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SUP Tips
SUP SAFETY
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NEVER go out in off-shore winds!
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ALWAYS start your paddle going into the wind
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Always take a lesson before heading out into the Ocean
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ALWAYS wear a leg rope (the board can get away from you VERY quickly)
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Flat water paddling is easier than it looks
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SUP surfing is MUCH HARDER than it looks
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Be aware if carrying your board on your shoulders - it can easily get blown out of your hands
SURFING
We have a strong surfing culture in Australia that is part of our heritage. Along with that culture comes a strong set of un-written rules on how to behave in the waves.DONT KOOK IT! If you do not surf or do not understand these rules please DO NOT take your board into the surf or anywhere near anyone surfing. As this sport grows there needs to be much more awareness on how to behave in the surf and in the line-up.
There are plenty of unriden waves up and down our coast which are perfect for Paddle Surfing.
Get out and enjoy the best that the sport has to offer - riding un-crowded breaks with no one else around!
WHY Paddle Surf?
The larger board and the power of the paddle, gets you onto the wave VERY early, already standing up. You see the waves easier as you are higher up, you are faster to get to the right position in the lineup and it is easier to get to un-crowded spots.
One of the problems with progressing to a high level in surfing is that you become picky with time and when its good, everyone is out and NO ONE wants to share! When you start out Paddle Surfing you are going to enjoy riding 1-2’ on-shore waves again. Sure you are going to progress, but you will enjoy the learning proces, get a LOT fitter in the process and have the ability to cruise the coastline from break to break.
Just paddling around 6’ above the water and seeing down into it, adds a whole new dimension to enjoying the ocean.
RESPECT
It is important of course with any new sport to show RESPECT and stay away from crowds and other surfers – which is not hard when you can move around so easily.
It is all about ALOHA and RESPECT!
PADDLING
Keep the top arm straight. Once you start bending your upper arm you will use too much power and paddle inefficiently. Apply longer more powerful strokes when gliding along and shorter higher frequency strokes to catch waves.
STANCE
When paddling in a straight line it is best to stand 90 degrees to the board – once you catch a glide or a wave, change into surfing position - one foot forward. The 'surf' or offset stance is less stable so practice paddling with feet 'offset'. The narrower the board is, the harder it is to keep balance. Boards around 28 to 30 inches offer enough stability for most people.
SURFING
Stand up boards allow you to catch waves well before they actually break. They are hard to turn from the paddling position so you need to get back towards the tail to have any effect on direction. You will learn to use the paddle for trimming, steering and turning.
‘The Mal of Death’
If you have ever had a SUP board heading towards you, out of control you will know where this ‘tag’ came from. So wear a leg rope!
You will actually progress faster if you start out and practice on flat water.
As a general rule, stay away from other surfers or swimmers when you start out in the surf. Even once you are better try to stay away from crowded spots – it is easy for the stand up rider to pick off all the best waves – NOT COOL!
BREAK SELECTION
Look for breaks with channels so you can easily get in and out – points are perfect.
Also stay away from sucky waves and low tide.
The beauty is that this sport doesn’t need perfect breaks – almost any wave is fun. Avoid spots with strong offshore winds as it gets really hard to paddle in windy conditions.
AVOID
Wind - especially off-shoreChoppy conditions
Shore breaks
Other Surfers and swimmers
Before you get started doing this anywhere you MUST BE A GOOD SWIMMER!!! Don't go far out from shore or out on very windy days where you could get blown out to sea. If you are a beginner don't go alone. Make sure to go where there are Lifeguards!
PROGRESSING
Half the fun of SUP surfing is learning. Get out for a session every two days and you will feel a 6 pack coming on - it really does work your core muscles.
Once you learn the basics of SUP surfing taking it to the next level so you can maximize your surf sessions is done by practicing certain things and just paddling on the flat days consistently.
Here's a few things to do on flat days that are both fun and great training...
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Paddles both sides with feet offset. Then switch natural to goofy and do the same.
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Practice turning by reverse paddling on one side and then finishing the turn on the other. Do 360's - both sides
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'Stall turn' by stepping back to the tail and paddling to turn - practice 360's - both sides.
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Throw in some sprints to simulate taking off on waves. Start with short rapid strokes.
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Paddle! Paddle! Paddle!!! Take the scenic route - nothing beats just paddling around....
F.A.Q
Q. How do I get started?
A. First thing you need is the right board for your ability and weight and a good light weight paddle cut to the proper length. The right paddle is a huge part of making the learning process easier. 8"-10" above your head is the norm. Most people start out with a board around 12'x26" to 28" wide with a thickness of 4" or more. This has the stability needed during the learning process. These are BIG boards so the most important thing is to learn away from other surfers! Just paddling around till you get the hang of it is the way to go. Always keep safety in mind especially for others....
Q.Where do I get a board to learn on?
A. At our SUP surfing school! Hire or Buy. The good thing about bigger learning boards is the fun you have on them even after you get the hang of it. Nothing like the glide of a well made 12 footer in the right waves....
Q.How do I surf around others?
A. Especially in the beginning you should surf away from others. When you get good at it surf with Aloha! You can catch a lot of waves with the paddle but it doesn't mean taking waves from others. The other surfers will either love you or hate you depending on how you are in the lineup. The cool thing about SUP surfing is you can now enjoy waves you normally wouldn't surf. Even closeouts that reform can be a blast! The key here is to avoid large crowds to begin with. When surfing with others, SURF WITH ALOHA... SHARE ! Go find waves off the beaten path. You'll be surprised how much fun you can have at spots you used to think were junk. Waves that once seemed far away or a long paddle are now open to you. Even a mile paddle is well within reach.... Don't limit yourself to places with crowds....
Q.Do you use the paddle to help you surf?
A. Absolutely. Once you go through the learning stages the paddle becomes an extension of your body into the wave. Bottom turns, off the tops, riding in the barrel... All things that the paddle can help to add more torque in your turns or stability in tight situations. The leverage you have when leaning on the paddle is far greater than skimming your hand across the wave. At speed you can put almost all your weight onto the paddle as it skims across the surface allowing you to further push your turns. This is why the paddles we use exclusively are shaped the way they are. Not only do you get right amount of paddling power but once on the wave the blade works for you to help you surf better...