How to Paddle Out in Bigger Surf on a SUP

[@clayisland]

Hi, Learn to Foil: clayisland.com/learn-to-foil/ More videos: clayisland.com/category/member-videos/

[@you4scuba373]

Been surfing my sup for a few years and was never really taught how to get out past the break. Your video was a huge help and can't wait to get out there and try these techniques!

[@thesidewalksaint6236]

Bro that was literally the best paddle out SUP video I've ever watched nobody's ever helped me more your superchill bra love it!!!!!!

[@TeshiaZtoCool]

Your voice is so calming

[@clayisland]

Thank you

[@SurfingJDawg]

Great video. I surf in the river on a SUP and have only tried it twice in the ocean. Very helpful and also motivational, knowing that it's normal to get knocked around and off your board when trying to make it past the break. Thanks for your video!

[@clayisland]

Joshua Coleman You're welcome

[@Qian1980]

I am going to do this to prepare my ski season.

[@BumHaven]

You have an great collection of videos. I don't step back, although I am back on the board in general when paddling out. I put a lot of weight on my back foot as the wave approaches and then I often take a step forward while crouched. Doing so helps keep me from falling backwards and tends to keep my board from flying off to the left or right as the nose goes over the wave. I have also had a board in the face, not fun. YMMV.

[@markd7280]

4th week in and your videos help!!!

[@clayisland]

Awesome!

[@kupalasurfs]

Love the tips! I can't tell you how many times I've been bashed in the crash zone trying to get out. Always thought going under, board and all would do the trick, but there's too much volume. The last one, kick the board over and go under is one I will try! Going out on the knees to save time and get more distance right away is a great idea. I am also wing foiling and wonder what will be necessary to get through this kind of surf if down in the water. Thanks for your great footage and instruction!

[@jond1325]

This was a great video! Thanks for posting...I'll be using all your advice. I just bought a VESL SUP 11'6" and I'm new to the sport. I'm psyched to get out there - mainly to ride some waves! Your video is excellent and gives me confidence to get going!! :)

[@jasonlea2197]

A great video. We are not blessed with the greatest waves on the English Channel, however these techniques are really great.

[@valdeswright8069]

So good man. thank you!

[@josiahambrose924]

This is really helpful. I surf beach break most often and any tips to fell more confident pushing over the white water are appreciated.

[@clayisland]

Josiah Ambrose Right on, glad it's helpful! Thanks for the feedback.

[@ogk9678]

I also do the 2 step to get over waves. Works. Great with SoCali waves from chest to ^^

[@gemmascire459]

Great video. Super helpful. Thank you

[@pas2356]

Excellent sup tutorial thanks!

[@phk8411]

Super helpful

[@Mazza2809]

You videos are always great my friend. Thanks for this one. Please keep it up! 🤙🏼🏄🏽

[@clayisland]

Giovani Mazza You're welcome, and I will!

[@anthonyaugustinpapin]

Is that ocean beach? Just got my first SUP board. Excited to try it out when it is small. Looks like the best spot is Kirkam. Never tried an SUP but I think I can make it out on a small day at high tide. would be cool to cruz North or south past the breakers! Nice video. Thanks for sharing.

[@rapdre2]

Yo thanks for making this. I wanna take my sup to the beach. Just not sure how to get past the surf.

[@alicebilton7255]

Search this on youtube: VADER retired PADDLE boarding on LA RIVER (Narrated by Jones Earl James) - S2E1 The River Wild full

[@ewanmellingflavell9149]

Thanks so much. I really enjoyed watching this vid.

[@clayisland]

Ewan Melling Flavell You're welcome!

[@GuildF40]

Great info thanks man

[@joshuawaldman1603]

Thanks

[@bjywong]

This is good stuff! Great work. Keep it up.

[@clayisland]

bjywong Thanks

[@colinguinn]

Thank you for that!

[@clayisland]

Colin Guinn You're welcome.

[@EvanDoggett]

Thank you for this video!

[@gainzandglory]

Thank you 🔥🔥🔥

[@shepdog213]

great video man thx

[@edwardfoate7734]

Cheers Dude!

[@kimberlys4075]

Great video. Do you think there’s a big difference between a hard board vs an inflatable on the ocean?

[@clayisland]

Hi, thanks. Yes, most inflatables aren't stiff enough and have soft rails so they feel very tippy and unstable.

