Why do some surfers use a S shaped paddle?

[ultrakook]

I've heard about it. Does it do anything?

[oldmansurfer]

I recall reading a study on the techniques of the best swimmers in the world and it seemed like even though there’s a theoretical best technique some of the fastest swimmers don’t use that technique. Therefore their suggestion is to do what works for you. You could try paddling from point a to point b and back then try with a different technique

[delphin]

In the pool, we compared force exerted by the "pull" phase of the paddle versus the "push" or back half of the paddle...push beat pull. Takeaway? Finish your stroke strongly, pushing away the water behind you with conviction...

[waikikikichan]

So what paddle technique are you currently using, if not the “S” paddle ?

(Especially paddling into 10 foot waves.)

[ultrakook]

So what paddle technique are you currently using, if not the “S” paddle ?

(Especially paddling into 10 foot waves.)

I do a paddle I kinda made up. It's a hard deep paddle past my elbow a bit and I paddle hardly until my arms are out of the water. I do it pretty fast

[waikikikichan]

From where your hand enters the water until where it comes out of the water, does the path your hand makes deviate any between those two points ? Or it’s pretty much in a straight line ?

[ultrakook]

My paddle is basically straight

[waikikikichan]

When you paddle "straight", you are only moving water that is already moving. Your hand needs to find "new water" to push back on. That's what the "S paddle" helps to do.

Have you ever seen this wind up toy in the store ? That's how I observe people who paddle FAST and HARD yet their paddle is WEAK.