10 Tips For Surf Paddling

These 10 tips for surf paddling may act as a guide for the newbie or as a refresher for the master. When the right wave is rising behind you, it's time to paddle if you want to catch that wave and ride it out. Take a few tips and catch that wave.

1. Get in position. Before beginning surf paddling, get into position. If you are still sitting up on the board, you are simply wasting your energy. Get down on the board.
2. Arch your back. It is tempting to push your chest to the board when surf paddling. Instead, slightly arch your back to free up your shoulders for a fuller range motion.
3. Go deep. When surf paddling, you can't lightly skim the water. Dig the arms deep for the best results.
4. Work out. When it comes to surf paddling, the more arm and shoulder strength the better. Lift a few weights to strengthen up the area.
5. Pick the right stroke. Surf paddling can be done with all the classic swimming strokes. The free-style stroke is most common, but the doggie-paddle and the butterfly stroke also work for different surfers.
6. Look where you are going. When surf paddling, do not look at your arms or left and right. Watch the wave and where you are going.
7. Breathe. When surf paddling, the excitement or fear of catching the wave may make you hold your breath. Remember to breathe for more strength in the stroke.
8. Go hard, go fast. The wave isn't going to wait. When you decide to go for it, surf paddling needs to be hard and fast to catch the wave just before it drops.
9. Back off. When surf paddling, if the wave is getting ahead of you, back off. Trying to paddle harder and faster can lead to getting rolled in the wave.
10. Know your limits. If the waves are coming hard and fast, know your limits. If surf paddling is not your strong point, let the waves go and wait for another day. If you can't surf paddling that hard, do not risk your life to impress.