Planting the Paddle SUP-Style!

Posted on | May 1, 2009 |

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!