Finding the Best Take-Off Spot…
Posted on | June 21, 2009 | No Comments
Okay, this post comes from *Byron* (got it right, *Byron*?) via the Zone and concerns how to find the best take-off spot at any given break. It’s pretty cool, so give it a read!
Here is what I was taught from my father and teach my son. The first thing at any break is to study the break from the beach and watch where it first turns to whitewash and follow the whitewash across the wave. Determine from the beach the takeoff spot where you will get the longest ride. Once you have determined the takeoff spot look behind you for a reference point such as a lone tree, bushes, building, your car, etc. 
Once you figured out the takeoff spot and have a reference for it from the beach now your ready to paddle out. As you paddle out keep checking your reference point to see if it was correct or not. If it was not correct then you will have to make adjustments from the water such as moving 10 feet from your beach monument, etc. Once you have reached the break watch a couple waves break and see again if the reference point was correct or not. Sometimes adjustments are necessary because of distance of the break, bad eyes like me, shifting peak, etc.
Now that you are lineup and are positioned correctly time to catch your wave. Sit a little further out then normal and when you see your wave time to paddle. On your first wave try going straight a little longer than you normally would then make the bottom turn to head down the line. If you are behind the whitewash go straight and get off the wave. Since you were behind the whitewash on the prior wave try angling the nose a little in the direction you are heading on the next wave and take less of a bottom turn. Still if this does not work keep changing your angle of attack a little more until it gets you to the correct position on the wave. This may take you half a dozen waves or less but if you keep changing the angle of attack and the bottom turn you will eventually get it wired.
Some things to remember is do not get on the tail tooooooo much on takeoff unless it is a steep late take off. Being on the tail too much will slow the board down and thus you may get caught in the whitewash. Move the back foot up a foot or so on the board and see what happens (Adjust the stance forward on the board). The other thing is maybe once you make the takeoff you are coming up the face to high and resulting in a loss of speed. Try staying down or when you are coming up the face cut back down lower than normal.
These are some thoughts on my mind without seeing any vids and pics. Hopefully I did not confuse you. Good luck and thru practice you will ripppppppppppppppp.
Important: Hydration while on a SUP!
Posted on | June 19, 2009 | No Comments
Until I read Ponobill’s post at kenalu.com about the importance and impact of hydration on a SUP rider, I’d never even thought about it. But it’s sure made a HUGE difference in my ability to stay fresh and ride well. Before, I’d hit the surf with no water in my belly and poop out after an hour. Now I load up and it’s made a ton of difference. Anyway, here’s another article about hydration, from the good folks at www.supglobal.com. Check it out!
The Hows and Whys of Hydration
Unfortunately, summing up briefly the ins and outs of hydration during SUPing isn’t easy, but do read on, as the knowledge could make or break your performance.
The issue of how hydration affects sporting performance is pretty well covered these days, so you may already know the following:
- You’re generally considered “dehydrated” after a fluid loss of 1 percent of body weight (eg, 750ml for a 75kg [165lb] person)]
- You don’t just sweat water, you also lose electrolytes (things such as sodium, potassium and calcium that regulate all sorts of processes in the body, including muscle contraction)
- With dehydration, the body’s blood volume decreases, there is an imbalance in electrolytes and the ability to get rid of the heat generated by the body is impaired
- As body temperature increases, heart rate goes up, your body relies more on carbohydrate as a fuel rather than fat, and exercise feels harder
- The increase in body temperature increases your chances of getting heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heat stroke
- Even when exercising in the cold, dehydration can still occur
Doing the maths
Sweating is good! We need to do it to get rid of the heat generated as a by product of burning up fuel to exercise.
Dihedral in Your SUP Paddle?
Posted on | June 17, 2009 | No Comments
There’s an interesting discussion about dihedral, pro, con and neutral, in your SUP paddle over on the zone. Interesting reading. Here’s the question that started the ball rolling:
i have a werner spanker and for something different thought i might try a smaller bladed paddle. everyone loves the methane, so that’s been my first choice.
but then a former methane owner brought to my attention the fact that, unlike the werners (both spanker and nitro), the methane has no dihedral.
my question is: am i going to miss it? i’d welcome input, especially from those who have used both styles.
thanks! and, btw, this paddle will be for surf-use only, if that makes a diff.
dihedral (werner nitro) or no dihedral (kialoa methane)?
