How To Catch A Green Wave?

Are you ready to progress from catching broken waves to catching unbroken waves?
Unlock your potential to ride unbroken or green waves with our step-by-step surfing tutorial. Whether you're a beginner or an intermediate surfer, this video has golden tips to help you make the transition from riding foam to dominating the face of the wave. Dive in as we cover key aspects such as positioning, smooth paddling, understanding wave timing, and leveraging the 'Oreo Biscuit Technique'. Learn how to tap into the wave's energy and experience the thrill of surfing like never before! Don't forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell for more valuable surfing content. Happy Surfing!
Here are the steps to get you riding catching green waves.
0:00 - Introduction
0:29 - Positioning
1:27 - Waiting
2:52 - Paddling
3:28 - Looking at the Wave and Your Direction
10:41 - Engaging the Oreo Biscuit Technique
11:43 - Common Mistakes
13:59 - Practice the Waiting
Positioning: Positioning is the first step to catching a wave. Position yourself on an apex where you can go left or right and have the opportunity to catch that wave.
Waiting: When you see a wave coming towards you, don't start paddling ahead of it frantically. Instead, wait for the wave to reach you until you feel the lift. The lift is an indication that your ride is about to commence.
Paddling: When you paddle, don't do it frantically. Instead, paddle slowly. The more you paddle harder, the more you create bubbles, which doesn't give you any more speed. Slow, smooth paddling is faster.
Looking at the Wave and Your Direction: Look at the wave as it's coming in but also focus on where you want to go. When you stand up, look at where you want to go, point your hands where you want to go, and engage with the wave.
Engaging the Oreo Biscuit Technique: This is about arching your back and allowing the wave to push the tail of your board forwards, giving you drive and preventing nosedives.
Common Mistakes: Some common mistakes include paddling too hard and too fast, sitting too far out from the wave, paddling away from the peak, and putting your head down and paddling which reduces your peripheral vision.
Practice the Waiting: One of the key takeaways from this video is to practice waiting for the wave rather than paddling too early. This waiting game can be a game-changer when you get it right.
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We take questions and comments really seriously so leave them below.
The OMBE team.

[@lucasf2628]

this is the most helpful video I've seen about surfing. I went from occasionally catching waves to consistently catching waves in 1 day. I also paddled less than I ever have and caught 5x as many waves. thank you so much for this.

[@ombesurf]

That is epic Lucas!! Please share the knowledge with others!!

[@alexhan2773]

Cannot agree more. This is by far the most instructional video about surfing on youtube for beginners like me. After watching video, now i understand why i was either nose diving or letting waves just pass by me(despite all that paddling..) I just had to arch my back and slightly push down my tail, so I could use that energy from the wave to push me 'forward'.

[@tckimx]

Wtf! I’ve been surfing every weekend consistently for the last 11 years and didn’t figure this out on my own? I’m 51 years old (started when I was 40) so I figured everyone catching more waves than me in the water was because they had been surfing all their life. I was the guy thrashing to catch waves thinking I wasn’t a strong enough paddler. Watch out groms! Not only do I have the technique now, but I’ve got power and stamina from 11 years of thrash paddling. 🤣🤣. I tried this technique on my last session and I didn’t miss a wave. Thank you 🙏

[@petewinn9882]

My wave count easily doubled, after implementing this, and fatigue reduced by half! Limited myself to 2 paddle strokes per wave, and being in the right place and using this technique made it super easy to catch waves.

[@tomasabad2507]

This video is incredible, I cannot stress how good the explanation was. The Oreo biscuit part was the cherry on the top, it made me understand visually, and feel it physically. Amazing props to you guys

[@jakejp7087]

Mental how much this has changed my surfing, I've gone from feeding off scraps to catching 90% of waves I go for, just that slight arch of the back has been such a game changer! Thanks so much!

[@marcelhurtado5766]

very easy to understand. keep putting out more videos! 👍

[@tjethridge]

I’m going surfing in Costa Rica in June. Haven’t surfed in 3 or 4 years and I’m 69. So there’s the whole senility thing working against me too. This video is so helpful to get me back in the zone. Join me in CR

[@ericpercussion]

I just spend my whole day nose diving and whiping out. Now i know why. Will try tomorrow. Thanks guys!

