How to paddle on a surfboard for beginners: 9 quick steps for success
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Introduction
Learning how to paddle on a surfboard effectively helps you minimize drag and maximize propulsion
Minimizing drag - what is drag?
Maximizing propulsion - what is propulsion?
How to paddle on a surfboard: 9 quick steps
Position yourself correctly on the surfboard
1. Stay centered on the surfboard
The process of “how to paddle on a surfboard” starts with staying centered on the surfboard (both vertically and horizontally) to minimize drag and maintain balance. For more detailed insights into how to position yourself on a surfboard, check out my article on the topic here.
Enter your hand into the water
2. Relax your hand
Keep your hand relaxed and straight, with a slight gap between your fingers.
3. Reach forward
Reach your hand forward. Stretch it in front of your shoulder to enable a complete pulling motion.
4. Bend your arm
Keep your arm bent in a 45-degree angle. Hold your elbow higher than your hand and forearm, as if you’re digging for a beach ball. Picture a beach ball beneath your arm. Reach over and in front of it, using your entire arm to pull it backward.
5. Enter your fingertips first
Now you’re ready to enter your hand into the water. When entering your hand into the water, start by sliding your fingertips into the water first.
6. Extend your arm underwater
Continue to enter your hand into the water until your arm is also in the water. Extend your arm underwater. Keep your forearm and hand in a vertically straight line, elbow still slightly bent.
Perform an effective paddle stroke
7. Keep your body straight
Keep your body straight to maintain balance and stability on the surfboard. Avoid any side-to-side movement and wobbling during paddling.
8. Perform a smooth and deep stroke
Now perform the paddle stroke. Continue to keep your hand and forearm vertically aligned throughout the stroke to pull water backwards effectively. Focus on smooth, deep paddle strokes rather than fast paddle strokes that slap the water and splash. Maximize each movement by extending the stroke. Maintain a bent elbow throughout your paddle stroke.
9. Pull your arm out of the water
Continue the paddle stroke until your hand reaches your hip, then lift your arm out smoothly for the next stroke. Keep your elbow higher than your hand and forearm as you raise your arm out of the water.
Repeat the steps with your other arm and continue to alternate arms
Repeat the above steps with your other arm and continue to alternate arms. Use one hand over the next as you’re paddling. Now, you should know how to paddle on a surfboard effectively! If you also want to see video instructions, I recommend this video from Degree33 Surfboards.
Lesson quiz: test your knowledge
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this post! Whether you have suggestions for improvement, want to share what you liked, or have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below. Your feedback helps me create better content for all aspiring surfers!