How to Prep Your SUP Paddle!
Posted on | June 15, 2009 | 1 Comment
I’m getting ready to buy a new paddle — a Methane — and have been poking around the web, looking at stuff paddle related. I came across this today, from Ponobill at kenalu.com, and thought I’d share it. Have a read!
Few things in SUP cause more controversy than paddle prep. Some folks like their shaft bare, some like padded shafts, some like wax, some like mastic tape. I’ve played with about every combination and I’ve hit on the perfect preparation for me. I suspect you’ll like it too, even if you’re a bare shaft fan. 
I say that because I’m a bare shaft guy. I don’t mind a little wax, but I don’t like the shaft to be too sticky, and I don’t like it being larger, or having a soft grip. Nothing saps my hand strength faster than a soft grip.
But I also don’t like my hands to slip, and the least bit of sunblock or oil on my hands or the shaft and my paddling is compromised. Yes, I clean my hands with sand and give the shaft a scrub, but you can transfer goop from other places easily. This approach solves the problem, giving positive traction without softening or thickening the grip. Once it’s done it lasts for many months–you never have to rewax.
Here’s the recipe:
The Grip: Locate your grip area and mark the shaft with pencil about ten inches above and below the grip point. If you’re not sure of your grip point, hold your paddle on your head, place on hand on the handle, the other on the shaft and bend your elbows at right angles so your forearms point straight up–the hand on the shaft will be in a nearly perfect grip position.
Start at the upper mark and wrap hockey tape around the shaft, starting with one full wrap and then overlapping the successive wraps for half the width of the tape. End with one full wrap.
Now wax the tape with warm water surf wax lightly over the full length and heavily in the grip area. You’ll be able to both see and feel the proper grip point. The wax embeds into the tape and doesn’t come off, even after months of use. The wax also cushions and strengthens the tape, making it last much longer. and finally the wax prevents the tape from being too sticky, as friction tapes sometimes get when the adhesive bleeds through the cloth.
The Blade: There are three good reasons for guarding the blade. First, people have been badly cut with unguarded blades. Second, the blade can chip up your board. And third, the blade can be damaged by hitting it’s edge on hard stuff.
Door edging or commercial blade guard works nicely, but it’s a bit thick for my taste. Mastic tape is good, but it’s fragile, especially if you stretch it thin. What I do is put on a layer of mastic, stretched very tight to make it thin, and then cover it with hockey tape. Finally I add a layer of wax to protect the tape and rub it with a cloth to smooth it. You’d be surprised at the difference in abrasion resistance between waxed and unwaxed fabric tape. The end result is a thin protective edging that won’t mark your board, lasts a very long time, and looks great.
How To | Ke Nalu - Stand Up Paddle Surfing eMagazine
Barrel Riding SUP Style Part 2~
Posted on | June 14, 2009 | No Comments
And now, from Blane Chambers, how he and his friends do it:
Best technique I have seen and now use is this one that Stewart Ferriman has wired.. One day I saw him in solid waves getting shacked without any problems from the paddle catching. Right then and there I knew it was the most productive way to ride the barrel without the paddle getting caught… Later I got these shots of him doing it… IMO The best way possible when the barrel isn’t big and I have pulled into many barrels and gotten smashed trying to keep control of the paddle. This way I can relax and enjoy the view… 
You basically ride the barrel just like you do with any other board complete with arm stalls if you like. I got my best barrels using this way and next winter plan on getting a whole lot more!
I need help with barrel riding techniques for SUP?
Getting Tubed, Sup Style!
Posted on | June 13, 2009 | No Comments
We don’t get too many tubes over here on the East Coast, but for those in places that do, here’s some advice on getting shacked from John Ashley aka paddlesurf.net. BTW, check out his site: i do, once a day, and it’s great!
