Surfing: The Break Zone Part 1

Step 1: You will need

Step 2: Before you start

As with all techniques to get through the break zone, it's important to paddle well and keep the correct body positioning; And you must remember that the wave is not going to stop... Paddling hard and fast into it is your best chance of getting through.

Make sure you approach the wave with the board's nose facing directly into the wave. If you end up sideways, the wave will get underneath your board and force you backwards. If you get knocked off, climb back on and keep going until you've paddled beyond the breaking waves. It is then - and ONLY then - that you can sit, relax and have a rest.

Step 3: Pushing up

You'll want to use the Push Up when in the zone of smaller white water waves or when you're paddling over peaking green waves.

Begin by paddling hard and fast directly into the wave.

Then just as the wave hits the nose of the board, grab the rails next to your chest… Push up… and rise onto either your knees or toes.

Once the wave has passed half way down your body, lower your chest down and straight away resume paddling and prepare for the next wave.

Step 4: Breaking through

This skill is used when a green wave has just peaked and is about to start breaking.

Paddle directly up the face of the wave…

As you see the top - or crest - of the wave start to break, grab the rails of your board at the chest line… but rather than pushing up, keep your chest on the deck of the board.

Hold on tight, keep your elbows up and your head tucked in… and "break through" the top of the wave.

Now you know how to reach the waves with two techniques. Be sure to check out PART TWO of breaking through the break zone elsewhere on Videojug.