by Deneice Arthurton

Created on: August 22, 2010   Last Updated: September 19, 2010

Learning to surf has all the difficulties associated with beginning any new sport. It also has a few extra ones due to the surfer's environment. The ocean is unpredicatable and untameable. A surfer, no matter how experienced, never stops learning. Just when you think you have it nailed, the ocean will throw you a curve ball.

Almost every beginner surfer will make the same mistakes until trial and error teaches the correct or optimum way of doing things. Many beginners find, that by taking note of a few tricks and tips, the process of learning is shortened and frustrations lessened, meaning progress can be made much more quickly.

One such trick is learning how to paddle your surf board effectively. Paddling techniques that use the least energy while ensuring the greatest speed will mean the surfer takes less wave punishment and has more time actually surfing.

- Position Yourself Correctly -

If you are in the correct position on the board it will plane smoothly through the water. Ideally the nose of your board should be just clear of the water. If you are too far back it will take twice as much energy to get half as far, due to water resistance against the underside of your board. Too far forward and the board will nosedive and become unstable. In the beginning, once you find your sweet spot, mark it with a scratch in your wax for future reference.

- Arch Your Back -

By raising your chest as high as possible off the deck of the board you will be ensuring that you are using back, shoulder, chest and arm muscles instead of just your arms. If you are lying flat on the deck your arms will very quickly tire and when that big set rolls in you will have nothing left to get past them.

- Arm Strokes -

The paddle action in surfing has many similarities to the crawl in swimming. Reach your arm forward until it is almost but not quite fully extended at the elbow. Your hand should enter the water close to the rail of your board to ensure maximum muscle power and should exit once it is level with your hip. The elbow will be the first thing that exits the water and the arm should not be swung too wide, affecting stability. As one arm is exiting the water the other will be entering. You are aiming for a smooth and well co-ordinated action. Try not to poke at the water. Strokes should be firm and deep.

- To Cup or not to Cup? -

The debate rages. Some aficionados will tell you to keep your fingers loosely apart whilst paddling and others will advise that you form your fingers into a cup. You will see very good surfers doing both. This is something that you can decide for yourself through trial and error, finding what works most efficiently for you.

- Get Paddle Fit -

Practice paddling on the flat days. You might feel a bit of an idiot but getting out there is the best way to get paddle fit. Swimming can help but as it isn't exactly the same action it will not be as technique specific as getting on your board. Be prepared initially for your arms to get tired very quickly but your stamina will build and recovery times drop as you spend more time in the water improving your skills and technique.

The key points in summary:

Position yourself correctly on the board

Lift your shoulders clear of the board

Smooth arm action – centering close to the board

Deep strokes

Practice, get paddle fit

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