I love pulling in… usually I get TOOLED. Some observations:
1. These boards are so fast that lots of times I miss the tube because I’m going too fast. I’ve found that unless I get lucky and backdoor an already pitching little section, I have to take a different line to position myself for the cover up. 
I’ve had the best luck with dropping straight down, waiting in the flats for it to start to pitch and then pulling up under the hook- you pay big time if your timing is off but it’s the best way for me to get right into the barrel without outrunning it.
2. Helps if the wave is really throating- super hollow- the little almond eye tubes are usually too small to fit all of my junk in… and I’m packing some junk. Downside is when it’s the kind of wave that you need- the dues to be paid are pretty severe.
3. Dragging the paddle helps- usually, for me, it gets yanked back up into the spot where the lip seperates from the face- which is a trip- it just grabs it but it does help slow you down a little.
4. When you pull in- point the nose at the hole and get small- and pull up higher in the wave than you think you need to be… grab your line and just let it happen.
Just some observations for what its worth- tube riding’s tough on these especially down here on the beachy where they pop up really fast and upredictably.
good luck!
I need help with barrel riding techniques for SUP?
Punching thru Whitewater, SUP style!
Posted on | June 12, 2009 | No Comments
Just a few tips from Ponobill about punching through whitewater on your SUP. I’m not good at it. But that doesn’t keep me from trying! p.s. photo is a Sam Pa’e, whitewater puncher of the first water!
The key is that your legs don’t present much resistance to the wave, so basically you need to hump the board over. There’s a lot of stuff on this forum about it, I’d try the search function to look for it. 
Here’s my technique–some of it came from a casual comment by Randy (admin). As I’m approaching big whitewater I time my paddling so that I can give one last strong stroke just as the board hits the wave, and then reach up onto the wave and plant the paddle and pull. While that is going on you step back with your rear foot and preload the board, like doing an ollie on a skateboard. Then push the nose up. Be careful not to let the board come too high or it can smack you in the face. Been there, done that, got the lumpy forehead.
It takes practice, but you need to start working at it. You’ll never get better lying on the board.
You can go through MUCH bigger waves standing than you can lying down.
Punching through whitewater - technique tips?
Reasons for Compression Part 3
Posted on | June 11, 2009 | No Comments
More how-to from the great compression thread over on the Zone, this time by Weasels wake. Great stuff. And important, too. Read, learn, do!
Compression followed by extension~
Stay compressed down the line or entering you first bottom turn, then extend (straighten out the whole body) as you go thru the apex of the turn (at the bottom of the wave), do it hard and you will squirt out of the bottom turn with increased speed. 
The harder you extend out of the compression, the harder you are stepping on the gas pedel.
Water doesn’t compress, so you can use it as a spring, as you compress against it.
Compression, extension, compression , extension, not only are you ripping your waves, you are giving you thighs a great workout.
Short board stuff, applied to the sweeping.
Gotta love it. 
Great Noseriding Tutorial!
Posted on | May 25, 2009 | No Comments
This was written by a prone surfer but the total massive excellence of its advice is also applicable to SUP. Read it, do it!
Observe any talented tipster; past or present, from contemporary to old school, they all do it. They all understand the value of setting the tail and walking smoothly up to and back from the nose. Fact is, when you see someone pulling solid, stable, gravity defying nose rides; you’re witnessing a surfer who understands the physics of setting the tail and walking smoothly to the tip. I planned to reel off a few names here, but there are just so many, both famous and anonymous. Point is, at your local break, you already know who to watch. The real trick is, to know what you’re watching.
Setting the Tail
The physics: a belt of water flows around the inside rail, across the deck and tail locking your board in place. Tail set, the horizon of possibility broadens considerably.
Here’s just a few of the infinite ways to achieve this:
The stall.
A gentle pivot off the bottom, resisting the urge to drive hard.
Trimming in under the lip of a steep section, as you approach from a fatter section behind.
Do Not Buy Wave Rod SUPs!!!!
