![]() ![]() More experienced surfers are able to read waves with very little effort. The two most important things to good technique are minimizing your drag (resistance to your paddling) and maximizing your propulsion (efficiency of moving forward). Not only will it physically get you to the takeoff spot quickest and into those waves, but it also increases your margin for error as you can take off on waves much earlier. Being able to paddle faster is going to help you catch more waves. ![]() Unless you have the fitness, balance, strength, and technique, you’re better off sticking to a board with more volume. The goal for many is to surf on the smallest board possible.īut this mindset often sets aside the fact that we still need to be able to catch waves. If the answer is yes to either of the above, then you may just be on the wrong board for your size and ability. Negative self-talk will always deliver a negative outcome.Ī simple shift of your self-talk can have the biggest impact on your surfing (and life).īe thankful for the fact that you’re surfing, embrace everything it has to offer, and don’t beat yourself up about everything.ĭo you feel a lot of drag when you’re paddling? Are you losing paddle battles to 6-year-old groms? Paddle around, try new positioning and get busy. Once you make a break from the pack you can bet others will follow the moment they see you catch a half decent wave. But don’t be afraid to break free from the pack and go it alone. So often surfers are like sheep, constantly herding together. Have you ever noticed how much the top surfers paddle around? They’re constantly on the move. If you’re enjoying this article about Beginner Hacks, then you’ll probably find my other writing on how to pop up useful. This can set you up with a little momentum for the rest of your surf. It doesn’t have to be the set of the day, just something with a little wall to get your feet in the wax. The longer you take to catch your first wave, the harder it will be to get going.Īs soon as you’re out the back, take off on any green wave you can find. ![]() Sometimes you have to surf yourself into a rhythm. If possible, you can line yourself up with more than one landmark to better gauge not only your positioning along a beach but also your distance out to sea. This will help you to hold your position on the peak through big lulls or rips and make sure you stay in the appropriate takeoff zone. Use buildings, trees, rocks, sunbathers etc, as landmarks to line up with. This is why you must use land markers to find your positioning. The ocean is a massive playing field with nothing that will allow you to visually gauge your positioning. When you see a set in the distance that’s going to break further down the beach, you have to paddle with purpose to “Spot X.” Spot X will be your best possible takeoff point. This could mean your best approach is paddling into the peak then quickly turning around, or maybe it’s paddling further out toward an oncoming set. To help maximize your chances of catching more waves you need to paddle with intention and move into the best places to catch them. You always need to be aware of the ocean’s movements. Sitting in one spot and hoping a wave magically comes to you might work if you’re Rob Machado but it’s not great for the rest of us. ![]()
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