Getting past incoming waves efficiently is a key skill for any surfer paddling out. One technique involves lifting your body and shifting your weight to allow the wave to pass beneath your board.
This method is particularly useful for handling smaller waves or whitewater while paddling towards the lineup.
The Basic Technique for Passing Incoming Waves
When you encounter an incoming wave or whitewater while paddling out, a specific technique can help you navigate over or through it. The core idea is to adjust your position and weight to minimize resistance and allow the water to flow between you and your board.
Here’s how you can execute this based on the described method:
- Prepare: As the wave approaches, maintain your paddle towards it.
- Lift and Shift: Push up using your arms and your toes. This action lifts your body slightly off the board.
- Adjust Weight: Simultaneously, move your weight back a bit. This slight shift helps angle the board or reduce pressure on the nose.
- Allow Water Flow: The goal is to let water pass between you and the surfboard. By lifting and shifting weight, you create space or reduce contact area, allowing the wave's energy to flow underneath or past you and the board.
This technique helps you maintain momentum paddling out rather than being pushed back by the wave's force. It’s a simpler alternative to methods like the duck dive or turtle roll, often effective for smaller conditions or with larger boards like longboards, where a full duck dive can be challenging.
