5 simple tips to improve your paddle technique
Ever watched surfers who get out back in a matter of seconds and wondered how they do it, or those who do just two paddles and get straight onto the wave? These surfers have their paddle technique dialled, they make it look effortless.
The better your paddle, the quicker you will be and the more waves you will catch. It is worth investing some time in practising your movement.
If you are new to surfing, paddling can be exhausting. Even when you are more experienced, the wrong technique can leave your shoulders and arms burning before you have even reached the line-up.
Sound familiar? No worries, here are five simple tips to help you perfect your paddle.
1. Positioning
Keep straight and centred. Imagine a line down the middle of your board. Line your nose and toes up along this line, so half your body is on either side.
Do not lie too far forward, you do not want the nose of your board to sink. Likewise, do not lie too far back, as this creates drag and extra work. If you are on a foamie or mini-mal, try keeping your toes just off the tail of the board to find the sweet spot.
2. Legs
Keep your legs together and raise your feet slightly. This engages your core and helps keep you stable as you drive forward with each paddle. Just watch how the women on the World Tour paddle.
3. Arm strokes
Create little scoops with your hands, fingers closed but relaxed. Paddle in long, freestyle swim strokes down the length of your board, one after the other. Use the rails as a guide, you do not want to waste energy pushing water sideways.
Bent elbows allow you to reach forward while maintaining momentum. Keep splashes to a minimum, fingertips should enter the water first.
4. Elbows
At the start of each stroke your elbows should be high, with your hand and forearm entering the water vertically. This propels you forward with greater surface area for a longer time.
5. Head
Keep your head up and arch your back when paddling. Tighten your core and push your hips into the board to improve mobility and stability.
Bonus tip
Control your breathing as you would when running. Keep a rhythm, inhale and exhale with each paddle. This stops you from tiring too quickly.
Practice makes progress
Next time you paddle out, focus on the small details. Are you straight, is your head up, is your core tight. These may seem like a lot to remember, but muscle memory soon takes over, just like riding a bike. The more you practise, the stronger you get and the easier it becomes.
Want to build your paddle strength? Try our upper body workout for surfers.
These are basic tips, but we dive deeper into paddling and ocean skills on our Newquay Beginner Surfer Programme. Or explore new surf horizons with our Bali surf retreat or the adventure of our Secret Morocco surf trip.
Get in touch to find out more about upcoming dates and coaching weekends.
