{"id":341308,"date":"2026-04-08T13:15:01","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T11:15:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/wave-selection-choosing-the-right-wave\/"},"modified":"2026-04-08T13:15:01","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T11:15:01","slug":"wave-selection-choosing-the-right-wave","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/en\/wave-selection-choosing-the-right-wave\/","title":{"rendered":"Wave Selection \u2013 choosing the right wave"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; admin_label=&#8221;section&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;row&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.16&#8243; custom_padding=&#8221;|||&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; custom_padding__hover=&#8221;|||&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Text&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.5&#8243; text_line_height=&#8221;2em&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_left&#8221; background_repeat=&#8221;repeat&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; use_border_color=&#8221;off&#8221; border_color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; border_style=&#8221;solid&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/en\/wave-selection-choosing-the-right-wave\/#How_to_choose_a_good_wave\" >How to choose a good wave!<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/en\/wave-selection-choosing-the-right-wave\/#Positioned_right_at_the_peak\" >Positioned right at the peak<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/en\/wave-selection-choosing-the-right-wave\/#Paddling_with_confidence_vs_%E2%80%98aimless_paddling\" >Paddling with confidence vs. \u2018aimless paddling\u2019<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/en\/wave-selection-choosing-the-right-wave\/#How_do_you_decide_which_wave_to_paddle_for_%E2%80%A6\" >How do you decide which wave to paddle for &#8230;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/en\/wave-selection-choosing-the-right-wave\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_choose_a_good_wave\"><\/span><strong>How to choose a good wave!<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-56445\" src=\"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/photo-1453619530275-df91265cfe3b.jpg\" alt=\"Learning to paddle the right wave ...\" width=\"1080\" height=\"580\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/photo-1453619530275-df91265cfe3b.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/photo-1453619530275-df91265cfe3b-300x161.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/photo-1453619530275-df91265cfe3b-768x412.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/photo-1453619530275-df91265cfe3b-1024x550.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Choosing the right wave increases your chances of catching one and reduces frustration. By making the right choice and only paddling out for waves that are worth it, you conserve energy. Positioning yourself correctly in the line-up ensures you don\u2019t miss any good waves. When a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/en\/the-6-most-common-beginner-mistakes-when-learning-to-surf-and-how-to-avoid-them\/\">surfer progresses from beginner<\/a> \u2013 i.e. whitewater surfing \u2013 to intermediate level to ride unbroken waves, the ocean offers a few clues that you should recognise so that you can start paddling at the right moment.  <\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Positioned_right_at_the_peak\"><\/span><strong>Positioned right at the peak<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Firstly, <strong>you should position yourself so that you paddle straight towards the peak (the crest of the wave)<\/strong>, where the wave begins to break. This gives the surfer the best possible chance of catching the wave there, and it also allows for the longest ride. It is also important to position yourself at a sufficient distance from the beach so that the wave does not crash over your head.  <\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Paddling_with_confidence_vs_%E2%80%98aimless_paddling\"><\/span><strong>Paddling with confidence vs. \u2018aimless paddling\u2019<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Secondly, you should paddle with a positive and determined attitude, positioning yourself in the line-up with confidence. Often, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/en\/ocean-and-sea-surf-theory-before-you-hit-the-water\/\">surfers act hesitantly and drift at the peak<\/a> instead of paddling decisively in the right direction when a good wave approaches, <strong>with the aim of securing a good position<\/strong>. The aim here should always be to <strong>position yourself, or to paddle over the swell<\/strong>, in search of a better wave that might follow.  <\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-56451\" src=\"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Die-richtige-Welle-anpaddeln.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1080\" height=\"580\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Die-richtige-Welle-anpaddeln.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Die-richtige-Welle-anpaddeln-300x161.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Die-richtige-Welle-anpaddeln-768x412.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Die-richtige-Welle-anpaddeln-1024x550.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_do_you_decide_which_wave_to_paddle_for_%E2%80%A6\"><\/span><strong>How do you decide which wave to paddle for &#8230;<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>A surfer must also decide which wave to paddle out to. There are three basic types of unbroken \u2018swells\u2019 that help them make consistent and sound decisions about whether an incoming wave is suitable for paddling out to and riding. <\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>1. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/mehr-wellen-bekommen\/\">Surfers often paddle out for swells<\/a> (unbroken waves or swells) that could be described as \u2018flat\u2019<\/strong>. They look flat but have not yet begun to build up enough for the surfer. If a surfer paddles out and misses such a wave, there are usually three consequences. They waste energy and effort, they are no longer in the right position for the next wave, and the following <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/en\/big-wave-surfing-more-than-just-a-wave\/\">wave may break over the surfer\u2019s head<\/a>. All of this makes it somewhat harder to paddle back out to reposition themselves.    <\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-56457\" src=\"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/etwas-zu-flache-wellen-anpaddeln.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1080\" height=\"580\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/etwas-zu-flache-wellen-anpaddeln.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/etwas-zu-flache-wellen-anpaddeln-300x161.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/etwas-zu-flache-wellen-anpaddeln-768x412.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/etwas-zu-flache-wellen-anpaddeln-1024x550.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>2. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/en\/6-tips-for-proper-paddling-when-surfing-how-to-catch-every-wave\/\">Some surfers also paddle out for waves<\/a> that are already about to break, known as \u2018pitching waves\u2019<\/strong>. These <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/en\/wave-formation-theory-about-waves-and-their-formation\/\">waves break directly over the surfer<\/a> as they attempt to stand up. These \u2018late take-offs\u2019 usually result in a wipeout right at the moment of take-off, meaning the surfer fails to ride the wave, loses their position at the peak, and wastes energy and effort.  <\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-56455 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Pitching-Wave-1.jpg\" width=\"1080\" height=\"580\" alt=\"\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Pitching-Wave-1.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Pitching-Wave-1-300x161.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Pitching-Wave-1-768x412.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Pitching-Wave-1-1024x550.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>3. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/en\/about-surfing\/\">Surfers<\/a> should only paddle out to half-formed waves. These waves allow the surfer to catch the wave cleanly and more easily. <\/strong> A clean entry allows the surfer to build momentum whilst paddling and generate speed, which can then be used for the take-off or the first manoeuvre.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-56456\" src=\"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/sauberer-und-einfacheres-anpaddeln.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1080\" height=\"580\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/sauberer-und-einfacheres-anpaddeln.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/sauberer-und-einfacheres-anpaddeln-300x161.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/sauberer-und-einfacheres-anpaddeln-768x412.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/sauberer-und-einfacheres-anpaddeln-1024x550.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>It is important to recognise what kind of wave is approaching before you start paddling towards it. <strong>When you see a wave on the horizon, you have to decide whether it\u2019s suitable for paddling towards or not.<\/strong> This early decision gradually leads to catching more and more consistent waves. The more \u201chalf-formed\u201d waves you paddle out to and the better you position yourself in the line-up beforehand, the easier it is to catch the green wave. <\/p>\n<p>The following video illustrates the tips above very clearly:<br \/><iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/IIPeCmvH6Ao?rel=0\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How to choose a good wave! &nbsp; Choosing the right wave increases your chances of catching one and reduces frustration. By making the right choice and only paddling out for waves that are worth it, you conserve energy. Positioning yourself correctly in the line-up ensures you don\u2019t miss any good waves. When a surfer progresses [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":290619,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[31981],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-341308","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-surf-courses-on-fuerteventura"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/341308","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=341308"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/341308\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/290619"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=341308"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=341308"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freshsurf.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=341308"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}