Paddles Case

Surfing Question!! Is the key with shortboards to paddle stronger?

I can get up on a longer board (9' or above), but when it comes to smaller boards I can't catch the wave. I think its because I can't paddle fast enough because more of my feet are in the water and the board is less buoyant. Is this the case? If so, what should I work out so I can paddle better?? Thanks

there could be a few reasons why you can't catch waves on a shortboard so I'll just list the problem and what to do about it:

1. You could be too far back on the board which means you've got a lot of drag as well as not enough weight on the front of the board for it too go down the face of the wave. Scootch up on your board, the nose should either be anywhere to a couple inches above the water or at the level of the water. Just watch some other shortboarders and see where they are on your boards. If the nose scoops up water while you're paddeling and you slide off the front and the board shoots out behind you, you're up too far...

2. you might be paddling for the waves and stop paddling rright before you're completely in it, that's a pretty common mistake that not just new surfers do. So when you're paddling for the wave, paddle like 10 seconds before you anticiapte it to get to you, then just keep paddling WITH YOUR CHIN UP! If you put it down it's gonna be a lot harder. Right when you feel that little push from behind, kind of push your head down with the motion of the wave and pop up before you pearl. Some people have different ways of doing this, that's just my way and it works out pretty ill.

3. maybe you're just sitting out too far. Kinda hang out in the neutral area of the lineup, not in the front, not aaaall the way in the back, just kind of in the middle, but don't cut anynone off and stay out of the way when people catch waves and you should be fine.

4. you're too big for the board you're riding whether it be cuz you're a bit too heavy or too tall or whatever. Go to a surf shop and they can help you figure out what size board you'd need.

As for working out your arms for surfing, I've never done it and never had the need to, once you get it down how to catch waves on a shortboard you should be good. Also remember, every spot is different and the wave could just be mushy or it just breaks steep and so later than you thought it would break. Get to know the spot where you surf and that in itself should make life easier.

peace...

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Palm Radio Mini Paddle



If we're all in the same boat, do we have enough life preservers in case shore patrol pulls us over?

By the way who's paddling?

If you would only put that beer down we wouldn't get pulled over....and I'll help to paddle us back to shore!