How to Catch More Waves & Waste Less Energy In The Surf | Secret Positioning Strategies

[@micheleharris4768]

So many guys are agressive and even hate newbies. Thanks for being a friend to all the kooks. We wanna be good too🤙🤙

[@KalesBroccoli]

Im sure sometimes even I come across as an a$$hole. Always contextual!

[@johndough7485]

I clicked on the video and I've been surfing for almost 10 years. I'm no pro or anything but I can handle myself in decent surf and get my fair share of waves most days. No matter how good you are who doesn't want to catch more waves? This guy's giving a lot of good advice and mentioned mistakes I used to make and the proper techniques to learn that I would have never thought to mention if I was trying to teach someone to surf and took me way too long to figure out by myself. I would've appreciated this video a lot when I was learning to surf.

[@1davidcampbell]

Reason is surfing isn’t golf, there are limited waves and limited space in the lineup, however you can’t close membership whenever numbers become too large, this causes a lot of agro between people who may have surfed a particular break all their lives and an influx of often hundreds of inexperienced surfers, particularly at weekends. I don’t know what the answer is, perhaps developments in artificial waves may reduce the crowds heading towards popular spots.

[@wozza77able]

Put the time in and learn

[@snakecat586]

I have skated a long time my buddy got into skating and he got me into surfing. I can ride lines and carve some. Skating is helping me progress faster. One thing my friend who surfs made sure I understand is don’t be a kook. Don’t drop in on people. Look down the line. I make sure the people that are good get the better sets and waves and I take what I can to learn. I noticed everyone is pretty friendly and actually talk to us. I’m thinking cause we show our respects by understanding where we are on a surf level. My buddy is really good so he does whatever. But not me. lol. This video is deff helpful. My buddy tried to explain all this to me in the ocean and I try to sit with him, and when he tells me get it and I try to get to the peak and turn to catch it. My only problem is endurance. Lol. I have the legs from skating lol. This video is great man. Very helpful.

[@TheLove2surf]

I had an epiphany when learning to surf, or well actually, full credit to the great surfer who made the comment to me... I just couldn’t paddle into waves one day and this surfer I know was just taking wave after wave. I expressed my frustration at not being strong enough to paddle in and she said ‘if you’re in the right place you don’t need to paddle!’ And from that moment a light went off and k started to study the waves more, and hell, my wave count went up!!

[@KalesBroccoli]

Nice!!!

[@johnplayzlol7200]

smart work>hard work

[@da20082003]

👍

[@iamnahaerys6892]

Yes that's exactly true. But the problem at most beaches is that the sweet spots of the waves are often packed to the limit so that I rather chill on the shoulder where I at least have a chance without competing with 17 aggressive dudes for every wave. Plus the peak is often a pretty fast point to take off which does not allow for mistakes, which is why beginners or intermediates sometimes avoid it and chose to take off at the shoulder which is less steep.

[@ChristianRaymondFilms]

So RAD !!! ❤️❤️

[@Portal100kgJJ]

This guy was born to teach surfing. I would like to see a video about the quick decision that we sometimes have to make to abandon or not a board when a big set is about to break in our heads...

[@KalesBroccoli]

Thank you 🙏🏽

[@tetegrondona7915]

@portal 100k you have to look back and around very quickly, making sure there's no one around, and let go of the board!

[@BackFromTheMadeUp]

I remember when I was learning to surf I finally just happened to be in the right place at the right time and I couldn't believe how easy it all suddenly was. All the lessons and tutorials about how to take off off snap, and where to stand and your stance when in reality it's 95% about being in the right place on the wave to catch and surf it. In that regards the quality of the wave then is also supremely important. Great vid mate.

[@KalesBroccoli]

Thanks Phil!!!

[@BackFromTheMadeUp]

@@KalesBroccoli Funny, I watched your beginner to intermediate video right after this one and see you mention pretty much exactly that. The dilemma of the broken vs unbroken wave

[@iamnahaerys6892]

Talking about the quality - I totally agree. I would say that beginners and pros/advanced surfers have it best, because beginners just need white water and an advanced surfer can take some pretty decent surf from poor quality waves. The most difficult spot to be in is being an intermediate I would say from my experience. Because you need the perfect, clean conditions to perform and practice your moves, as you don't have the advanced skill yet to cope with bad conditions. I usually ended up frustrated with 0 waves when they became mushy or too big etc. and thought that I was the worst at surfing worldwide. Then the next day conditions changed and suddenly I could do all the things I wanted to in the wave and I was like "hmm maybe I can surf a bit?". It's a strange place to be in, one day you feel like the biggest kook and the next day its a totally different story.

