Surfing Lesson Two - Paddling on your Board
23 commentsPaddling, if you don't know already, is the bit that you do when you are in the water but are not standing up and riding a wave. It's pretty much all the rest of surfing!
It's important that you become proficient at paddling for several reasons:
- If you can't paddle well enough to get out beyond the breaking waves to the lineup, you'll never get a decent ride on a wave.
- If you're slower at paddling than everyone else, then you'll never catch a wave with other surfers when you do finally make it out.
- The longer it takes you to paddle out, the more likely you'll be to get caught by breaking waves; this will tire you more.
During this lesson we're going to have a look at both paddling and how to position yourself on your surfboard when paddling. Don't worry about all of the incoming waves crashing into you and washing you back on to the beach like a piece of driftwood. We'll learn how to deal with that in a later lesson. So, how do to paddle your board?
Paddling Position on the Surfboard
Paddling is done pretty much the same way on both a shortboard and a longboard. With a longboard you can employ a slightly different variation to the paddle, but for the moment we'll ignore that. First we'll look at the position you need to be in on the surfboard. This is probably best done with the picture below:
Position of the surfer while paddling
You'll soon get a feel for what the correct position on the surfboard is like. At first you'll find that the incorrect positioning will lead to your board popping out from under you. This will happen frequently when you first start, so it's a good idea to practice in a location where you won't knock anyone out!
- Position your body weight along the centre of the board.
- Raise your feet slightly off the end of the board.
- Maintain your body far enough back to keep the nose of the board about a couple of inches out of the water, but not so far back that you create too much drag.
It takes a little time to find the most comfortable position, and it will depend on your height and weight, and also the length of your surfboard. A longer, wider board makes this lesson much easier. Take a look at the ideal surfboard for beginners. Give yourself a decent start, and pick a day when the water isn't too choppy.
The paddling lesson continues here.
how to DO paddle your board? i think not. how DO YOU paddle your board, you see?
so its like a freestyle swim in the arms part?
It's similar, but it's not so pronounced as a freestyle stroke, its shorter and you don't reach so far.
OK so they keep toking about long and short boards how can you tell which one works for you
I think surfing is one of the best way to stay fit.
I agree, it's just a shame that there are days without waves. Have you checked out our surf fitness section?
iam doing a report on this and i really want to try to surf
is it normal when i try to stay stable on my board that its wobbly when i paddle...i just got a board and I'm a beginner..?
yes. youre still getting a hang of things. long boards r best to learn on, very stable and floaty. keep at it. by the time i post this, youre probably already shredding
I'm going 2 give it a try! It loOks tricky bt I'll get the hang of it!:)
When i try to paddle my board it just doesnt move! Anx advice? Im a beginner and i only weigh 8 and a half stone, so i cant be too heavy!
Thanks for the words of "wisdom" I cannot wait to become an amazing surfer and live my life. It's going to be the best thing in the world
hi, im guessing that you just paddle, turn away, then paddle again, then stand up, and your surfing? i know that there is MORE to it, but i have never tried surfing before but i'd love to surf so much!
As sri lankans we should learn this great sport.
would I be right if I said to lie closer to the nose and paddle when attempting a wave because that would bring the nose lower and the wave will thrust the board forward faster and easier when paddling?
Greetings Fellow Surfers Can't Wait 2 Get Started On My 1st Surf I Live In Baltimore Md But I'm Coming Out 2 California 2 The Surfing Capital Of The World 2 Give This Wonderful Amazing Remarkable Outstanding Sport A Try Hope 2 See You Out On The Water Enjoy And Catch A Wave 4 Me Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha (smile ) Cheers & God Bless
I have tried to find a comfortable position but I keep on getting pains in my chest tring to keep myself on the board. Is there a soulotion or a trick?
Thanks
Is there a way I can make paddling easier? I am pretty short and don't move very far when paddling, how can I move faster?
i like it it is very cool.com
I'm a complete beginner and having some issue with paddling... is it normal for your pubic bone to take a lot of the load when lying on the board... it feels like my hips don't really touch the board so I wobble from side to side a lot...?
I’m a beginner and my friends are saying to go out surfin with them tomorrow in 3-5 ft waves will I be okay or should I miss it? I am worried about being bashed about and not being able to get out the back quick enough before another wave crashes on top of me?
5ft waves are not really for a beginner. Go along and see what the conditions are like. If it looks OK and you feel comfortable then give it a go.
I'm a totally blind surfer in the US. Really appreciating the descriptions. I've had a decent amount of success in adaptive surf competitions, but I've really only been surfing just shy of 3 years. The info on this site is really helping me understand how waves work. Mahalo.