[@earthy770]

This vid is pure gold. Thank you guys.

[@FJRamosArt]

This makes all the difference. Thanks.

[@damienfournier4894]

The best explanations . Thank you !

[@rachelledeleon2924]

Watching this video really helped improve my paddling. The way you explained and demonstrate is on point! Thank s so much you guys!

[@michellesheptak]

Brilliant boys! Always learning from you, even when I don't think it applies ....it all does! 20 + yrs surfing and love learning from you!

[@almonj6269]

This is the best video I've seen on this topic without question! Absolutely excellent, extremely well explained plus the use of the video examples was key to understanding it! Thanks guys!!

[@SpencerBrien22]

Love this video. Most, most helpful. I've been struggling with catching green waves from the "seated" position and paddling my butt off with very limited success. I get discouraged and tired and end up going to the inside for the scraps and use the "hop-on" technique just to catch something and get some rides. I can't wait to practice this in my next session and increase my wave catching skills. Great stuff, boys. Keep'em comin'.

[@joanmisa9591]

I've seen this a few weeks ago. This woman would paddle slowly & calmly, back arched up, chin up. She looked so classy! But most of all, she caught those waves SO easily. This video just confirmed that her way is the way to aim for. Thank you!!

[@asgpete]

Absolutely amazing.

[@hughmckendrick3018]

Looking forward to trying these points.

[@andysmith6975]

Waiting for the lift. Going to have to try that. Excellent breakdown and tips. Thanks guys.

[@mpower2386]

Brilliant, binging your vids on takeoffs/catching waves as I want to up my wave count and im getting loads of simple pratictal advice. The kettlebell part and the underwater shot of the tail are really great ways to illustrate your points. I was told that I needed to dip my head down on the takeoff to create forward momentum down the face of the wave lol... your approach seems a lot less stressful.. I wont be able to go out for a while but I cant wait to try that oreo method

[@iankavanagh1385]

Quality advice! Cheers mate.,

[@georgewcamp]

cant wait to try the oreo, I have been over paddling for years!

[@dianetaylor2557]

This is great. I haven't practiced it yet but I was always told to paddle and paddle hard. This creates so much tension in my body that by the time I came to pop up, I'd be tired, tense and rushed. I can't wait to practice this! Thank you so much!

[@ninolevicar2238]

This is the most useful video I have ever watched on catching more waves. Thanks!

[@mitchellpotts3609]

I have seen guys doing this for years and never understood how they could catch a wave with two paddle strokes. Thanks guys can’t wait to try this!!!

[@mitchellpotts3609]

Update... tried the oreo this week for a few days caught double the waves i normally catch

[@carloermini5918]

Great clear and simple video about physics of surf, thank you, really thank you

[@Bartonkaren3]

I have learned so much by watching and listening to you both. Over paddling and not waiting for the wave is something I do a lot. Every good surfer I watch just seems to glide into the wave. I have been able to do that on occasion but couldn’t figure out why I couldn’t do it consistently. This video really helped me to understand what I’m doing wrong and what I can do to correct it. Thank you both.

[@martinyoung9901]

Very helpful. Thanks.

[@Hopefulgoingforward]

Learned a lot, thanks for the knowledge!

[@mingkit4372]

this video is very helpful, thank you!!

[@elikane7701]

things that longtime proficient surfers do without realizing they do you show and make us see them,and then we think,right, that's exactly what we do.great tips and knowledge that you impart, that can save years of learning

[@anjanaprasad5325]

Love this video, thank you! I've been to so many surf school lessons and definitely do the early frantic head down paddle, which doesn't always feel right in the green waves. Will definitely use the Oreo biscuit!

[@rctrix9063]

Really great instruction and very entertaining. Thanks 👍

[@hamishpeeti3642]

Awesome. Thank you

[@sw-sq5gk]

Most helpful video ever. Tnanks!