[@jonstnr]

​@@iamnahaerys6892exactly the way I feel 😅🙏🏼

[@mjm5791]

It took me almost 4 years to figure this out. It’s all about being in the right place at the right time. Wear your sunscreen everyone!

[@RE-td8sc]

Im a very beginner, I’ve surfed twice but I’m going to continue this week on vacation. I live in a state with no ocean so I can’t surf as much as I like. I have been watching lots of videos and this one helped tons. Surf on bro.

[@RhettsRides]

Kale, you are so articulate and have true talent for breaking down intangible things into concepts that make sense. A true waterman. Well done brother. YEW!

[@coleweston6740]

Be careful you dont give Kale an ego 😎 Just kidding, totally agree 🏄‍♂️🤗💪

[@KalesBroccoli]

You’re a legend I should put this up in the pool room 🙏🏽❤️

[@KalesBroccoli]

Growing, growing, gone full ego bubble

[@coleweston6740]

@@KalesBroccoli 🤙🤙

[@jonahhiner9037]

Garhett Ric

[@haydens465]

it’s almost summer where i live, me and my best friend just bought boards, we’re super excited and i’ve been watching your vids for the past 2 days! so stoked to start surfing!!

[@SunriseSessions]

Seriously, although there was nothing in here that I didn't already know, it would have been pure gold if I had seen this 15 years earlier. In other words; super informative and one of the best instructional video's Ive seen. I am going to spam my mates with it for sure.

[@KalesBroccoli]

Thanks man!!

[@OZ01209]

Just found your channel. I love it! I live in North TX. A good 6-8 hours from the Galveston and South Padre. I have been a surf enthusiast since I was a teen. I went to Australia and did a 3 day surf trip when I was 24. We went to Crescent Head, Arawwara, and Byron Bay. It was so awesome! My dream of being an amateur was put on the shelf when I came back to Texas. Life happened. Now I'm about to be 41 and reconnecting with my souls purpose.💙🥰🏄‍♀️ Thank you for these tutorials! 💙

[@GreenMntMoto]

My company closed, back to daily surfing!!

[@stevehix1656]

I totally agree with you,I'm 61 still surfing sense the 60s. You have to be in touch with the ocean,and be able to read it.

[@kristiantonon2697]

Kale........ Champion.... You have done well. Thank you for sharing the secrets. You ROCK!

[@KalesBroccoli]

Thanks legend !

[@niconine268]

Really insightful. The voice of experience

[@ChristianRaymondFilms]

Thank you very much for the insight Kale ❤️❤️

[@ChristianRaymondFilms]

Subbed !

[@alinemeerburg633]

Amazing is to have all this content for free. Great video, thank you so much. Can't get tired of watching you and your masterclasses!

[@KalesBroccoli]

🙌🏽👌🏽

[@luiz576]

Besides paddling and right positioning to catch waves, the appropiate surfboard is important: not only size, but even thickness in its right places, depending each surfers body, can influence positively (or not) in the way one paddles. A good shaper who knows how you surf can help a lot.

[@trinaquejado3480]

Thank you! Thank you!!!! Thank you!!!! I had my best surf this morning thanks to this! I didn't realize my problem lies with positioning. I wish I learned about this earlier. It would have been a game changer. So massive thanks to you, Kale!

[@heikkikauppinen5223]

Thank you Kale! I am just trying to figure out my first steps in surfing and you are a great help! Keep the videos coming please!

[@boltup5566]

Glad you mentioned beach vs other type breaks. For us Californians, a straight West long period swell on our beach breaks will close them out and peaks will be hard to find. I think that's a big challenge for beginners, our beginner breaks are mostly shitty beach breaks. My surfing skill increased exponentially when I earned my time and learned a A-frame reef break. Can you imagine surfing Lowers (all to yourself) everyday? You'd learn wave-reading in a few sessions.

