How To Paddle Through Waves

SAN DIEGO, California - Paddling through the waves on your paddle board can be a difficult task if not done properly. Luckily, former International Surfing Association (ISA) World Stand Up Paddleboard Surf Champion Sean Poynter, gives us tips on how to successfully paddle through whitewater. Read his tips below.

Tips For Paddling Through Small Whitewater

Approach wave facing the whitewater

Approach the wave ahead of you directly facing the whitewater.

Approach the wave ahead of you directly facing the whitewater. Approaching the wave head-on will allow for you to go through the water as easily as possible.

Note: If you and your board are at an angle, there is a chance that the wave will hit the board and tip it over, knocking you off and also allowing chance for injury.

Keep feet wide

Keeping your feet wide will allow for additional stability when going through the whitewater.

Increase paddling speed

Increase your paddling speed just before whitewater hits the nose of your board to gain momentum when going through the whitewater.

Increase your paddle speed to gain momentum when going through the whitewater.

Bend knees

Bend your knees to take the shock of the whitewater. Having your knees bent will help to keep you stable on top of your board as the whitewater hits.

Resume paddling

When whitewater reaches your feet resume paddling and paddle through the whitewater until you have made it through.

Paddle through the whitewater until you have made it through. 

See more SUP Surf Tips here.

Tips For Paddling Through Medium Whitewater

Increase Speed

Increase your paddling speed as whitewater approaches.

Increase your paddling speed as the whitewater approaches.

Shift back foot to tail of board

Shift your back foot to the back of the board. This will help with you propel the board through the wave.

Note: Shift your weight to your back foot. This will lift the nose of the board to help let the whitewater pass underneath.

Shift your back foot to the back of the board and shift your weight to your back foot to help lift the nose of the board.

One Strong Paddle Stroke

When the whitewater hits nose of your board, give one strong paddle stroke to penetrate and get you over the whitewater.

Shift weight forward

Shift weight forward to your front foot as you climb the whitewater, continuing with your paddle stroke. Once you've climbed up and over, give another strong power stroke to clear the wave pull and gain your momentum again.

Give another strong power stroke to clear the wave pull and gain your momentum again.

Were these tips helpful? Tell us in the comments below.

To see more SUP Surf Tips from Sean Poynter, click here.

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