4 tips for more paddling power when surfing

You’re motivated, you’re often in the water—and yet others keep paddling away your waves?
Spoiler: This is rarely due to technique or talent. Most of the time, it’s simply a lack of paddling power when surfing.

Paddling power is what matters.

whether you get a wave or not
how relaxed your take-off is
and how long you actually enjoy being in the water

The good news is that paddling power can be trained. And often, a few adjustments are all it takes to start surfing more waves right away.

What is paddle power in surfing?

Paddling power is not simply “paddling hard.”
Paddling power is not simply “paddling hard.”

power
endurance
technique
body tension

Many surfers paddle a lot—but inefficiently. This costs energy and provides little propulsion. This is exactly where our tips come in.

Table of Contents

Tip 1:

Muscle building for more paddling power

When paddling, you lie flat on the board and lift your upper body—this is often what determines who gets into the line-up.

To make every paddle stroke more effective, you need above all a strong:

Shoulder and back muscles
Trunk and core muscles
Stability in the lower back

Exercises that really help:

Push-Ups
Planks & Side Planks
Superman exercises
Pull-ups or assisted pull-ups
Russian twists

Tipp 2:

Balance – for more paddling power

Surfing is all about balance—and that starts with paddling.
If you constantly wobble while paddling, you lose energy and have to compensate.

Here are some exercises that will help you improve your balance, which you will definitely need on a surfboard:

Stand on one leg (on firm and unstable ground)
Balance Board
(Surf-) Skateboard
Slackline
Balance-exercises (e.g. Yoga)

Tip 3:

Exercise in the water for more paddling power

Swimming is the classic exercise here: it trains your arms, shoulders, chest, and back—and the crawl stroke simulates the paddling motion very well.

front crawl
back crawl
Breaststroke & Dolphin Techniques
Swimming with fins (for power and leg support)

The best part: you strengthen your endurance, posture, and breathing at the same time—right where you need it.

Tip 4:

Interval training for more paddling power

Strength alone is not enough—endurance makes the difference.
Interval training (alternating intense phases + recovery) is ideal for improving your energy regulation.