Catching Waves from the Sitting Position

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We have already had a quick look at catching waves in surfing lesson one. The same principals apply when you are out back waiting for a wave. The only difference is that instead of using your feet to push yourself into the waves you will rely solely on your newly-found paddling prowess. At this point you are starting to look like a real surfer!

When you are first out in the lineup, take a few minutes to watch how the waves are breaking, and get an idea of when you should start paddling for a wave. Once you are ready and have picked the wave that you want, use both your feet and arms to manoeuvre the surfboard back around to point towards the beach. This is best done by shifting your weight towards the back of the board, making it easier to pivot around. From the sitting position take hold of the rails as you did before, and then do the reverse of what you did to sit on the board, sliding your board back through your legs and straightening out your body into the lying position.

It seems easy enough when said like that doesn't it? As you become more experienced with paddling and sitting / lying back onto your board, going from a sitting position facing the oncoming waves to the paddling position facing the beach will become one fluid movement. This is something that you can practice any time regardless of the amount of waves present. So, to recap:

Wait for the right wave.
Shift your weight back and turn your board to face the beach using your arms and legs.
Slide yourself into the correct laying position.
Start paddling.

We'll talk about how to actually find and catch a wave a little later on.

OK, get some practice, and once you have mastered the art of paddling (and are able to out-paddle the local swimming champ), take a look at surfing lesson three, duck diving.