How to Catch a Wave

Jonathan Lo

The Paddle

• Stay towards the back of the board– You don’t want to

“pearl.”

• But you don’t want to slide off the board either.

• Long, overhead strokes parallel to the board.

The Turtle

• Paddle out between sets.

• If a wave is about to break right over you, paddle forward and “turtle!”

• Find your way to an area just past where the waves are breaking.

The Wave

• Now it’s finally time to catch a wave.– But also it means more

paddling!

• Wait for the right wave.• Stay in front of the

wave.• Feel the wave catch you.• Most frustrating part of

surfing for beginners.

The Pearl

• Be careful not to be too far forward on the board or you will “pearl.” And it will probably hurt.

S-Stroke Demo

• Volunteers?• For quicker, more

efficient paddling.

• Lengthens strokes.

• Moves water toward the fins for speed.

The Plant

• Move quickly to stand on the board.

• Dominant foot back.• Other foot on the

middle of the board.