[@KalesBroccoli]

I often have wet dreams about surfing lowers to myself every day

[@purewtur6459]

@@KalesBroccoli ayy yo

[@youdigsurf]

looking at the foam (white water) can help as well to determine the apex of the peak (once the wave pass) and you are behind the wave, interesting video.

[@downwitakrowdy]

White water It's the single most important part for positioning as it leaves its trail That is the real game changer!

[@alessandropeveri1782]

Kale thank you, your tutorial are always excellent, possibly the best for free surf tutorial program on the tube🤙🤙🤙

[@KalesBroccoli]

😍

[@henrybarnaby9157]

It helped so much

[@ska90bi]

Honestly, your videos are of high quality. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with the community.

[@KalesBroccoli]

Thanks Sebby!!!!

[@AnthonyHurford]

About to start learning at Alex Heads - sunny coast qld... your videos have been excellent and invaluable. The last thing I want is to tick off other people out on the water - learning etiquette video and wave paddle technique has been awesome. Thanks mate.

[@skisandcars]

thanks. so useful. great tips!

[@markmartin3221]

The last point, is so true and your word “corking” is a good one because you actually do wish a perpetuated thrust or spring to get ya goin

[@BieuvilleJeanBaptiste]

Hi Kale, one stuff I'd love to see : one video of a busy peak where you can read the people move to be on the right spot for take off (the 2 to 3 minutes before the take off) . Like drone shots with speed ramp in order to understand the right anticipation and the good flow to match the rythm of series. With your explanation on top of it, it could be really cool.

[@KalesBroccoli]

For sure I just gotta find the right day!

[@shukitsui]

Great tips! Totally nailing my mistake and how I can improve my skill. Paddling sideway or in an angle, though that trick to pivot and swing and time it right to catch the waves, will need some practice on my part for sure. Thanks again! :D

[@KalesBroccoli]

😁😁

[@ElPelicanos91]

Very good and nice job Kale. This is exactly what mates taught me to improve my level but with nice footages, graphics and explanation. It took me almost one year and a half to go deep and understand the concept. Watching and being in the water is the key but I am sure it can help a lot out there! Keep on and stay safe💪🏄

[@KalesBroccoli]

🙌🏽

[@greatbriton8425]

One really good thing to do as well when watching the waves is to study them before you go in, from as high as possible, and map out where they are breaking and how often, then go in and try to identify where in that map you are.

[@thomasharrell3681]

Loved it! I'm in Tejas, so headed to Galveston soon.

[@matthewlaw8268]

Part of learning to surf and moving your way through the pack

[@KyleHeg]

this man shows a pic of a beautiful view me without noticing: ooo those are nice waves

[@simonbartolomeo8548]

Good tutorial. Thanks. Heading to a break that I don't know all that well yet and they're forecasting for possibly of up to 6ft waves. These tips should be helpful!

[@ForkRat]

I love your videos, I'm still a beginner but I can clearly feel my surfing improving every time i try to follow your instructions!

[@KalesBroccoli]

Awesome

[@tahupotikigossage]

Surtings been my life since I was 5 or 6 now 40. I enjoyed your video

[@andyr8421]

Gracias kale ,por tus vídeos mi surf ha mejorado muchísimo un abrazo

[@KalesBroccoli]

Gracias amigo

[@TheA1carpetman]

Cheers for insight as I seem to chicken out and sit back to fare on the board. Been very help full.

[@chillinwithjames]

Well explained thx!

[@ezrhino100]

swimming and body surfing is the most underrated mode of learning about waves...

[@kellendp]

One thing i’ve noticed as i’ve gotten better at surfing through time is catching waves for sure, i’m not sure how it happens really or why it is but the skill gap is pretty noticeable, i can be with my friends that aren’t very good and when they go for waves they paddle their absolute life out to catch then and when i go for waves i paddle like twice it’s so graceful and i’m already going down the line, they always say “you make it look so easy” but it’s so natural and idk why. for me it just came over time

[@ad7433]

Hi Kale, You mentioned something about catching behind the peak when it's breaking . Can you explain this a bit. At minute 8:13

[@KalesBroccoli]

See my video How To Take Off On Steep Waves

[@davidchurch6133]

Love surfing - thanks for the video

[@danvargo8225]

Kale, another great video, man. Your content has so much insight and has really helped step up my riding. Awesome tutorials with each vid

[@cherrysweets8220]

Thanks for the info 🌊🏄‍♀️

[@okay333666]

I applied the diagonal approach to paddling rather than paddling straight to the shore and it helped tremendously! Thanks for pointing out my bad habit.