[@alihussain-yu1kk]

You guys are legends, thank you so much for your guidance

[@Cuisinenomade1]

Wow! This is indeed a game changing video. I will try next time and let you know, but it actually sounds logical and i discovered the oreo position on my last session, yet lots of paddle since there are other channels/videos teaching to "match" the speed of the wave. I will let you know how it goes! Thanks a lot!

[@simoncalnan1324]

Arching the back more and waiting for the lift of the wave has helped so much. Thank you very much. Some of the best surf instruction iv come across.

[@glentricket2952]

Really enjoyed yourself and Claytons break down language Exactly what I wanted to hear. Thanks 🙏

[@SIMSNYC]

Awesome video cant wait to give this a try

[@philschuster1624]

These videos are so helpful. Very easy to follow. Keep them coming!

[@ombesurf]

Thank you Phil! Will do!

[@nicoleyong639]

Your videos are the best. provides the motivation/inspiration/knowledge for me to not give up

[@Nathan_Salcedo]

I can't wait to put this to practice in a couple weeks!

[@user-pc8ei5ki4d]

thank you for avery informative vidoe!

[@Edy1331]

Thanks for the great explanation. It was a game changer for me!

[@katewilliams7717]

Thank you!!!

[@MrJayfout]

Awesome tutorial! Now I know why I nosedive so much! Thank you!

[@mojingjingerli8469]

Finally I understand why some people catch a wave with only few paddle .Nice !

[@ombesurf]

Happy to help!

[@andreagrimm1408]

The best and only video about catching green waves which makes sense🤩 I tried today and this is really a game changer. Don’t get why coaches and tutorials say keeping head low and paddle insanely. Thanks guys!🤙🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@sylvain1865]

Amazing, the dumbell on the rear of the board, this explain perfectly the physic.👌

[@fmichielsens]

Had my first weekend taking surfinglessons together with my 14year old daugther. A three day course in the Netherlands. We LOVED IT and are ready planning for the next weekend. This video shows us all the mistakes we've made 😁 . Great explanation of how to catch the green wave. Thanx for sharing 🤙 and hopefully we can catch them asap.

[@tiagopinto365]

Thanks guys!! AMAZING stuff🤙🤙

[@AffordableLeather]

What a great video! A while back I was at The Wave in Bristol (UK!) surfing their Waikiki wave. Most of the time I was paddling to catch the wave and doing ok, but there was one where something happened and I found myself lifted by the wave and I was up and riding with barely a paddle. I had no idea how I did that, but now I've seen your video, it looks like I chanced on your "Oreo" technique, so I'm going to have to give that another try soon!

[@damonleslie3526]

Hands down the best tutorial I have ever seen!!! 🙏🙏🙏🤙🤙🤙

[@SR-ed7ye]

Thank you for this information. This is the most helpful video I've seen yet. I'm excited to apply it. Waiting at the bus stop!

[@thekevinhollyshow6487]

excellent video thank you

[@metallitai]

this is an amazing video on breaking down how to surf and as a beginner its really helpful! thank you!

[@benjaminseeloff1527]

Thanks guys I watched your video on pop ups and wow it paid off right away for me. I’ve been sharing your channel with all my surfing buddies. I didn’t think this video would apply to me, but I was wrong again I learned even more about taking off on a wave. You guys are awesome surf rut busters! Keep up the great work.

[@ombesurf]

Thanks for sharing Ben!!

[@mikamikalson7393]

This is some excellent advice. Improved my understanding and ability to catch waves a great deal! Much appreciated gents.

[@ripping300]

Thanks for the help! I have been having trouble with catching waves consistently. After this I realised it’s because I keep paddling myself away from the peak. Thanks!!

[@jackdoughty4238]

Wow - Thank you - this is the best explanation I have heard/seen of catching green waves. The idea of sinking your tail of the board by arching up and gliding into the wave is great! Cannot wait to try it. Your description of the wave grabbing hold of the tail of the board and pushing you forward was great! Typically - I have been trying to power paddle my way on to the wave with chin/chest down. Depending on the types of waves - this results in a lot of missed opportunities for fast forming beach break waves. Question and observation: I think I have noticed that when the board begins to plane in the wave, that you will see water shooting out from sides of the nose of the board. If so, I think this would be the prefect time to begin your pop-up. True??

