Are fast breaking waves harder to surf?

Question

I have been surfing at Bolsa Chica (in Huntington beach,ca) for 2 years and I'm doing pretty good (good pop up etc).

I went to Huntington SB near Newport beach and couldn't pop up at all. The waves there seem to rise up alot faster.

Answer 1

Yes, and I would recommend a short board for fast breaking waves. Here's a skill you could use though, instead of paddling straight towards shore, angle your board toward the direction that the wave will be breaking, forsaking the bottom turn. That way you will be able to make it up to the section alot faster.

Answer 2

Are they really faster or they just steeper?  Steeper waves are harder to drop in on.  Most east coast waves tend to be pretty steep since they are usually locally generated wind swell.   Bottom contour will also make a difference in the steepness.

I find that for the same size wave one that is moving faster is actually easier to ride since it will have more push, you don't have to worry about losing as much speed down the line.

Answer 3

The answer obvious, YES! In larger, faster waves, you have to move faster yourself. You have to be on your feet faster, control your board faster and come around with a faster (and usually more radical) bottom turn.

There is nothing wrong with you, or your surfing, you just need to practice a while longer on that type of break to get the hang of it.

Answer 4

dont know

dont surf

Answer 5

yes they are harder because its a harder pop up

Answer 6

your right, fast breaking waves are harder to surf because in the second it takes you to pop up the wave is already near-crashing.

I live near bolsa chica and i surf great there because the pacific ocean is deeper and has smaller waves.