Start Waveski Surfing: 11. How to practise using your hip belt

[@SeadartVSG]

A couple of comments about what I learned the hard way through experience. (1) make sure the catch mechanism can not roll over so that it gets pinned against your body, if the belt is tight enough this is usually not a problem, but depending on how you have the seat and belt adjusted it can happen and it can be very difficult to release the belt when getting washingmachined upside down. (2) the advice about grabbing the rail of the board is good but often impossible when it is wet and slippery, you can put a little surfboard wax near the foot straps on the rails to give you a good grip, or once you are more comfortable, grab the toe strap, it gives you much better control of the board and you can pull the nose when the waveski is upside down completely under many waves, making the ski duck dive ... if the wave is very powerful let go so you don't injure your hand or shoulder.

[@StartWaveskiSurfing]

Thanks for your comments! (1) correct, but as you say, making sure the belt is tight enough, should prevent this. But it's a good extra warning. (2) I totally agree. I could have explained that better and more extensive. When popping up, it begins with holding the side of your board, so you have some control. If the next wave is already rolling in before you have the time to hop on your board, then you better immediately grab your board by the foot straps and pull your board under the wave and duck your head (or push your board up by the footstrap over the whitewater, depending on the height). I gave this (control of the board) some attention in video 10. (how to catch white water waves). I'll be giving it some more attention when I'll be making the video about paddling out through the surf. Please keep on following my videos and keep on commenting, it's much appreciated! Cheers, Paul.

[@executivelifehacks6747]

Great channel, very glad someone is doing a waveski channel. Just something about managing the risk of using a belt... it should be only done in water over 1m in depth. The risk is that you get dumped/dragged and break your neck, becoming a quadraplegic or paraplegic, and potentially drowning or having very poor quality of life outcomes after that. I've had it recommended to me to not use a seatbelt until doing it for 6months+.

[@StartWaveskiSurfing]

Hi there. You're totally right. Haven't thought of mentioning that. I will use that info when teaching class and in following roll or belt videos. Thanks!