If you’re struggling to paddle into softer waves without nose diving, this video provides a strategy to paddle in earlier, giving you plenty of time to position yourself correctly on the board and the wave face. This technique is designed to stop the common “start-stop-start” paddling method.
Key Takeaways & Tips
Continuous Paddle Method
Stop using the start-stop-start method and move to a continuous paddle. This ensures you build up enough speed and momentum to avoid losing the wave, which is crucial for early entry.
Double Down on the Tail
When you feel the wave just starting to lift your tail, double down your paddling efforts. Press your chest and chin into the board and drive your shoulders forward to catch the wave and generate momentum during this crucial period.
Use Nose Flicker as a Pop-Up Cue
If you notice the nose is starting to flicker (a sign you might nose dive), use this as a cue to pop up immediately. Popping up allows you to quickly shift your weight onto the back foot, preventing the nose dive and carrying your momentum through the wave.
Paddling Early Looks Easy
Surfers who appear to cruise onto waves effortlessly are simply making the most of the crucial period where the wave first touches the tail. They paddle hard at this point and then cruise up the face, rather than stopping and trying to tackle the wave later when it’s too late to regain speed.
Cobra Position for Glide
After you have generated momentum in the critical period, you can bring yourself into a “Cobra” or semi-pushed up position to glide into the wave and set up your pop-up at the top of the wave.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The Start-Stop-Start Method
Paddling hard, then leaning back to stop paddling (to avoid nose diving), and then starting again once on top of the wave. This causes you to lose all momentum and speed, making it too late to catch the wave.
Backing Off at the Tail
Backing off or stopping your paddle when the wave first gets to your tail. This is the most crucial period to generate momentum and speed; stopping here guarantees you will lose the wave.
Last Minute Dash
Leaving your paddle entry to a last-minute dash. This typically prevents you from building up enough speed and momentum, causing you to miss the wave entirely.