[@RobCasey-SalmonBayPaddle]

Great video and tips, thanks!

[@clayisland]

Right on, you're welcome!

[@RobCasey-SalmonBayPaddle]

One tip I teach is during wipeouts and/or while in the water after a wipeout, to not hold on to anything like the handle, leash and leash string. A few folks have had finger tips pulled off, twisted, or shoulders worked trying to control vs let go of the board. I also use surfco rubber fins to avoid fin cuts.

[@cassidytutsch8546]

thanks super helpful

[@clayisland]

Cassidy Tutsch You're welcome.

[@lurby89]

Great video!!

[@clayisland]

Thanks!

[@mblue8]

Great!

[@rogerdias1000]

Hey Clayisland, what up great video explanation. What type of mount camera you have in your SUP?

[@clayisland]

Hi and thanks! I make my own bamboo camera mounts: clayisland.com/building-with-bamboo

[@jeffvm99]

Hey clay are you wearing an impact vest in some of the video. I surf alone a fair bit and am considering a vest and helmet. Solo surfs on rocky points cause me some anxiety!

[@clayisland]

Yes, the vest I like in smaller surf, in bigger more powerful surf it gets pulled over my head and traps my arms, for that I prefer the impact suit or wearing a vest under my wetsuit.

[@seb9187]

Great help thanks alot I have alot of anxiety about big waves I'm fine surfing on them but I'm scared to ge t out! One question would those techniques work on my 7.7 fish tail?

[@clayisland]

Nirvana Sup I hear you. I have felt anxious on a SUP in waves that I feel at ease on a prone board. Ummm I have yet to try my Simmons shape in bigger waves, I am more at home on a pulled in shape with more rocker. I know guys have gone out at OB up to double overhead on fishy shapes, unsure how they do it...maybe try the techniques in smaller waves first?

[@greenstick100]

At 8:06, for the "board over-body under" technique, what do you do between entering the wave and re-surfacing? Do you just lie flat, swim through the wave, pull your arms and legs in? If you do nothing with your body while in the wave, will it carry you towards shore with it? I haven't tried this technique yet but it's one I'll need soon.

[@clayisland]

greenstick100 Hi, good question. I lie parallel to the ocean bottom and let myself sink. The wave usually does all the work, passing over me and I end on the back side of the wave. With my hands I cover my face in case the board gets pushed into me.

[@ahilollevas]

clayisland cool vídeo! I’ve always wanted to know what’s best when a powerful wave breaks right in front of you. If you are on top of the board this over and under method seems like a good technique although can you sink easily to pass under the wave that way? You say you just let go and lie flat and the wave passes over you... I think I’d still get beaten and “laundried”. I’ve tried curling myself up but it also rolls me for a while... if you are not on the board, is it better to try dive to the bottom head first, or just the same techniques? I tried diving, curling, laying... still a big wash. Could you give your suggestion on what to do on the different cases to avoid an endless wash that increases the anxiety? I’ve realized also in my case that if I hold all the air and don’t let go a bit to dive a little my ears will hurt from pressure differential with all the turbulent water hitting my head too, which causes more anxiety of drowning...

[@bergeracvandamme]

Are these special boards they're using specifically for surfing? Or can you surf on any paddleboard with enough practice?

[@clayisland]

They are on race boards which suck for surfing. A surf sup made for riding waves is much better.

[@bracsyller8901]

Dude, your mission statement "our purpose" is beautiful, thank you.

[@CS-eh8eo]

hows the technique different for an iSUP?

[@crowdfundingfactory-befree7056]

Hi, where is this video shot? Is there a school there? Thx

[@clayisland]

San Francisco. No sup schools that I know of. Some local shops give private lessons and have clinics when pros come to town.

[@boston7704]

What board do you prefer in this kind of rough surf?

[@clayisland]

The board I prefer in rough surf is a 9'6", I dropped down to an 8'10" stinger tail, a little tippy for OB but a lot more performance. clayisland.com/my-gear-list/

[@Kwood10]

What kind of paddle are you using?

[@clayisland]

A kialoa blended shaft with a narrow blade. clayisland.com/my-gear-list/

[@donaldfiesta8666]

Just as I thought impossible 🤣

[@mattbpatterson]

I knew paddle on the inside too. No shame in my gane

[@shadowwarrior9490]

Must be super tiring

[@tarajordan1385]

The boards used in this video are not appropriate for sup surfing.

