The Best Way To Catch More Waves Now
Surf more waves in 2022 with a few minor tweaks to your paddle game. If you struggle to catch waves or simply want more, you need to look closely at exactly how you are paddling into the waves you want. With correct paddling, you’re more efficient in the water and save more energy. Here are a few things to consider when approaching your paddling:
Five Ways to Catch More Waves
Arch from the middle of your back. It’s awkward. Arching and isolating unused back muscles for the duration of your session can be taxing. Stop straining yourself with an incorrect paddling posture. Avoid over-arching with your back and overcompensating with your neck--you will get sore quick. Pro Tip: Engage not just your back but glutes and hamstrings while paddling. This leads to more efficient paddling and saves some of the strain on your lower back.
Rhythm. Sounds ambiguous, but finding a rhythm in your paddle is a good habit to have. I encourage both beginners and experienced surfers to find some fluidity in their stroke with almost a beat in mind - think “1-2, 1-2, 1-2” as you paddle. Avoid the opposite--flailing and windmilling your arms at every site of a wave will have you gassed in no time.
Legs together + feet together. Keep a tight core and a good surfing posture with your feet and legs together while on your board and paddling for waves. Legs falling off the side of your board while paddling will slow you down and waste your energy.
Paddle harder than you think. It sounds easy because it is. It’s an easy and quick way to see instant results. Leave your fly-swatting, t-rex arms at home and paddle with some conviction.
Arms close to rails. Keeping your arms close to the rails of the board while paddling is another easy way to increase your wave count. Paddling wider is less efficient and more of a strain on your shoulder.
You should see her now.
Try some of the above and let us know what you notice. Put to work a few simple tips and watch your wave count dramatically increase. When that happens, you’ll be smiles for miles and on your way to surfing your best.
Need extra help with your paddling? Contact NASA Surf now for a custom approach to improve your surfing today.
