in both cases.
Anyhow, I don’t know if this helps or not. Just my $0.02.