Surf Lesson | Learn to Surf

Paddling Technique

Once you have got the feel of catching waves and you are confident your body positioning is right, it is time to start paddling on to waves. By paddling we are attempting to increase the speed of the surf board which will give it more momentum, this in turn will assist in catching waves and improve the stability of the surf board as we progress towards the next stage of standing up.

Sorry, but you are still not going to stand up just yet!

To achieve the correct paddling technique you should once again practice on the beach and familiarise yourself with the finer points, which are:

• Do - Body positioning (as in stage 1)

• Do - Slightly raise your shoulders and chest off the deck

• Do - Keep your head up and looking forward

• Do - One arm after the other, reach forward and pull down, close to the rail, bending at the elbow and then pulling through until your arm is fully extended.

• Do - Slightly cup your hands

Remember what we are ideally trying to achieve is speed and momentum, it is important to gain maximum power from your paddling, things you DO NOT want to do are:

• Don't - Paddle both arms at the same time

• Don't - Spread your arms and paddle wide

• Don't - Roll your shoulders so much that you actually pull yourself of the side of the surf board

• Don't - Keep your head down and chin rested on the deck

After paddling a few strokes in the sand you should place your hands onto the chest line and push up.

In the surf

If you are confident with your paddling technique the next step is to go back into the surf and use it to improve your wave catching skills.

Once again the question is "when do you jump on the surf board?"

Previously we were waiting for the wave to hit the tail of the surfboard before jumping on, now, to gain a maximum result, slide on to the surfboard when the wave is one to two metres away from the tail.

As in stage one, push the surfboard forward heading directly into the beach, slide on (lead with your chest into the correct body position), start paddling hard and fast, you will feel the wave hit the back of the board and increase your momentum, from here, DON'T stop paddling, add a couple extra power strokes and then return your hands back to the chest line, push up, and ride the wave all the way to the beach.

As every wave will be different you will have to work out yourself how much paddling is required, sometimes two strokes will pull you onto the wave and other times a larger quantity of strokes will be required. The idea is not to paddle all the way to the beach, but to increase your speed enough for the waves momentum to pick you up and carry you all the way to the beach.

Summary

Paddling is an essential skill that is required by a surfer. The more power and effort that is used when paddling will increase your wave catching ability and greatly benefit the next stage which is standing up. 

Remember this is a basic beginners guide and you should still only walk out to waist deep water and now paddle onto the white water waves.

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