Surfing: The Paddle
This film takes you through the essential paddle, which you need to know when surfing. This basic but integral skill is set out simply and interestingly by VideoJug and our team of expert surfers. So lean to paddle when surfing the VideoJug way.
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Step 1:
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You will need
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Step 2:
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Body position
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Like most surf skills, we're going to practice the paddling technique on the beach BEFORE going to the waves.
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Make a mound of wet sand, approx 1ft / 30cm high, and place your board on it, with the middle of the board directly over the point of the mound.
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Lie face down on your board and slightly raise your shoulders and chest off the deck keeping your head up and looking forward.
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One arm after the other, reach forward and pull down, close to the rail, bending at the elbow and then pulling through until your arm is fully extended.
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Remember to slightly cup your hands for extra push through the water.
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Step 3:
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Some common mistakes
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What you're ideally trying to achieve here is maximum speed and momentum with minimum effort. So here are some easy and common mistakes:
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DON'T paddle with both arms at the same time because you'll lose your rhythm.
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DON'T spread your arms and paddle wide because this is inefficient and you'll lose a lot of energy.
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DON'T slap the water because you won't get anywhere!
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DON'T roll your shoulders if you do this too much you'll actually pull yourself off the side of the board.
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DON'T leave your head down and your chin rested on the deck… because you'll find it difficult to paddle with power and will sink the nose.
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Step 4:
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Practice
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As soon as you feel confident, head out to the waves to put your skills into practice.
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Start off in smaller waves near shallow water and make sure you surf where there's a lifeguard on duty.
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Paddling can be very strenuous, so take a breather back on dry land whenever you feel tired.