[@MicBergsma]

Right on thanks for sharing I know Zane 😄🤙🏼

[@clayisland]

Sweet, good to hear from you, I've seen and enjoyed your videos over the years.

[@thompsonsmith7653]

Search this on youtube: VADER retired PADDLE boarding on LA RIVER (Narrated by Jones Earl James) - S2E1 The River Wild full

[@MicBergsma]

clayisland hey wow small world 😄🤙🏼

[@greenstick100]

It is videos like this that help us rookie SUPers see the techniques that work! I have practised the techniques in this video on my last few wave sessions and they work. In fact, paddling out is almost as much fun as catching a wave. It requires skill and good balance and it is satisfying if you can make it out back without falling off. I think you even earn a little respect from the prone surfers when they see you riding up and over each wave as you paddle out (even on an iSUP!). Thanks.

[@clayisland]

greenstick100 You're welcome and thanks for the great feedback! Glad to hear this helps!

[@Mrjmhill]

You posted 2 yrs ago. Are you still paddling? Any “lessons learned”?

[@JetSurfingNation]

Awesome and detailed explanation, thank you

[@nakedmongoose123]

if you come from a skating bakground, its basically like trying to ollie but the wave really makes it pop up

[@KaydanAidan]

I feel like my overall SUP surfing has improved from this channel honestly, so thorough,.

[@clayisland]

That's fantastic! Thanks so much for the feedback.

[@cihan.h]

@@clayisland my SUP surfing was improved too

[@war_material]

Getting into sup after only Regular surfing. I was totally caught off guard on getting on the outside! It was embarrassing. Thanks for the awesome tips I can’t wait to get out there again!

[@guidinglightinvestigations2142]

great video and breakdown of what the pro's went thru at the REDBULL Heavy Water. Your instruction is perfect and supports everything my wife and I have learned. Your right, be careful of your face when climbing over larger Wave's. My wife sustained a broken nose and several stitches last month. I have also gotten over my pride and often go out on my knees. The margin for not getting out is slim so I paddle like crazy even if from my knees. Thanks again.

[@clayisland]

Cliff Bernard Thanks and you're welcome! Love the feedback, and hope your wife is okay.

[@ian_mayberry]

I was just smiling the whole time watching this. Super helpful, clear explanation.

[@alistairmorton497]

Thank for a nice relaxed look at some techniques, from here on my sofa I might have to go get me a paddle board and rewind my life 10 years :-)

[@thenarstraveler]

Mahalo for the tips! 🤙🏽

[@michaelpadgett2930]

This is one that I'll Bookmark and keep. It's an honest talk through getting out and what might work and might not. Thanks

[@lindalee6228]

ZOWIE!!! What a great video! Thanks so much for making this for us. Ditto on the calm voice and great tips. I live on a small lake and just bought my first SUP (at age 66). ☺ I absolutely love it! I'm a total rookie so your information and excellent video production are invaluable. I'm going to be out on the water as much as possible before Colorado's cold season sets in. I'm trying to prepare to take on the ocean in January in Kauai. I was told it's safest to stay PARALLEL to the waves initially. Is this correct? Also, do you have any recommendations on buying and using an ankle strap? One didn't come with my board. Thanks again. ☺

[@clayisland]

Hi Linda, thanks for the feedback. Hawaii in the winter can serious, I would recommend seeking a local guide. Leashes I change with the condtions, in bigger more powerful surf I prefer a coil leash that doesn't tug as hard on my leg.

[@Kwood10]

Hi Linda I just got my first sup too at 56 Really enjoying it .

[@mblue8]

Refreshing to see you knee paddling out. Especially in hard onshore winds it is underestimated. But those knee/waist high breaks.. Ohh.. You need to protect the crotch, haha.

[@chasingwaves11]

Nice Brahda ! I just bought a SUP this year it’s 256L 9’8 30” wide . I’ve been out on it 5 times this year . I’m getting the hang of it I rather be on my Short board rippin on waves then a SUP but I’m enjoying it on them flat 2 ft days lol ... well I agree man I always knee paddle out gain a bunch of speed and once I get past the white water foam balls I jump up on my feet it’s much faster to paddle out like that staying lower to the board gives u more speed ... keep it up brother Yeww 🤙🏽

[@berniecook5883]

Grab one of these puppies, 4 times more power when you're kneeling. thumb-runner.com/

[@twidmer]

Wow. Went back to my sup tonight.. been a year or two. Moved back to the beach.. focused on the short board, and just kept getting beat up. Tonight was a calm looking night, high tide, and just mellow. Got out there, and broke on past the breaks, and was able to focus on the waves breaking first toward the beach. What a difference. On my knees, I was able to take some strokes, and get forward momentum, then when I felt the board sliding down, popped up. I caught so many waves this wave it was an epiphany. Hooked.