Posted on | May 22, 2009 | 1 Comment
Like many others, I firmly believe Wave Rod’s Jeremy Fry lifted his shapes from the genius mind of Joe Blair. That sucks bigtime. My opinion: no one should ever buy a Waverod board. And … everyone should go out of their way to spread the word to never ever buy a Wave Rod stand up paddle board. Never.
For more information about this, please please see:
Blair SUP - WaveRod - Honesty and Ethics?
Planting the Paddle SUP-Style!
Posted on | May 1, 2009 | No Comments
This is from JonEB via Seabreeze and specifically talks about how to use the paddle while on a wave. I still haven’t gotten very good at this, especially in cut backs. Got to practice more …
Use of the paddle can be frustrating at first. There are two schools of thought: one utilizes the paddle throughout the wave(difficult at first - especially to make it look good), the other uses the paddle only when necessary(basically surfing regularly once they are riding). I am of the former school, as I use my paddle as a "feeler" and a pivot/lean point throughout the ride.
The next time you go out on a day with a bit of push, try really leaning over onto that paddle on the bottom turn. If done correctly, you can get an amazing amount of leverage while projecting yourself farther than you could without the paddle - this works especially well with the bigger boards(kind of like an outrigger). I have actually had my arms and head go completely underwater and recovered by using the resistance of that paddle(face-plant preventor).
As far as the topturns go, on your frontside you can lean way back on your paddle or you can plant your paddle in front of the tail and sort of "plant-and-scoop" it around the tail. This will(as mentioned up the thread) help you throw the tail around for faster direction change. Backhand is a bit different: leaning back on the paddle is leagues easier as the plant-and-scoop method is almost impossible unless you are a contortionist(I must admit I am still working on a better backhand method).
I say get out there and experiment with stuff that you envision when you are mindsurfing waves. Use that paddle! So what if you fall some? You might surprise yourself with what you actually pull off - there are many techniques yet to be discovered!
Seabreeze Forums! - Stand Up Paddle Who uses their paddle while
The Same … but Different!
Posted on | April 27, 2009 | No Comments
and just as nice. (come on, people, write some how-to! anyone got any new SUP links to share? i need mo’ variety in the how-to arena!)
Santa Barbara Stand Up Paddle Surfing
Another Slow SUP News Day ….
Posted on | April 25, 2009 | No Comments
…. so why not post a nice pic? here ya go!
Santa Barbara Stand Up Paddle Surfing
How NOT to Ride Your SUP
Posted on | April 13, 2009 | 1 Comment
I hate to single these guys out but, for illustrative purposes, at least the first half of the vid (I didn’t go all the way) shows exactly how NOT to use your paddle on a SUP. Don’t know where he got the idea to do it the way he’s doing it but, but he’s got it all wrong all the way all the time. Don’t do it like this guy! Okay? And I’m not going to tell you what it is he’s doing wrong. It should be obvious from his first wave. If it’s not, leave me a comment and I’ll tell you. Over n out. (And again, sorry to CJ and AP; I don’t know them and have no axe to pick with them, only with the way at least one of them rides)
Dry Land SUP Practice Anyone?
Posted on | April 11, 2009 | 1 Comment
Blane over on the Zone posted this recently, about using a Carveboard to practice SUP skills. I told my friend Paul about it yesterday morning and by nightfall he’d bought a used Carveboard from a local kid. Maybe you should too!
After some really fun sessions and exploring the possibilities of using the Carveboard along with the Kahuna Bamboo Big Stick it is clear that this is the number one way to simulate progressive SUP surfing on dry land. The benefits of the 2 products together to improve your SUP surfing are insane! 
I’m already learning new things in just a week that will help my surfing greatly.
Unless you have good waves everyday, you can actually learn a lot more in a shorter period of time doing this than waiting for the surf to come around to you. So many things you can focus on. (Plus, it’s so much freaking fun!!!)
Really great to work on:
Paddle control while riding the wave. How to switch sides smoothly. Where to position the paddle while turning.