[@gwall4603]

I got a bad knee injury right before autumn/winter season. Bum out! If I don’t need surgery, I’m planning on body surfing as part of rehab, just to read close out barrels better. Can’t wait to get back. Hopefully before winter ends

[@MatschgoBJJ]

Nice video. I actually learned all of this without really knowing. But most importantly by looking at better surfers and learning from them

[@v.haddad3202]

Absolutely LOVE your chanel. Really wanna come out your way, one day, and take a lesson. Blessings!

[@KalesBroccoli]

Thanks for watching!! 🙏🏽

[@edoardocazzaro7176]

Kales this video is amazing! Thanks..

[@KalesBroccoli]

🙌🏽

[@nicholashockings9584]

Loved your content. Thanks bro.

[@zchunn]

Awesome tips for bodyboarding as well!!! Thanks for being so cool. Most surfers hate us but we all just wanna ride🤙🏻🤙🏻🤙🏻

[@youngoffender3]

Bro thank you. Your advice is super helpful.

[@RickVonSloneker]

Great video. As a beginner/intermediate surfer, the point about positioning cannot be stressed enough. Learn how to "pivot and swing" as KB says. Don't just blindly paddle for waves. You will catch a lot more (and not exhaust yourself paddling).

[@kronic1oo1]

video was great thanks Kale

[@cryptrain1271]

Ive been surfing for a year, and I was finally able to get on my first wave! Im hype af, need to learn how to go to the sides now xD. But wish I had beginner waves where Im from, have been in only bigger waves (for my level) so its been a grind, but I havent quit and wont till Im decent enough to move through a wave well.

[@BLACK05GO1]

Also, I'm not sure if you hit on it. If you're just learning, don't sit at the peak with the "local pack' of surfers. You're much better off moving further inside and down the path of the breaking waves. Then you can pick off the waves that are missed by the pack or were just a little too small to break (or catch) out at the main take off spot (peak). Many beach breaks have an inside break and an outside break on good days. No need to paddle out to the outside and catch the biggest waves if you're learning. Practice on the inside break. You'll get all the waves (no fighting for waves with other surfers) and a lot more surf time. Or just move down the beach from "the pack" and so you again don't have to position with better surfers for waves. When you're learning, it's always best to find an area where you can catch as many waves as possible without getting in the way of other surfers. Before you know it you'll be ripping and then you can move out to the main peak and hang out with "the pack" if that's what you want. The best waves, unfortunately are usually breaking in and around the local pack. They know the break well and they know the take off spots for the wave. I stayed away from "the pack" until I thought I was a good surfer. The last thing you want to do is position for a perfect wave (the locals pull back to give you the wave) and then you miss the wave or just get slammed dropping in. Then the next perfect wave that comes, they will take it from you. Once you get some respect (they see you can surf well) they will start to welcome you in the main line up.

[@sergiodelgado5522]

Thank You! Always learning from your great videos...I am still trying @ 64!

[@KalesBroccoli]

Awesome!!!

[@maxzulu]

Vaca to Costa Rica recently. Basically my first dive into surfing. Rented a 9 footer and caught a bunch of crashing whitewater rollers. I’m hooked and almost caught a 3-4 footer before it broke. Looking up tips now but should have prior lol

[@siwenyang3144]

This is great content!

[@coleweston6740]

Great video Kale 🔥🔥🔥

[@KalesBroccoli]

Thanks brother 🤙🏽🙌🏽😁

[@zendean5207]

Since I first started surfin when I was 14, I always had the problem of not catching the wave at all. If I were to guess I'd say, on an average I might attempt to catch 25 or 30 waves before catching one. That's a pretty terrible average. The amount of wasted strokes over a lifetime is staggering. Many times, perhaps MOST of the time, I'd go through the trouble of traveling hours up the coast only to completely fail to catch a single wave. This went on for years. I took lots of advice from a myriad of surfers. Got into long boards eventually which increased by average a bit. I would sometimes go way inside and just catch white wash out of frustration. Sometimes it would be even if I were in the perfect position, the wave would just pass me by like I was a buoy. I'm curious what you8 think could possibly have been my problem? Some people have told me I just didn't get enough speed with mycstrokes. Others have said where I was positioned on the board. And if I moved inside I would end up getting pitched, especially if it was a really hollow wave. I tended to be more successfull on notoriously slow waves. Like Doheny, Trestles, Topanga, Main Street Beach in Guadelupe, CA. if that helps.