[@Serenity_now13]

Great video and tips!

[@furlong337]

Hey there. Love your channel. Thanks for sharing. I’ve been a trad/prone surfer for 30 years and just started supping. I’m wondering about a couple of things I never had to consider before. First - surfing in New England in the winter can be fun but obviously freaking cold. Do suppers ever use dry suits? Also,, even though I’ve always been a long boarder, i’m not used to riding such a mammoth board. Do guys ever use helmets and/or life vests? Kinda worried about getting knocked out if i’m out there alone in a winter day - which I often am. Thanks!

[@sweeptalk]

I sort-of do the same thing Kai does. Step forward or even bird-hop forward when the whitewater is nice and even.

[@chadw4463]

Thanks for your video, very informative. I appreciate you making it.

[@pablol.stetzkamp5259]

To me it's one of the biggest mysteries of all time how these guys get out. I mean I'm already having a hard time on a shortboard.

[@user-jk4fw7yv5o]

great vid thanks very much

[@RenévanEwijk-Broere]

Thanks for the video. What board are you riding in the video?

[@clayisland]

I think a stretch 9'6"

[@JoshhuaRay]

Helpful 💯😼🦞

[@SkipODonnell]

Hardest part well explained - the surfing is easy - thx

[@clayisland]

Thank you, and you are most welcome.

[@hrburrell]

I like going over surf on my SUP, but step too far back and your nose may point at the sky when that wave hits, too far forward and your board stops dead and you go flying. I'd rather go back than fly forward, it hurts less. I think so much of it is timing and luck. We have small surf here in Florida so not too hard to manage. Tried laying down and paddling through a breaker the other day and took it right to the face...did not feel good.

[@joshroa9111]

Thanks for this. Struggling and getting in patient with my progress and not only catching a wave but also be able to deal with getting stuck inside given I can’t like I would on a body board. Will be checking out your other videos as well!!

[@chrisgraham1287]

Another great vid. Really appreciate them. I remember the first time i got smashed in the face by my sup. Shocked the hell out of me.

[@kaykramer2401]

Connor Baxter avoided the heavy break and and changed his location further down the beach. Location awareness sometimes beat technique ;-)

[@walterolsen2280]

Good stuff ..Thanks!

[@jorgedominguez2007]

Ocean Beach does not have clear channels. It is way more difficult to make it out at OB than point breaks with bigger waves.

[@rayo1371]

Went out for 1st time today on sup (to surf) and instinctively kneeled to get out ( long time boater, kayaker and prone surfer ) just seemed like the thing to do ( not sure if it is looked down upon) .. lots to learn and your vid is so well done ..thanks for taking the time

[@Mrjmhill]

How did that technique work for you? I'm a River kayaker, converted to SUP. Ready to try the surf next.

[@rayo1371]

@@Mrjmhill worked well in the waters I was in ..( Florida beaches ) especially when it gets too messy... however, have seen more advanced paddlers lay down prone on suoceith paddle under and paddle out like surfboard

[@rayo1371]

@@Mrjmhill lay down prone on sup and paddle it like a surfboard ( kneeling worked fine though )

[@Mrjmhill]

Ray O mine also has a collapsible seat.. I’m going to take mine to the gulf next month to give it a try. I’ll try seated like a kayak too...

[@rayo1371]

@@Mrjmhill have fun ..very addicting

[@friedrichs.8004]

I like stand up paddling on flat water and small waves but never in bIg waves. Feel much safer when duck diving.

[@MaxEgiÒavventureinsardegna]

All of them are clearly surfer not Standing Paddle Surfer So...they are just funny not take this video as lesson please !!

[@MaciejPiotrowski]

great video and explanation. thank you

[@Hennessey_and_smoke]

Uploader: are you using a stretch simm sup?