Generating speed with carving turns
Bottom Turns
Backside Cutbacks
Frontside Cutbacks
Layback Cutbacks
Off the Tops
Full rail turns with power
Smoothing out a jerky style or just working on your style period.
Compressing your body
Even for expert level SUP surfers it really allows to start fine tuning things or work on new things. It’s definetly one of those things the better you get at it the more you get into it which leads to the more you get out of it. One things for certain. Your surfing will get better!
As we get pics and video we will post them here for you. For now, some pics from the other day…
Byron putting his surf style into a bottom turn simulation. Looks cool.
Using the Carveboard w/ Kahuna Big Stick to Practice Surfing Technique
Where You Don’t Want to Be!!!!
Posted on | April 1, 2009 | No Comments
Top Guy, yes. Bottom two guys, no. Let me repeat that. NO!
More on Getting Down
Posted on | March 31, 2009 | No Comments
I think the compression how-to info in the post a bit down below is one of the most important tips to come my way in a long time. Already people trying it out are reporting back with improvements in their surfing; to wit, Stoneaxe aka Bob:
I was thinking about this thread today and focused my efforts on trying to compress. What a difference….first I fell a lot….then I made a few hard turns that just felt so right.
The waves today were chest high and glassy…perfect for me to practice on. I just kept focusing on bottom turns…getting low and pushing off as I entered the turn….big improvement….thanks.
Dog on SUP!
Posted on | March 30, 2009 | No Comments
I swear to God there’s been such a lack of how-to-SUP stuff on the ‘net that it’s driving me batty. Come on, people: mo’ how-to, okay? Meanwhile, the best I can do is show this great shot. I love it!
Cross Stepping on an Inflatable!
Posted on | March 21, 2009 | No Comments
Want to see someone who *really* knows how to cross step on a SUP, then check out this video of Tim Mellors of Custard Point Surfboards in the U.K. Wowza, can he ride or what? Notice how small the steps are he takes, how delicately he puts his feet down, and how when he walks his shoulders don’t bob up and down. Great stuff. BTW, in this vid, he’s riding one of his company’s new line of inflatable stand up boards. Beautiful!
Wind — then Unwind!
Posted on | March 20, 2009 | No Comments
As a follow up on the Zone to Byron’s compression post, comes this from Weasels wake about … uncompressing. Good stuff!
Compression followed by extension~
Stay compressed down the line or entering you first bottom turn, then extend (straighten out the whole body) as you go thru the apex of the turn (at the bottom of the wave), do it hard and you will squirt out of the bottom turn with increased speed. 
The harder you extend out of the compression, the harder you are stepping on the gas pedel.
Water doesn’t compress, so you can use it as a spring, as you compress against it.
Compression, extension, compression , extension, not only are you ripping your waves, you are giving you thighs a great workout.
Short board stuff, applied to the sweeping.
Gotta love it.
Bend at the Knees, Not the Waist!
Posted on | March 19, 2009 | No Comments
Byron (not Bryon, ha ha!) just posted this on the Zone, a few tips that Blane Chambers wrote for Byron to pass onto his son. It’s about compression and the value of compression when SUP surfing. Check it out. It’s a great how-to post … finally a new one!!!
When I look at Noahs surfing I see a lot of average tendencies but because of his age I know he has oogles of potential and know he will become insane one day. The main thing that stands out is he surfs a bit upright most of the time which is a very typical thing for most surfers. Bending at the waist more than at the knees when attempting to get low is a common thing.
Compressing the body is the key. Start young and it will be the single best adjustment he ever makes. 
The difference in all the top pro surfers and the average guy is they understand when and how to compress their bodies. Notice how they come to the bottom of a wave they are really compressed with their knees bent a lot. They can un-coil with a lot of range OR pull in with a nice compressed stance… Noah bends his knees but could take it further. This will enable him in the future to really utilize his power. Once he gets the feel of true compressing, weighting and un-weighting he will get better in leaps and bounds in all aspect of his surfing.
Best practice for pulling in is to …
Stoneaxe Feeling the Axe!
