Many new and progressing surfers need to know the Basics of Catching Waves or the basics of surfing.
Beginners should start with foam waves on soft top boards. On some beaches they can stand in waist deep water and roll over on the board as the wave approaches.
Paddling is the essence of catching waves. Getting into position first and paddling to catch the foam or real wave is elementary. Paddling requires strength and stamina. It is the aspect of surfing that makes surfers tired. Out of shape surfers or those without paddling stamina tire quickly.
A Good Paddling Stroke is Necessary for Catching Waves
Most beginners do not understand a good paddling stroke. Most people want to use a long stroke like swimming. For catching waves, it is not fast enough and in foam waves can turn the board with each stroke. The most effective paddling techniques is half a swim stroke driving the arm into the water to the elbow and pulling with the forearm.
On a foam wave, the surfer paddles easy for a few strokes before the wave hits the board and looks to judge impact. When it is close he paddles hard for three strokes and then places his hands on the board. With all waves, there is the sensation of the board taking off or being caught by the wave the surfer has to learn to feel.
Catching Real Waves
On a real wave the surfer wants the wave to roll under the board. As the tail rises, the surfer is paddling hard to catch the wave. As the wave catches the board, the surfer is putting his hands on the board in a man’s pushup position. Then he pops up and bottom turns at the bottom or aims to the pocket immediately.
I like beginners to paddle out through the first set of foam waves and find bigger foam waves. This accustoms them to judging waves and getting through waves they don’t want. I suggest they paddle out and then parallel to the wave (the beach) looking for real waves reforming or small real waves. If they are already moving, it is much easier to get to the wave or make a turn toward shore as the wave is breaking.
A small real wave doesn’t have much push, so the surfer often has to paddle many more times than he would on a foam wave. The small real wave forms a gentle arc and the surfer has to get in front of it and paddle hard to get a lift. Bigger waves require more courage because the crashes are more violent. The surfer works up the courage to ride bigger waves and survive bigger crashes. Most surfers reach a peak point of what they are willing to tolerate.
Read Other Posts:
Beginner Surfers Learn on Soft Tops
5 Steps to Improve Surfing Performance
3 Ways to Catch Real Surfing Waves
Training to Ride the Surfing Short Board
Short Board Surfing Techniques
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