Paddling and Catching Surf Waves

Paddling and catching surfing waves are early techniques to master. They are two techniques that require timing. Paddling and catching surfing waves are similar with both foam and green waves.

Paddling Fast

The first correction needed for most new students is paddling fast. Most have the instincts to paddle with slow swim strokes as they feel the wave hit the back of the surfboard. The wave is moving at 10 to 15 mph. The surfboard has to reach the front of the wave.

The paddling strokes have two speeds. On a foam wave, the surfer starts paddling 20 feet in front of the wave just to get some momentum. When the wave is 3 feet away he makes short, strong, fast strokes. When the wave hits the surf board, the surfer must paddle another 3 or 4 strokes to get in front of it.

Pearling the Nose

If surfers put their hands on the surfboard before the nose is planing or stop paddling and grip the rails or go immediately into the arms extended push up position, they will push the nose under water causing a “pearl”.

On a foam wave, the surfer can cruise after catching the wave if his hands are resting on the board next to his chest. The hands can keep the board balanced. On a real wave, the surfer wants to pop up soon to get weight on the back of the board so the board doesn’t pearl.

Catching Real Waves

On a real wave, the wave comes under the board and then the surfer paddles three times and pops up. If the waves are steep, he will want to aim for the pocket right away to avoid pearling.

Learn More:

For Oceanside Surf Lessons, see the Home Page

See the Post Surf Lessons Begin with Foam Waves

See the Post What You Learn in a 2 Hour Lesson

See the Post How to Progress in Surfing

See My Dry Land and In Water Demo video

See How to Catch a Green/Real Wave video

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