Posted on | March 16, 2009 | No Comments
I know, I know, no how-to here, but I’m serious: the flow has slowed to a non-existent trickle. What can I do but post the occasional picture until things heat up again? Anyway, here’s one from Bob, aka Stoneaxe on the Zone, taken with a GoPro. Bet you haven’t seen this angle before!
Walrus sighted at Kanaha - finally some waves!
One more cool shot …
Posted on | March 11, 2009 | No Comments
Not exactly how-to, but you can see in this picture how deeply you can commit when laying back on your paddle. I don’t know if he made but but I bet he did. Sweet!
A Nice Cheater Five …
Posted on | March 10, 2009 | No Comments
Sorry about the lack of updates recently. I’ve been busy and the flow of how-to info on the ‘net seems to have slowed as well. I post ‘em as I see ‘em, and I haven’t seen much of late. So, anywhere, here’s a cool little pic to pass the time:
Santa Barbara Stand Up Paddle Surfing
Be Careful Out There!
Posted on | March 4, 2009 | No Comments
Jet ski meets SUP and rider. Guess who wins every time?
Fancy Footwork on a SUP!
Posted on | February 25, 2009 | 2 Comments
Check out this video from Bryon via the Zone. If you’re into cross-stepping, well, brother, this guy can cross-step. Look & learn!
SUP Man Down!
Posted on | February 24, 2009 | No Comments
Not much new in how-to land, so I thought I’d share this pic posted by Bryon on the Zone. We’ve all been in this position, haven’t we? Now take a deep breath and …
Walking the board, drop knee turns …
Posted on | February 16, 2009 | No Comments
and more. A nice little instructional write up!
Walking The Board
Always cross-step instead of shuffling
Take small steps- big steps can make you unsteady
Keep your shoulders steady and level - if your shoulders move up and down then so will your board
If your steps are too high or large, try dragging the top of your feet/toes as you walk- this will help steady your walking and ultimately the plane of the board
Watch the wave ahead and not your feet
Noseriding
Trim or load the inside rail of the board (into the wave face) for lift. 50/50 rails are ideal
Trim high in the steep part of the wave
Keep most or all of your weight on the back foot when at the nose
Stay in the steep part of the wave- walk back and stall or cutback if necessary to adjust position
Focus Whilst Surfing
Always look down the line - not at your feet
Mentally plan two manoeuvres ahead - always know your next moves
Anticipate the movement of the wave face and how that will affect you and your board- for example, if a really hollow/fast section is coming up, plan to aim your board more toward the beach to not get sucked too high up the face. If the wave is slowing down or flattening, plan to walk back towards the tail and perhaps for a cutback
Drop Knee Turns
Watch masters like Phil Edwards in Surfing Hollow Days
Keep both feet on the turn side of the stringer to help release the rail from the face of the wave
Facing forwards, open your shoulders and arms, rotate and look towards you desired destination direction
If possible, dragging your inside hand will help open your body and guide your turn
Keep the weight on the front foot keeping the board in trim - the back foot just to be used to help steer the board round once the rail is released from the face
How to Paddle C4 Style
Posted on | February 11, 2009 | No Comments
DW at NC Paddle Surfer recently got a paddling lesson from C4’s Todd Bradley and it’s completely changed his stroke. Read on for details. And then go to DE’s site to see a blow-up of the schematic below and a demonstration video. Great stuff!
Thanks to Todd Bradley, and the SUPAH Clinic I attended in Oahu last week, I know how to paddle properly and efficiently.
If you think any of this is wrong, just try it before you reject it. Or better yet, just try to match Todd Bradley on a down wind run. Even Dave Parameter admitted he can’t keep up with Todd. His technique is so refined and efficient, he smokes people. 
To further improve on the technique shown here, make sure you twist the paddle blade as it exits the water at the end of the stroke. This will actually make your paddle JUMP out of the water, increasing your efficiency even further.
I was waiting for C4 to publish the video they shot of the clinic, but today I learned from Tommy Stokes that it will be awhile longer before this happens. I hated to hear that, so I’m posting the lessons learned now for all to absorb.
