How to…..

……paddle up and over an oncoming wave on a SUP.

First, this is something to be working on after a fair amount of time has been spent on the board. There’s no point in getting frustrated trying to master this if you haven’t yet mastered simply paddling about in flatwater!

A relaxed stance is imperative. Most paddlers choose to have one foot in front of the other, the amount varies. I tend to stand with my right foot about 1 foot behind my left foot….I’m regular foot.

Things to have in mind:

• Be moving. Don’t sit and wait for the wave to come to you, paddle out to meet it!
• As the front of your board is hitting the most critical part of the wave you should be taking a big slow paddle stroke. Reach up to the highest point of the oncoming wave, dig in and slowly pull yourself through.
• Allow your legs to relax and your knees to act as shock absorbers, letting the waves slide underneath you as the board rides up and over it.
• Take another stroke and keep moving out!

In general for the most stability remember to always have the blade in the water doing something!