Riding Soft Top Surf Boards in Real Waves

Riding soft top surfboards in real waves is a great way to start learning the real wave process and have fun at the same time. In Oceanside Surf Lessons, we begin riding foam waves to master the fundamentals and take the same techniques to real waves.

Mastering Foam Waves First

Mastering soft tops in foam waves include paddling to catch waves, popping up properly, and riding to the beach. Riding real waves adds timing and speed as the first two sensations new students experience. A foam wave approaches the beach for a long time. A real wave forms for a few seconds. Once on the real wave, the surf board is pointed down and the speed is noticeable.

I coach students to learn where the waves are breaking on sand bottom beaches. Reefs are easier because they always break in the same spot. Students learn to start paddling when they see a wave forming and decide whether they have to paddle out, parallel, or in to intersect the wave as it arcs.

The Primary Technique for Catching Real Waves

The primary technique that has to be learned is to let the wave come under the board. Students want to catch the wave at the top one third of arc. You want to avoid letting the wave pass you or trying to catch it from behind. This is the main lesson students have to learn in catching real waves.

As the wave comes under the board, the surfer paddles hard three times and often kicks to get momentum. The larger the wave, the greater the speed at which it is moving. After the board is pointing down and the wave is pushing the board, the surfer places his hands on the board and does a smooth pop up.

Going for The Pocket Right Away

Turning the board towards the pocket is a good trick to learn. After the surfer catches the wave and before popping up, he turns the nose of the board toward the pocket and then pops up. This prevents pearling and gets the surf board into the pocket ahead of the falling lip. Then it is easier to stay ahead of the lip and ride the wave.

Catch the Wave at an Angle

Another excellent technique for soft board riders is to catch the wave at an angle towards the corner of the wave after it is starting to break at the apex. A wave begins where the foam first comes over the top. This is where the most speed is generated. If the surfer catches the wave more toward the corner or after the wave is already rolling, there is less speed and less steepness so it is easier to catch and ride.

In Oceanside, the surfers are catching 7′ waves on soft tops and performing great tricks. The soft top board has a lot of capabilities. It accelerates progress to learn about real waves on a soft top board rather than move to a shorter hard board too fast.

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