Now go paddle faster than ever before, with less strain and effort. You won’t need to keep downsizing your paddle blades.
Oh, and stop bending at the waist. Bend at the knees and throw jabs like Muhammad Ali. That’s what the top hand paddle stroke should be like.
Tom’s SUP Wave-Catching Technique!!!!
Posted on | February 4, 2009 | No Comments
A really great guy named Tom emailed me this instructional article about how to paddle so that when a wave arrives you’re lined up properly for the take off. Simply put, it’s terrific. If you’re a beginner and you take Tom’s advice, you will up your wave count by a lot. A LOT! This is a classic post. I love it. Thanks, Tom!
Tom’s wave catching technique.
This is how I do it, it’s not the only way, but it works for me. This technique is designed to get you in the right position to catch your wave while paddling hard and fast down the wave face.
Most SUP’ers have a preferred side to paddle on and it doesn’t always correlate to whether they are a regular or goofie foot surfer. My preferred paddle side is my left side and I am a regular foot surfer. In other words, when I take off on a wave, whether I plan to go right or left on the wave, I want to continuously be paddling on my left side. This is an important point, if you need to switch paddle sides while catching a wave; you lose a stroke, and may miss the wave.
To help explain my technique, I will use points on a clock, with 12:00 pointing out to the horizon where the waves come from, and 6:00 pointing to the beach and down the face of the wave. Since I want to take the wave while paddling on my left, and because paddling on my left will cause me to turn right, I will set up with my board pointing at 12:00 and looking for the waves that will be peaking on my right and in front of me. If they peak on my left, I let them go because I’m in the wrong position.
As a set approaches, I determine which wave I want and estimate where it will peak. I will then paddle towards that spot so that I will be in front of that spot before it breaks and heading between 2:00 to 4:00. As the wave peaks, I can decide to not take the wave, switch paddle sides and paddling hard on my right, go over the back of the wave. If I plan on taking the wave, I will keep paddling on my left and turn my board towards the direction I want to take the wave with either sweeping paddles to turn the board more or straight paddles to turn the board less. The paddling stroke and speed is determined by how the wave develops and whether I want to drop in on the wave heading either at 5, 6 or 7 o’clock.
Every wave breaks differently and hopefully this will set you up to be able to adapt to the differences. This is where wave judgment and paddle skills come into play. If the wave jumps up quick, I make a tight quick turn. If the wave is slow and the wave will break farther inside, I paddle heading at 4 or 5 o’clock to get to where it will break, and then take the wave at 6 o’clock. Also, how fast the wave breaks will determine my stance as I take off on the wave. With a slow wave, I stay in a parallel stance while catching the wave; with a steep wave, I go into an early surf stance while it’s jumping up. If I’m late on a slow wave, I may run to the nose while paddling frantically. With practice and paying attention to where and how the waves break, you should be able to catch all the waves you want. Just be courteous and give more than you take.
Note. This description is for those who would prefer to take a wave while paddling on their left. If you would prefer to paddle on your right, reverse left with right and 3:00 with 9:00.
Tom on Tom: I live in San Diego, have spent a lot of year windsurfing Baja and surfing in my home town, Ocean Beach. I’ve been SUPing for a bit over a year and current ride a 10′ C4 in the surf and race and tour on a 12′ Stamps custom.
keep looking »Sources
- CSX355’s UK SUP blog: a good one!
- Evan Leong’s great Standuppaddlesurf.net!
- Glenn’s great Atlantic Paddle Surfing blog
- Ke Nalu –the very best online SUP magazine
- Nate’s great SUP Surf Magazine
- NC Paddle Surfer’s blog, representing Cape Fear
- Paddlesurf.net’s blog — SUP news, reviews & more!
- Seabreeze SUP forum in OZ
- Srfnff’s blog, doing the SUP thing Norcal style
- Stand Up Zone, the big daddy SUP site of ‘em all
- Starboard’s SUP forum
- SUP Global
- The Gong crew, crazy in France!
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floatee at gmail dot com
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