How to Paddle on a Surfboard - Top 2 concepts to optimize your paddling technique | How to surf

[@barefoot_surf]

Want to bring your surfing to the next level? Join our online surf coaching platform: tutorials.barefootsurftravel.com

[@slimsqde7397]

ive been surfing for like 2 years now and the thing about having the proper positioning changed my surfing so much, being in that sweet spot makes catching waves so much easier, I wish I figured it out sooner

[@brad9205]

After a good 20-30 surf sessions I've only just developed a good paddle technique and the difference is stark. I catch many more waves, and catch them earlier. As the videos says, the benefits are massive. If, when conditions are good, you often nosedive or slip down the back of the wave, work on paddling.

[@darkshibe2267]

I'm going surfing this weekend. Will try this. Struggled last time with paddling. This was very clear and I liked the log visual.

[@Annexclinical]

I've taken these courses, and even for an intermediate surfer, they helped a ton.

[@greghart6310]

Once you have these basics down try moving your arm and hand through an S path (seen from above). After your hand penetrates the water, sweep the forearm and hand first under the board slightly, then to the outside finishing by squeezing the arm and palm of the hand back against the rail/thigh before lifting the hand vertically out of water (ie pinky first). Keep a cupped hand throughout with the thumb held against the index finger. The point of the S motion is to maximize the distance traveled during the pull, creating as much drive as possible. This allows/forces you to slow the stroke down whilst still maximising propulsion. Very useful on long paddle-outs. Keep the S relatively straight. Exaggerating it too much creates too much drag. This tip revolutionized my surfing, you save masses of energy and generate more power. Practice while paddling out, it's not something you want to be thinking about whilst trying to catch a wave.

[@cyberpancho]

The S is not a technique, it is actually the way your arm naturally moves while swimming with the proper technique. It is not applicable to surf because you don't rocker your body as in swimming. While surfing, the best is to pull hard straight backwards. You will save energy doing the S because you are paddling with less energy, but your speed will certainly be slower.

[@peterkazzi4155]

And here I thought my foamie was the reason I wasn’t moving 😂

[@barefoot_surf]

😂😂😂

[@angelmarquez7893]

Hahaha same

[@death_knell]

Thank you for posting this video! I just got a used 7’2” board! It’s my first “real board” because I’ve been riding a Wavestorm Foamie for over a year now. It was really difficult to find a good paddling stance because the new board has less than half the volume of the WaveStorm, so I was so uncentered 😫 tysm for the help!

[@raphaeloleary]

Hi Angie, I'm having the same problem - also with a 7.2. I feel that while I am centered, I still very unbalanced - especially as a I paddle. How have you fared since?

[@death_knell]

@@raphaeloleary hi!! After my seconds session in my 7’2” board, I can paddle a lot better! Caught some of my best waves on that board ❤️ wishing you good luck!

[@death_knell]

@@raphaeloleary I would suggest arching your back nicely, paddle with power and make sure you are in center with the board! I hope this helps 💖

[@raphaeloleary]

@@death_knell Thanks Angie! I'll try that. Happy surfing 🌊

[@jaymoriarity7568]

Наиболее частая ошибка начинающих то, что они слишком быстро переходят на доску меньшего размера, из-за этого тормозится прогресс. Следует уменьшать размер постепенно, брать больше волн и во время проезда думать о технике, а не как бы не упасть

[@gavinwiener]

That catch and pull sounds like a big one I hadn't seen explained this way 🔥🙌

[@gabriellav.e500]

im going surfing tommorow and im so happy that you posted this!!

[@tabithanagy2586]

i will try to implement this when i get the chance to surf the next time :)) the instructions i got before were just " and then you paddle" which didnt help because nobody told me HOW to paddle and i need detailed instructions like this because i am a person who has to fully understand how a movement works before i can DO it that was wordy for a thank you but i just love detailed descriptions haha

[@laowai1973]

Great video, not sure about my head weighing 20kg though...

[@barefoot_surf]

"You are right. Sorry for this. We were meant to say "Head, Neck and Shoulders," just as shown on the small illustration showing during that sequence. We clarified this mistake in the description of the video.

