We learnt from our surfing coaches some tips for beginner surfers on How to Stand Up on Your Board. Now we’re learning how to time catching a wave.
If you’re a beginner, try a small wave, or one that has already broken and is now whitewash, closer to the shore.
Take the time to pick a wave you think has enough energy to push you along. Then as it approaches you, start paddling fast.
Note: remember to be central on the board. This means not rocking from side to side and make sure the nose of the board isn’t too high in the air, or nose down, under the water. It should be a few inches on top of the water.
Keep paddling!
Even as the wave hits the tail of the board, the idea is to match your paddling speed to the speed of the wave. Then, the wave will start to push you, and you’ll start to feel you don’t need to paddle to be propelled forward.
You’ll then feel the timing to try standing up on the board. However, if you are a beginner, it is recommended you try the first few waves without popping up to master the paddling and the timing.
In surfing, practice makes perfect as there are a lot of things to think about in a sport that requires accuracy. So, keep trying, or even learn from our coaches at a surf camp during the school holidays!