[@yarinankori6720]

Could you make more videos for advanced surfers? I consider myself as a pretty good surfer and the thing I struggle with the most are power turns, I usually surf really small waves so I find it harder to perform a legitimate bottom turn and throw more spray. Thanks for the great content🤙

[@KalesBroccoli]

I try to mix it up a bit but most advanced surfers aren’t interested in tutorials / don’t need them My previous video is the perfect video for you as it sounds. But I will definitely come up with more intermediate to advanced stuff as we go along

[@waterboyrick2419]

Used your tips and they working perfectly thanks

[@DJjussi1]

Kale can you do a video on beach breaks. Even just a long video looking at the lineup and you analyzing the different surfers, where they are moving and your analysis/breakdown of their positioning & pop ups based on the waves. It's so hard for beg/intermed surfers, at least me, to improve on beach breaks as I'm always finding I'm not in the right spot to catch.

[@chrisbauman2562]

1:48 me trying to focus on my friends conversations with one ear,damn well knowing im looking over their shoulder at the ocean 🤣

[@chuckchaves8867]

Great info

[@death_knell]

Hehe this is cute 1:49 his chuckle🥰

[@RaulEdu33]

Plenty of useful surfing phytonutrients 🌊👌 thanks Kalebroccoli

[@ceeweedsl]

Excellent.

[@ryanpolin3685]

Great video. When I surf I have a problem with not having too much of a shoulder to stand up on. I noticed a lot of a lot of surfers catch the wave right before it breaks and that freaks me out because I don’t want to go over the falls. Any suggestions or insights?

[@kevinsbears]

Kale, I love your tutorials. Have you thought of shooting a play-by-play instructional from a third person follow cam perspective?!? It really allows us to see the wave as you see it and get into your head! I love the first person stuff too!

[@KalesBroccoli]

I’m working on some unique camera angles for this!! It’s been a long process to really get something both effective and enjoyable

[@Kawika_stone]

I’m more then experienced enough to already know this, but this is just fun to watch.

[@CliffordPinoyWanderer]

Thanks for the tips. Keep on surging

[@James.Schiliro]

where was the drone shot taken? what beach

[@rhyswilliams695]

Really helpful. I find my approach changes depending on the board I ride. Shorter board = less room for mistakes.

[@VIPYROIV]

Thanks mate these vids have help me so much !!

[@KalesBroccoli]

😁😁

[@89powl]

Is this Avalon Beach? Got stuck there 12 years ago as a backpacker 😄

[@jameshallfishing3377]

Excellent video. Love it bro, would love to see more though that felt like a month wait lol

[@KalesBroccoli]

Hahaha so sorry - I wish I had an editor and a producer and a script writer and come to think of it even a surfer

[@letoblack178]

@@KalesBroccoli If you need an editor hit me up!

[@nonha8888]

Thank you!!

[@KalesBroccoli]

Thank you for watching!

[@duiliopalmeri7092]

Really needed that one! Keep it up coach

[@KalesBroccoli]

😍🙌🏽

[@KalesBroccoli]

🥋🏅

[@eyeojo]

Awesome video! Will (mostly) overlook the music.

[@andrewsekay5104]

hes good helpfull points for sure

[@ThorOnGlass]

Great Coacher!!