[@clayisland]

Yes: clayisland.com/my-gear-list/

[@ipolyaz9622]

Parece que aprendemos más si vemos caídas que no bajadas perfectas de olas

[@woods5877]

Why am i here if i never sup board in my life xd (but curiosity) is more or less the same technique that is used for rescue boards

[@liliroberts]

Awesome ! ☀️🏄🏼

[@seancallahan1312]

Clay, I saw the "ClayIsland" and thought that was you. This is Sean "Feral In Baja" Callahan. I was going to try and message you the other day to ask advice on a Franken-Paddle I'm putting together (Oval Blade stem, round Paddle Shaft) they're both good parts, but I'm having to adapt. GREAT VIDEO!!! I'm back in the Baja beachbreak tubes, after 7 months off living in NE Tijuana war zone. Your video game is seriously on point. Gonna get back on the Zone, I was off it after someone really classist-vibed me out. I'm touchy about that, so I stayed away for like a year or more. So many cool people, I'm going back. Cool vibes, great video, thanks for the stoke!

[@clayisland]

Hi Sean, good to hear from you! Glad you are back on the zone, bad vibes can be rough. Thanks for the good words and you are welcome for the stoke!

[@electricguysvcs]

Cool. I've had to learn to choose my battles with rough surf. Sometimes I don't bother or look for another spot. These techniques are worth learning. Thanks

[@clayisland]

Guy Witscher You're welcome, glad to hear these techniques are worthwhile.

[@brennickjack]

Your wisdom applies to the wily and unpredictable lake ontario surfz whish is - usually only up when the onshore gale force breezes blow- thanx for the tips- I used to be quite agile at my old home in the reefy glassy warm tropics- now i relocated to the northern border of the good ol U S and switched to a SUP- now im stoked if a 2 footer doesn't pummel me....I am still puzzling on where the paddle goes once I start dropping in....

[@SeadartVSG]

Nice collection of tips. I wish I had seen this when I started SUP surfing. I came at surfing from a kayak and waveski surfing background and found that the advice to always hit the white water head on sometimes is not so good on a sup board if you are trying to knee paddle, if you quarter the wave and sweep the nose of the board around with a powerful sweep stroke you can force the nose to slide over the white water, you save getting hit in the face or knocked over backwards.

[@clayisland]

SeadartVSG Thanks

[@MatthewWagnerFilms]

So helpful! Thanks for this!

[@kabukiarmadillo]

Good info here. I knew most of it, but that last technique was new to me. I notice that you don't have a paddle leash... what happens if you lose it? Go for a fast swim? I ask because I've had times where I've had to let go of the paddle, i.e. getting knocked into the drink and the turbulence can sometimes twist your forearm up if you hang on to the paddle.

[@clayisland]

Thanks. The few times I have let go of the paddle I have retrieved it fairly quickly. I suspect I would swim or prone paddle if it really got away from me.

[@chrispbacon955]

Great info. Im looking forward to going out for my first time. Thank you.

[@shreddagorge]

Is that a Stretch?? Had no idea they were still shaping. I'll have to try some of these tips - I get knocked over when a jet ski comes within a 5-mile radius...

[@clayisland]

Yes it's a Stretch and yes still shaping: clayisland.com/my-gear-list

[@SrJFK]

Great video. A couple of questions for you. 1. Are you and some of your friends using iSUP in those size waves? 2. Have you encounters problems losing your paddle when falling off?

[@clayisland]

Jean-François Karam Hi, Thanks! Yet to try an isup or see one in the surf. My paddle stays close to me, the few times I have let it go I have retrieved it quickly.

[@dannyrascalmusic]

Some solid advice Brah! Thanks! I learned real quick that the old 'eskimo roll' technique I used on my longboards and from Surf Lifesaving was super bad on a SUP because the paddle adds so much extra hassle under water... Up and over is for sure the easiest way!

[@clayisland]

Danny R Right on! Thanks and you're welcome :)

[@CarlosPerez-ep5qb]

Kai Lenny is a force of nature..!

[@stefanhrvatski9152]

Really well-done video!

[@clayisland]

Thanks!

[@willisrichardson1999]

Thanks for the tips. I will need them for my beach trip and race at Dana Point. Usually I spend my time eating it for three or four weeks.

[@clayisland]

willis richardson You're welcome and I hope they help.

[@howardinothegreat136]

Cool

[@JulzWinfield]

Great video very informative! Who ever voted this video down suck it!