How can I paddle out without getting tumbled?

Question

I am only 5'0 and ride a 7 foot longboard. I live in Flordia and go surfing a lot. If i am paddeling out what is an easy way to get past a wave that looks like its going to break on your head? How can i get out there without getting tumbled? Any help appreciated (: Looking for best answer (:

p.s. I surf 3-4 feet waves.

Answer 1

do a turtle: lay on the board, flip it over while on it, and let the wave just flap you around while your holding it.  make sure to hold onto the rails really tightly.

Answer 2

A turtle roll will get you under a wave that has already broken, If it is ABOUT TO BREAK, paddle like h#ll over it before it does break.

Answer 3

John F and surammao are right, going turtle on a 4 footer thats about to break on you won't do you any good.  I'm not sure why some people seem to think that a 7 foot board is too big to duck dive with.  I have a 7'6 gun that I rarely ride, but I have no problem duck diving with it.  If you are having problems duck diving, maybe you can find someone who can give you a quick hands on lesson.  If not, I'd suggest paddling at an angle so as to avoid the waves actually breaking on you or paddling around the break altogether.  Good luck.

Answer 4

If a four foot wave is going to 'break on your head', a turtle roll won't help much. The turtle roll is used to get out past the breakers.You have a leash, so ditch the board and dive under the wave. Be cognizant of nearby surfers, so that you're board doesn't get in their way, or hit them. What town are you surfing in? It's been flat in Florida for the past three weeks.

Answer 5

Turn turtle or sit on your board near the tail and as the wave comes reach up and grab the rail near the nose and lay down and transfer your weight forward.

The Surfboard Man

http://www.thesurfboardman.com/

Answer 6

since your board is too big to duck dive, i would suggest doing a turtle roll or eskimo roll (how ever you like to say it). grab both rails, lean your body over the side of the board flipping it and so you are laying on it upside down it the water, wait for the wave to pass you, then push the board back around and keep paddling. i hope this helps. have fun surfing!

Answer 7

Turtle rolls in 3/4 feet shouldn't be too difficult but they get tricky if it's literally breaking on top of you. Timing is everything when paddling out on a longboard - sit on the beach and watch for a while - see how many waves there are in a set and what the gaps are like between them. Try to time your paddle-out so that you are about armpit deep when the last set wave reaches you, then jump on quick and paddle paddle paddle. Either that or find a rip, there's no chance you'll ever duckdive that board so you really need to time it to avoid being NAILED!! Haha, good luck.

Answer 8

the big clambouski rides a 14' board and im 4'7" (im 58 years old)  how you yo think i deel yo.!

Answer 9

mate that is so easy look 4 a rip goin out..jump in the side of it and it will take u out the back no worries and no waves break in a rip so its h**l easier to paddle out.. but that depends on how ov a strong paddler u r just dont panic and ull b just fine

Answer 10

If your not in deep water I would get off and grab it to float over the wave.

If your out deeptry leaning down into the wave (be careful not to tip) so that the wave doesnt pull it toward your face

Answer 11

turtle your board

when its about to break on your head

flip over so your board is up.

of just paddle as fast as possible

but the best way is to turtle your board.

good luck

Answer 12

duck diving probably wouldn't be you best bet because your boards a little big. you should try grabbing both sides of you board aka the rail and rolling upside down . grab the front of your board an try to pull the nose down somewhat. if you can also try to wrap your legs around the board.

hope this helps!

Answer 13

Well you can try dodging the wave by finding a rip where there aren't any waves coming at you, then paddle sideways to get out of the rip and go to where to waves are.

But also no matter how good you are, there will always be a time where a wave hits you, so sometimes there is nothing you can do but hold your breath.