[@monizen6380]

Great tips guys! Thank you so much. I did just that today and caught some fabulous waves hardly paddling ! Thanks

[@ombesurf]

Fantastic Moni!

[@ride.your.bike.]

Outstanding content. Bless you for making this free for the world on KZbin!

[@apachewolfscout]

Cant wait to try it out. Ive been one if those desperate paddlers and failed to get tail down to plain, with plenty nose dives as well! Such a clear video, still its always easy when your just watching! Should be somewhere sweet in next few weeks to try out your advice, many thanks!

[@RemoStone1]

Excellant video and many precious advices, looking it give me a chance to catch more wave , Thanks you

[@kaplodoy]

Waiting is key... best take away. 👌🏾

[@brandonwong199]

OMG the waiting and oreo biscuit combo has changed my life!! Last 2 surfs have been, more waves, less stress, more time, more feeling and less pain haha. Amazing vid. Thx guys 🙏

[@conwaeburrell8490]

Definitely going to try these techniques. I’ve been making all the mistakes mentioned in this video. I’ll let you know how I go!

[@markn0916]

great video ever. I wish I watched this 20 years ago.

[@davidjarvis813]

Yep, have watched this 5 times after 5 sessions, and picked up more pointers each time 👍

[@c_dubbzz6127]

🤯"white water map"🤯 been surfing since I was like 8 y/o and learning this for the first time rn just blew my mind.

[@ombesurf]

That is awesome man!

[@jabbaughfc]

This was a big aha for me. The last time I was surfing I was paddling like mad to "match the speed of the wave." What was funny is that after I got tired (after a few hours) I started to sit back in order to bail when I didn't think I would catch the wave. When I did that I kept catching waves. I was accidentally doing (because of exhaustion) the wait and oreo technique you are advocating and it was working. The light bulb didn't go on until right now though. Looking forward to trying that the next time I go out.

[@garylugg9860]

old video that I am re watching .. even at the wave pool where i know where to sit the "waiting "has been a game changer ... no more frantic thrashing about ... waiti wait wait couple of strokes in and feel the lift of the board ... such a simple but useful tip. Gary

[@andrewwright3676]

Cheers guy your video is really helpful. The most important thing for me is waiting & feeling the glide rather than paddling too hard. 🤙

[@DYD2023]

Thanks @ombe surf, this video is a gem. I was struggling for sometime to catch waves mostly because of the madness around paddling and paddling hard. As the coach suggested - feel the wave and glide along, it's working wonders for me. The moment I moved my attention from myself and board to the wave, the game is so much more fun and easy. Thanks again

[@ingridperez2672]

Thank you guys! Really enjoyed the video. I will try and be patient and wait for the wave tomorrow when I'm surfing. I'm a beginner surfer and I really need to catch my own waves instead of having my instructor setting them up for me. ha! We'll see how it goes. Gracias!

[@JulianDaniels]

Wow! Such a good video! I learned to not hurry at all. I use to get my biceps hurt by paddling and popping up too fast. So, staying calm is the right way too progress I hope.

[@tiagopinto365]

I was definitely overpaddling and then my pop up suffered because i had no energy... this is game changing proper stuff👌👌🧨

[@MichaelJWise]

Wow thanks! I thought I needed to have speed before the wave got to me so I have been paddling way too early and getting too far in front of the wave. Next time I go out I will wait for the wave to pick me up.

[@arunr5529]

Brilliant video. I have just switched from a foamie after a year of surfing and was struggling on my shortboard, now I can understand why (keeping my head down when I feel the lift just causes me to feel like I'm falling down a mountain and so I panic and then just cartwheel rather than pop up). I'll try arching my back to put weight on the tail as soon as I feel the lift (or is that just before the lift?)

[@pengzhang1957]

Thank you man. This video is great!! I am that guy who paddled like hell yet always miss the wave.

