Comments on: Paddling Technique

By: Tone Def

Tone Def — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 21:20:32 +0000

Good discussion. I’ve never been a good paddler, and I can see some of the things I’m doing wrong now. That said, I mainly surf beach breaks, and whenever it gets above 4 foot, (1.5-2m) you will not get past the breakers unless you use your water knowledge and follow the rips out. Even if you can paddle straight out through the breakers, you will be so exhausted that your surf time will be curtailed. Another point I wanted to discuss was the use of kicking to assist in gaining forward momentum. Has anyone else found, when riding a shorter board, (<6 ft) that kicking can increase paddling speed particularly when getting on waves? I don't kick so much to get out back unless I get caught inside and am sprinting to beat the next set that's looming on the horizon….

By: EmShay

EmShay — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 18:31:56 +0000

For those who are asking about the S-shape paddle, I won’t go into how it’s done (other commenters have already gone into this), but it might help to understand it’s purpose.

Paddling in an S-shape underwater increases the effective amount of time that your hand is pushing against water, meaning you’re increasing the volume of water moved with each stroke. More water pushed per stroke = less strokes needed = increased efficiency = more fun!

By: Jesse

Jesse — Wed, 26 May 2010 04:59:48 +0000

If you click on my name, you can see information on a pretty good fitness program designed specifically for surfers. The upper body and core exercises will make a big difference with your paddling.

By: Vishal

Vishal — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:11:14 +0000

Thanks for the explanation of the S technique

By: p. claire

p. claire — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 04:37:53 +0000

when you are paddling for a wave, paddle like you mean it.

no pussyfootin’ around….or you are not going to catch that wave.

By: Colleen

Colleen — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 03:15:02 +0000

Awesome explanation Justin!! that helped out a ton.

By: Justin

Justin — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 22:19:32 +0000

I’ve tried the S-pull, and it works quite well. The way I like to think about it is this:

1. After your hand enters the water in front of you, let it sink a bit and start to pull it back toward your head – this is the start of the “S” near the rail on that side.
2. As it approaches your headline, bend your elbow and bring the hand to a “salute” (but under the board) – this is the first curve of the “S”.
3. Continue to pull, elbow bent, under your shoulder and toward the back.
4. As your hand approaches the end of the stroke, let it curve back out toward the rail – the second curve of the “S”.

Other important things:
-Slice your hand into the water at the beginning of the pull instead of slapping it.
-Make sure to reach as far forward as you can at the start and end the stroke as far back as you can. A lot of power will come from the length of the stroke.
-You’re not just using your hands to pull; make sure to feel the water against your forearms as well.
-Likewise, don’t just use your arm strength; use your back and core muscles as well.

I hope that makes sense. The main thing is not to “windmill” your arms through the water. Good paddling involves pulling back on the water, not pushing down on it.

By: Brian Vanek

Brian Vanek — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 22:53:55 +0000

I would imagine it would be drive your hand in near the nose then pull it out and around like an S so that your hand is exiting the water at the end of the S by your hip. Left hand would be an actual S shape, Right hand would be a mirror image almost like a round Z. I Usually used a U shape but I will try the S next time I am out

By: Hermanus

Hermanus — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 21:01:19 +0000

I would like to also ask for a clarification on the S stroking pattern.

By: Kit

Kit — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 02:27:19 +0000

Firstly, I love this guide, it is unbelievably useful. I am wondering, however, if you could clarify the S stroking pattern, I am having trouble picturing exactly what that means.