Is there a trick to paddeling out?

Question

Hey, I'm pretty new at surfing, and usually ride on long boards. Getting up isnt my problem, my problem is when I'm paddeling out, it seems like a lot of other surfers who are more experienced just cruise by me, and that I seem to be working very hard without going anywhere. Is there a trick to paddeling out, or a certain technique to use?

Answer 1

It kind of depends what trouble you are having in paddling out. If you having a hard time getting out because of the waves themselves you should be turtling your board. Turtling the board is flipping the board and yourself, so the wave goes over the top of you. This should be done with any board that is 7 ft and bigger. Make sure you have the board pressed firmly against the water surface when you turn it or the wave will rip the board out of your hands. If you are talking about that you don't feel you are a strong paddler, you will just have to surf more because time comes with that. If you want try a little trick, use rip currents to help you paddle out, make sure though that once you are out to paddle a cross and get out of the rip. Waves should not be as intense in this area as well.

Answer 2

When you're paddling, it's really important to find the right spot on the board. The farther up you are, the more power you will have paddling, but not so much where water is coming over the nose of the board. You can't be too far back either because you will be sinking the tail too much and not going anywhere. Also, be centered on the board and have your legs together, so they aren't hanging off the sides of the board. You may want to slightly cup your hands too, and reach out far with each stroke, bringing your arm all the way down your side for full strokes.

As far as getting through waves:

-Always make sure you are directly facing the wave. If you are angled at all, the board will get caught and come right back to you, pushing you back farther.

-Make sure you are paddling at the wave, with some momentum as you try to get through it. You don't want to be going backwards when trying to get through waves. This will at least allow you to hold your ground.

-For small waves, you can push up on the board to let the wave pass over the board and under your chest.

- For bigger waves, try the turtle roll. Grab the rails and roll the board upside down so that you are beneath it. Hold it tight and make sure at least the nose of the board is flush with/underwater so the board doesn't get ripped out of your hands.

Plus, just naturally from surfing, your shoulders and arms will be stronger; you will find that paddling out becomes much easier and the length of your sessions becomes longer.