[@ombesurf]

Glad we could help Peng!

[@traceyeales6497]

Awesome video!! 👌

[@ombesurf]

Thanks for the visit Tracey!!

[@thegentleorchestra]

Thanks 🙏

[@timeframegroup8491]

Great video boys absolutely love your techniques with slower is better makes it look effortless when surfing . Bit like Mohammed Ali saying

[@thibautmairesse1374]

Thanks again for sharing this video and tips. I have been surfing for about ten years and I am starting to realise that I am doing a lot of things wrong which explain why I am still struggling with wave entry. It feels like I am paddling too hard and never manage to “glide” before making the drop. As a result, I often end up to low on the wave or behind the section / pocket. Please continue to post of this topic; wave entry & gliding

[@ombesurf]

Hey Thibaut, thank you for your comment, if you'd like to get more in depth information about the subject we invite you to get the accelerated surf program: ombe.co/

[@middleagedshred]

Kool..i,m an expert at the waiting game..)

[@menwithven2862]

Like everyone has already said fantastic video guys

[@gtells]

Hey, OMBE member mostly because of this video. I think about surfing differently now and I’m making progress as an intermediate. I forward this video to buddies who are hungry and deserve an advantage.

[@alexmartinez3865]

game changer for sure

[@richardharvey2063]

Awesome explanations and tips as ever! Single best thing you can do to improve your surfing? Listen to these guys!

[@ombesurf]

Boom! Thanks Richard.

[@jbwave69]

Good graphic with the kettle bell

[@viniciusromolosilva4709]

game change advices guys!! thanks for that! Lets pratice tomorrow...waiting the swell get little lower

[@ombesurf]

You got this Vini!

[@katiaricci9296]

Great video, magnificent quality and amazing content, it's wonderful, good job! Keep going with these fantastic videos. So, did you manage to catch or make some "ops and bloopers clips" like "releasing moments" (well... funny pee times) as I suggested some months ago? I can't wait to watch them, let me know!

[@ombesurf]

Hi Carlos, We are flat out fine tuning details on the upcoming '12 week program'. It's been a pretty full on couple of months. Bloopers will come. 🤙

[@katiaricci9296]

@@ombesurf Thank you so much! That's so kind from you, let me know soon. I can't wait to watch those pee times, they're too funny

[@ophirazulai]

Hello, thanks for this great video. Can't stop thinking on it. I'm a big guy 97Kg and I switched to a longboard as I struggled so much with the funboard I had. Also in the longboard I over paddle and not catching too much. Will appreciate an explanation for how to apply this technique for a long board ? how to position on the board ? and if the Oreo biscuit technique also works on a long board ? Thanks :-)

[@TechboogieTV]

Hoping this works 😅 Beginner here and struggling to catch waves consistently. Was thinking it was because my paddles aren't strong enough, but this technique makes me think I've been approaching it wrong. Love the idea of paddling less because my beach requires so much paddling just to get into position I dont have anything left by the time the wave comes. Giving this a try tomorrow and will report back!

[@nestorqa1681]

Oreo biscuit explanation changed my surf game!😀

[@ombesurf]

That is great to hear Nestor!

[@markbox9480]

Thanks guys, I really need these words of advice, I'm doing so many of the wrong things you mention.

[@ombesurf]

We are here to help Mark.

[@casizzi1]

This Clayton fella is an absolute Mr Miyagi of a surf teacher

[@quimlima]

Nice that you mentioned the speed of the wave, that said, what you guys believe is the average wave speed for waves ranging from 3ft to 8ft? Of course every spot has its own wind, currents, tides, swell going on...

[@Kahawai68]

Oh dear God….I have been surfing for 35 years and have learnt so much from you guys over the last few months. I am hoping that I have the faith to try this as it sounds like it will be a game changer for my constant battle to just get onto the waves. Next….I just need some waves. Being in Darwin does not help in this regard.

[@ombesurf]

So cool to hear that we have been helpful. Move to where the waves are!!

[@Kahawai68]

@@ombesurf I wish