Ride (surf) a wave without heading straight to shore?

Question

So I've been surfing for a few months now. However, I always seem to ride the wave straight in to shore. I want to be able to ride them horizontally, but I can't seem to do it. Any tips on how to ride them parallel to shore?

Answer 1

hi

considering u haven't been surfing for along time if you turn your board abit when you are paddling for a wave like the others said it will be harder to stand up and if the face of the wave is a bit bigger it will most prob throw you off ya board if you dont stand up straight away.

what i did when i started was stand up on the wave first make sure your feet are sideways on the board bend your knees and if you stand normal just lean forward abit and put pressure on your toes but more pressure on your back foot.

this will work but just start off on smaller waves and keep trying you most prob wont do it the first time but you will get it after a few shots .

and it feels so much better.

and also when you are on a wave just try all diff things because u will do something and be like oooooh so thats how you do that and them u will have learned something new.

also if you google it im sure there will be something o the net that will show u what to do evan with a video

Answer 2

hey ive been surfin for a few years and have found that when starting to catch the curl of a wave you can stay very close to the board after standing up and grab the rails of the board and pull into the wave. when your in the direction u want you can relax you standing pose and have some fun on the face of the wave

Answer 3

Hey Jaslene. When you are paddling for a wave, instead of paddling straight, paddle a bit in the direction you want to go (alternatively you can vary the amnt. of angle you paddle in that direction). Once you are standing, you're going to want to turn your board in the direction you want to go. Do this by using your whole body, it also helps to be further back on the board because it allows you to steer the board better.

You will get it, and it's just something you have to feel out.

Answer 4

when you start paddling for the wave you want, turn your board slightly the way you want to go as you would when riding a shortbaord. once you stand, the easiest way to do it is to immideately turn the way you want to go. unless you have to drop then wait til you hit the water and then turn. but it will come with time and practice. and it is easier when you have a stance farther back on the board like with your back foot near the tail (if riding a shortboard, with your foot on the traction pad) i hope this helps. good luck!

Answer 5

Just paddle out past where the waves are breaking. When you see a wave you want paddle for it a little diagonally and you will be riding the wave. Eventually you will learn to catch a wave and turn to the shoulder.

The Surfboard Man

http://www.thesurfboardman.com/

Answer 6

You can catch the curl or once you have the momentum from the wave the turn parallel.

Answer 7

First thing first, ride and choose a wave that you are comfortable with. The wave direction is always imperative to a surfer trying to take it to a new limit or focusing on a certain maneuver. Choose a wave that brakes the direction you want to CUT (what you want to do is called cutting). now that you have found your wave, paddle out and start out doing what you usually do until you have warmed up so to say. now to change up your normal habits, paddle in the direction that the wave is braking. stand up when you feel that the momentum is right. put most of your weight on your back foot and have a nice balanced distance between both of your feet. now that you are positioned on the wave and your board you should be "comfortable" enough to cut. depending on your board style and size mike the appropriate turning motion whether it be tight for a smaller board or wide for a long board. though you shouldn't have to turn so much if you have done the first few steps correct it may come that you've done them wrong and have to compensate by making a full turn yourself. you should practice both backside and front side, bad habits turn in to bad style, give your back straight and knees bent at all times, use your hands for extra weight so that you can add it to the weight being driven by your feet. though your weight should be on your back foot your front foot position is just as important. i hope this helps.