catching a wave surfing

LEARN HOW TO CATCH A WAVE

If you’ve ever wondered why surfers are so passionate about their sport then catching that perfect wave bring you all the answers you need.

There’s nothing like riding that special wave that gives you an amazing buzz that’s difficult to describe. These tips will have you catch the perfect wave in no time at all.

Step 1 – Get To Know Your Wave

Before heading into the water take a good look at the ocean and the waves to get an idea of the area, where the best spot could be and where there maybe any hazards. No beach is exactly the same, each and everyone has its own unique reefs, rocks and sandbars that will affect how and where the waves break.

Take your time to assess the conditions and observe. You can also ask other surfers to see if they can give you any pointers but be polite and respectful if you’re surfing on a local beach.

It’s also always a good idea to check online to learn about the surf spot you’re heading to. The best position to catch a wave is in whats call the pocket next to the breaking point. Here in the “wave’s shoulders” the water is steep.

Step 2 – Paddling Out

Waves usually come in sets of three or four, the delay between the waves is the best time to paddle out. The best way to get out there is to the left or right of the breaking waves.

GET BEYOND THE WHITEWASH

When confronted by whitewash waves that have already broken, bring the front of your surfboard up to pass over the white water and paddle quickly to bring yourself up and over the top of the wave.

GETTING THROUGH THE BREAKING WAVES

Beyond the whitewater you’ll be confronted by waves that are crashing. There are a few different techniques for dealing with waves that are about to hit you. You can try avoiding the breaking waves all together as duck diving and turtle rolling can make you quite tired, but at some point you’re going to need to know one of the following techniques.

TURTLE ROLL

Longboards are far too buoyant to be able to duck dive, so the best way to make it out beyond those waves is to try the turtle roll. It can be a tricky technique to get to grips with but it’s an important one to learn.

  • Paddle with speed toward the oncoming wave, flip your board over so that it’s on top of you and the fins are facing the sky.
  • Hold onto the rails of your board towards the middle, hold on tight and pull the nose down slightly.
  • Keep your body vertical with your surfboard overhead, you’ll be holding the board under.
  • When the wave breaks over you, force the board forward and through.
  • As the wave has passed, flip the board, climb on and paddle onwards.

DUCK DIVE (SHORTBOARDS ONLY)

If you’re using a shortboard you can try duck diving through waves. It’s likely as a beginner you’ll be using a longboard… you can’t duck dive with a longboard.

  • Before a wave crashes over you, place both hands on your surfboard’s rails and push the board underwater but out with the nose down and forward. Don’t forget to take a deep breath first!
  • Hold the board to your chest and lay flat in order to create as little drag as possible. Use a knee or foot to weigh down the back of the surfboard with a little body weight.
  • Once the wave has passed over you should let the nose of your board rise towards the surface. Try to hit the surface with speed and momentum to give yourself best possible start to begin paddling again.
  • Don’t throw or let go of your board as it could hit someone in the head.

Step 3 – Get Paddling

  • As the wave comes in, make sure you’re on the shoulder.
  • You want to be moving at the same speed as the wave by paddling as hard as you can when it rolls in.
  • Keep your weight in the centre of the board. If you’re too far back you’ll miss the wave, too far forward and you’ll go tumbling off the front (this is known as “pearling”).
  • Remember surfing etiquette when you’re attempting to catch a wave. If another surfer has the right of way you can stop paddling and the wave will roll right under you.

Step 4 – The Pop Up

Once you’ve caught the wave, you’ve got to get up on your feet or the “pop up”.

There are a couple of ways you can get to your feet.

  • You can push yourself up with your arms and hop straight onto your feet in a single motion.

Or

  • You can put your knees on the board before standing.

It’s recommended to use the first technique and not form the habbit of using your knees if you can help it, but some beginner prefer using the second option. You also should practice on dry land before taking to the water.

Step 4 – Enjoy The Ride!

If everything has gone according to plan you’ll now have caught the wave, so now relax, strike a surfers pose and enjoy the buzz!