Correct paddling when surfing
6 great tips
#Updated on 06.02.2022
Paddling properly while surfing and then riding the waves… an indescribable feeling! To enjoy this pleasure, however, you first have to paddle hard. The right mix of strength and technique leads to success. So if you’ve been doing your indo board exercises at home, or have been to the gym or swimming, you’ll quickly make great progress after a few training sessions on the water. Here are some helpful tips from us so that you know what you need to consider when paddling to increase your stamina and be able to surf for longer:
Tip 1 for correct paddling when surfing
It’s all a matter of positioning!
Before you start paddling, you should always check your position on the board. To ensure that you can glide optimally on the water, try to align your sternum to about 2/3 of the length of the surfboard. You are in the right position when the nose is just above the surface of the water.
Tip 2 for correct paddling when surfing
Take a deep breath!
With all the concentration on the right technique when paddling and the physical exertion, it can be easy to neglect to breathe evenly. Side stitches and rapid exhaustion are the result. To avoid this, you can link your breathing to your arm strokes: for example, three arm strokes, inhale, three arm strokes, exhale. Yoga or meditation exercises can also help you to control your breathing better.
Tip 3 for correct paddling when surfing
Show arm use!
The most important rule: never paddle with both arms at the same time! You save a lot of strength and energy if you alternate your arms – just like when crawl swimming. It is also important that you don’t just pull your arms flat through the water, but that you bend your elbows slightly and push the water out from under your boardwith deep arm strokes. Before each new paddle stroke, stretch your arm as far forward as possible to utilize the full radius. An efficient paddling technique means longer endurance and therefore more waves for you!
Tip 4 for correct paddling when surfing
Cheer up!
While paddling, try to keep your upper body still by tensing the muscles in your lower back. Your head should always be slightly raised and your gaze directed forwards. After all, you need to know what is happening in front of you in the sea! Wondering how you can practice this on land too? For example with various yoga poses, such as the cobra, etc.
Tip 5 for correct paddling when surfing
Send your feet on a break!
When paddling, many surfers tend to tense their legs and feet – especially at the beginning. However, only the arms, shoulders and lower back actually have to work. The legs only serve as a counterweight to the upper body when paddling and help you to keep your balance on the board. Many surfers also cross their feet to consciously relax them. Just give it a try!
Tip 6 for correct paddling when surfing
Be on time!
If you follow all the points mentioned above, you will have no problems reaching the line-up quickly. Catching the next wave, however, is an art in itself. The right timing plays a key role here! The more time you spend on the water, the better you will learn to read the sea and the waves. When your wave arrives, try to paddle up in good time and give it another two or three strokes just before the take-off – let the fun begin!
Conclusion – What is the right paddling technique for surfing?
The right paddling technique when surfing will get you into the line-up quickly and into the wave at the right moment. The right paddling technique for surfing depends on various factors: your position on the board, the strength in your arms, your stamina and your body tension.
The most important thing is to make full use of the strength of your arms and to paddle with your hands in front of the surfboard so that you can push the water away from under the board. This will help you to move quickly and paddle effectively.
The most common beginner mistakes when learning to surf
Mistakes you can avoid when learning to surf
Don’t give up and keep at learning to surf!
In addition to paddling correctly when surfing, there are many other things you need to master on your way to becoming a “pro surfer”. To help you avoid the most common mistakes, we have listed our tips on the most common beginner mistakes when learning to surf here.
