This tutorial details why generating speed is the essence of good surfing, whether you are setting up for a big hack or making a small section down the line. The key is to start fast and use both your legs (compression/extension) and arms (synchronicity) to maximize momentum.
Key Takeaways & Tips
Fast Start
The faster you paddle into the wave, the faster your pop-up, and the faster you will get going. Paddle hard, get your feet quickly, and then start to set your rail straight away before you drop down the wave. This gives you a little bit of extra life in your surfing.
Utilize the Full Wave
If you want to generate your own speed, you have to use the whole wave face, going all the way from the bottom quarter up into the top quarter of the wave and back down. When you go up, there is more power, and you have gravity pushing you down, which is where you find your speed.
Compression and Extension
You will struggle to get your board moving if you stand upright. The more you compress and extend your legs, the more speed you will generate on the wave. Get low, and push off that energy for speed.
Arm Synchronization
Your arms must be in sync with your body. As you push off your toes (forehand) or heels (backhand), try and throw your arms forward at the same time. This gets you going down the line a lot faster.
The Pocket
Riding in the pocket of the wave will always give you the extra push you need. Staying close to the pocket is crucial for maximizing speed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Leaving the Pocket
During your turns, leading too far away from the pocket of the wave is the fastest way to lose speed.
Back Foot Too Far Back
Having your back foot too far back on the board makes you pivot on a tighter radius, which gives you less driving speed down the line. Bring your back foot forward a bit while generating speed.
Arms Out of Sync
Allowing your arms to be out of sync with your body means you are not propelling all your energy forward, resulting in less speed.
Upright Stance
Standing upright and failing to compress and extend your legs will slow your board down and prevent you from generating speed.