Finding it hard to reach 'out back'!!!

[Norm]

I've been surfing on and off for a few years and i'm quite confident at catching small waves. When i'm putting on my wetsuit and getting ready to go in, i'll watch other surfers who are catching waves 'out back' and i always think- 'that looks so easy from up here, i'll just stroll down the beach, paddle out and catch the same waves as them'. But the reality is that i get into the water and i find it soooo hard to paddle/duck-dive to reach the better waves, so i end up just catching smaller waves. its so frustrating, as i really want to test myself on a bigger wave. help me please!!

[leolivi]

Does the beach you surf at have rips? i think most (or all) have.

You should use the currents to help you reach the outside.

talk to other surfers or see the spots they choose to get to the outside. The best is to get some local's advice, cause it could be dangerous. Getting to the outside without coosing the right places can be very hard, and dangerous, cause you can be hit by other surfers who are catching the waves.

[kieran]

taking the rip is by far the easiest way out.

Beaches usually have different peaking waves aswell, look for the smaller peaks and paddle out there.

Plus dont just charge in straight away, often just waiting for a lull in sets can be benefical

[surf patrol]

Hi Norm, welcome to Surfing Waves.

Getting out back can be frustrating, even for an experienced surfer on some days but it is important to practice. Out back is where you will catch the best waves and have the best sessions. You have had some good advice already - Ask local surfers / take the rip out / don't charge straight in. Here are some more points.
1. Take your time and study where the waves are breaking.
2. Watch other surfers paddle out - are they using the same spot? is this where you should be paddling out?
3. If it is a beach break then walk your board out as far as you can go. This will save some energy. Wait there until there is a lull in the waves and get out as back as soon as possible.
4. Practice and perfect duckdiving. This is a sure way to improve your paddle out success.
5. Work on your fitness. The fitter you are the longer you will be able to paddle out for.
6. Practice until you have got it wired. If you stop and get the small waves you'll never make it out back.
7. Practice.
8.Practice.

[nz girl]

i've kinda got a similar problem. i can usually get out the back, i know where the rips are and everything, but sometimes its breaking too hard and i can't get past it and the rip starts taking me sideways and i get caught on the inside and its all over. i know how duck diving works etc, however my board is simply too boyant. it WILL NOT go under! one of my friends uses my board accasionly and he can't duck dive it either and he's been surfing regularly for over 10 years! i can turtle it pretty well, but that dosn't get you through the white wash, that just stops you from getting too hammered! i've been surfing a couple of times a week for about 6 months and i'm getting pretty ok at it, but breaking waves are still the bane of my existence!