[@laowai1973]

@@barefoot_surf yeah, i understood your meaning, just thought it was cute. You‘ve done a great job of applying swimming knowledge to surfing, good stuff!

[@tucko11]

I learned to surf when I was 16 in 1996 . My friend took me to San onofre . Boogie board into the white wash except standup this time . But these videos are super helpful

[@barefoot_surf]

Thanks for the comment :)

[@mirageleung]

your videos are the best! By far the most comprehensive on even the most subtle techniques... almost every single videos I've watched is something I noticed I was doing, but did not know how to correct it. Do you have any video on sitting on a surfboard while waiting for a wave? Thank you!

[@barefoot_surf]

We do, have a look at: How to Position yourself to Catch More Waves kzbin.info/www/bejne/qGqzlGBvg5KpY7M We also have a full course on Positioning on Our Online Coaching Platform.

[@bauermeeks1068]

Thanks for these videos. Very helpful for a beginning surfer🤙🏻...Mua

[@jasonminton9681]

Jesus mate, that's brutal! Love that noise

[@streamingeagle1]

best surf instruction on the web 🙏

[@barefoot_surf]

Thank you :)

[@mamotivated]

Solid video. What surf retreats do you guys have?

[@davidmjohn3194]

Thank you

[@greghart6310]

Good video!

[@Jonpilo-uz1yf]

Is being tall surfer have an more advantage on paddling in surfing compared to short surfer? And the shorter will be slower to catch waves because of the shorter limbs?

[@barefoot_surf]

Height definitely plays a role in paddling, but being a great surfer is more about technique and experience than height!

[@thankyou6555]

Thank you!!

[@jasonwinter7534]

Ive gone surfing twice now on my foamie, and have struggled immensely on catching a wave, ive caught 2, pop ups 0 , but have gone after them atleast 100x now. Im hoping this helps. I am a fatter guy though. Sucks when you want to get into it but the first stages are so unenjoyable 😂

[@nakmuay2727]

i’ve been swimming for a few months, can i use the freestyle technique to paddle?

[@barefoot_surf]

Your surf paddle stroke is not actually similar to your freestyle stroke. The idea is to keep the elbow high, pushing as much water back towards the tail of your board. However, you don’t fully straighten your arm underwater. It’s recommended to go over to our online tutorials and watch our paddle technique course. The visual demonstration will help you further understand how paddling is different to freestyle technique !

[@divakarownz3916]

How to over take the white wash it's very difficult to get inside where the waves break I take 30min to get in

[@BarefeetB]

Catch it in

[@juancortez4241]

Would it beneficial if my legs are under water or should I keep them up because my board is small ?

[@juancortez4241]

Also should I cup my hand ? How should my hands be placed?

[@barefoot_surf]

Hi Juan. We don’t want our legs completely submerged under water, no. If you have a smaller board, they will naturally be on the top of the surface. If we are in the sweet spot of our surfboard, lying in the correct position and centred, your legs shouldn’t be an issue.

[@barefoot_surf]

To reduce drag, make sure your fingertips enter the water first. Ensure they are together, pointing downwards as you push water back. A slight bend in the hand is fine, but not an exaggerated cup. The main goal is to push as much water back as possible.

[@cyberpancho]

@@juancortez4241 cup slightly, and keep your fingers naturally apart (don't squeeze them together). Best efficiency is fingers 10 degrees from each other.

[@AlexanderBoldy]

thanks, but do you have another voice?

[@maxcalabrese5962]

Today I learned that there is an A in elbow.

[@divakarownz3916]

I was blaming the waves and the sea

[@kimmmir3696]

Here because my instructor keeps telling me I paddle like a puppy 😂💀

[@trackrka]

Did she just say the head weighs 20kg ??? That’s like over 40lbs. That definitely not true. 15lbs (6.8kg) would be a huge head

[@barefoot_surf]

Yes this would be more accurate. We’re sorry for this mistake

[@carlosaramosss8166]

20 kilos head? That's a huuuge head😅😂

[@miguelangel3254]

wotah

[@saullandiof5768]

your head does not weigh 20 kg lol

[@minipwn0422]

Came here to say this

[@bananaschmidt2173]

so many annoying brakes