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Paddling
tips from the pros
Ten tips for better paddling
1. Watch
the rhythm of the waves as they come in. When the waves
begin to lull or subside is the time to paddle out.
2. Watch
the bubble lines waves leave in their aftermath. When
paddling out avoid being in the bubble line. When catching
waves sit near or in the bubble lines.
3. Breathe
in when paddling out over the top of a wave. When paddling
to catch a wave breathe out.
4. For
extra power when paddling use two arms simultaneously
rather than one arm at a time alternately. Use two arms
together when paddling for a wave and double your paddling
power.
5. Always
keep the face relaxed when catching waves. Sometimes
surfers tighten facial muscles when
straining to catch a wave. This causes neck and shoulder
muscles to tighten up. To get full muscle range when
stroking for a wave keep your facial muscles relaxed.
6. Smart
surfers put their mind into paddling for waves.
When paddling for a wave your mind should be focused
forward in the same direction as the wave is going.
If you are thinking about the wave behind when paddling
for a wave your mind is going the opposite direction
of which it should. Keeps thoughts and the mind going
with the wave to improve paddling.
7. Long
graceful strokes are better than short choppy strokes
when paddling for a wave. Paddle like a pelican flying
rather than a humming bird or a butterfly.
8. For
efficient paddling take full smooth strokes sliding
the hands close to the bottom of the surfboard
rather than deep into the water. The objective to fast
paddling is to get as much water flowing under the surfboard
when paddling as possible.
9. Make
a fast or steep wave by paddling in at an angle. Paddling
in at an angle allows a rider to stand up in to a perfect
trim along the crest of a wave.
10. Always
take an extra paddle before standing up. On small waves
if you do not take an extra paddle to catch a wave you
may miss it. In large waves if you do not take an extra
paddle when catching a wave you may get pitched over
the falls. Always take the extra paddle.

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