[@nicholasbombardieri5192]

What I thought about this was. Only paddle out to the line up at the very last moment of the set, the big waves coming through so you only have to paddle through the smaller waves. Sometimes the set doesn't end. Try and go around the shoulder of the wave when paddling out not the peak, the bit in the middle. Only go for waves in the set, so you don't get caught on the inside of big waves trying to paddle back out. Sometimes you can still get trapped Even if you've taken something from the set. Try and keep your heart rate down when and after paddling by taking big breaths and assuring yourself that your not going to get hurt or drown. When you're on a wave if it looks like your not going to make it to the end remember to breathe before wiping out or bailing yourself out. Try and surf the barrel and bowl of the wave it's like therapy if you make it through. Avoid learning or trying to challenge closeout surf breaks locations because they will make you lose your breath and energy especially while learning how to do it. The bigger and heavier the wave is usually means how long you are going to lose your breath for and get shocked with water pressure in a wipe out. If you hit your head you can go unconcious so be prepared and when you wipe out hold onto your board or your head for self protection. Try and use your arms to paddle more than your feet pushing or your legs kicking. When you're paddling with your arms try and let it all come from your breast back and shoulders not your arms. If you have to kick your feet it's better to use your hips and ass not your quads and calf's. I found that surfing the places everyone said could be dangerous if you hit the bottom if you pick the wave that you think suits you is safer than trying to go out at a closeout spot and pick a wave. Only pick waves that suit you not what people are saying to catch because they have different levels of physical fatigue. We found its easer to get to the waves if the wind is blowing towards the wave not the same way even if the wave is so big it sprays water at you from the wind and the water is cold. You can easily cut your feet on lots of different types of reef and rocks. Surfing while drunk or bleeding is a warning sign. If you believe that you could make the wave or get a good ride from it you probably should try and catch it because this would give you more confidence and less troubled about catching your breath Even if it meant just catching the one wave back into the shore. You are garunteed to panic if fish or seaweed or jellyfish touch your legs so get a good look at it and out at sea to check for dolphins or sharks and try and catch your breath if you can stay out longer. It seemed easier trying to do air on a closeout spot than try getting a long ride. And I've forgotten the rest.

[@biff022]

Can we get a PSA on beginner rules and etiquette involving staying away from popular crowded spots and seeking out better beginner breaks?

[@KalesBroccoli]

See one of my latest videos

[@cadenashworth1753]

God is so good to us all. Stay psyched and stay safe🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@laurent5557]

Tanks

[@kiaras44]

Thank you for this! I got a surfboard for Christmas and I’ve been trying to learn, but it is extremely slippery. It is a foam board and I was wondering, can you put surf wax on a foam board?

[@tobiasduffy5380]

yes!

[@rallynova3345]

I'm a beginner and gaining every knowledge I can from you, and i was curious how you know your ready, and how to get tubed

[@BlogMan]

rally nova dude first off never say “tubed” again, it’s called barrelled 😂 but there is no ready, you just have to keep on getting waves, getting thrown off or losing balance and then going again!

[@ninthdanu4670]

love ur videos !

[@drewfinn2]

best way to tell a surfers level of experience is how they line up and set up their take off (unless dealing w some type of injury) ...another thing is to spread out according to ability...you’ll have more fun and get better faster...

[@atamanatlas3098]

Not hard to read the waves if they’re in lines like Uluwatu Indo or Bendalong NSW 🙂 excellent vid yet again buddy.

[@LeviHorizon1]

Hii ive been watching your videos for a while but i have a question what do you do with a shoulder injury as ive had it for over 2 months and it still hurts i cant go surfing do you have any tips or solutions

[@toddjochapman]

Great videos. Great insights. Huge thanks

[@kurtbutler5692]

Awesome advice Kale!

[@KalesBroccoli]

Thanks Kurt!!

[@woodyrazz]

This is excellent! Thanks Kale!

[@KalesBroccoli]

Thanks legend!!! 😁😁

[@woodyrazz]

Kales Broccoli I’m not even a legend in my own mind.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/h5quqKGirs1-qM0

[@awareness-mb5do]

Does pivot works with beginer long board ?

[@KalesBroccoli]

Yes

[@bodecobb9256]

hey dude I just want to say thanks. That is an awesome video and it really helped, especially catching the wave. I would always have my back to it. So thanks for the video.

[@christopherjones3405]

With 3 foot surf would you use a 7.10 or a 10 foot board???,

[@CJP75]

Great vid - as always. Could you provide some hints and tips about positioning to catch waves in a wave pool? The take-off timing seems quite critical and it seems to be a fine line between missing the wave or ending up with a face plant!