Learning to SUP surf at Capitola

Having difficulty catching waves on my Firewire Spitfire, 6'6", I decided to try my luck at stand-up paddleboarding from my last experience at Sayulita. It might make it easier for me to catch slow waves in Mexico.

After some research, I settled on an F.One Madeiro 8'5" wave sup on Craigslist. I also needed a new paddle (Cruz carbon) and a board bag (Abahub Premium 8'6").

My first day of paddle boarding at Capitola was not very successful. I found keeping balance with incoming waves challenging and spent most of my paddling time on my knees. After one hour of struggle, I was tired and slightly disappointed with my progress. I decided to educate myself by watching SUP videos on YouTube.

SUP  Paddling Technique

1.     Rhythm

2.     Bringing Body to Blade

: a.      Do not pull the blade through the water

b.     Ripping the blade through the water creates a poor connection

c.      Only bring your body up to the blade as fast as your board speed allows

3.     Reaching to Initiate Stroke

a.      Reach only as far as you are stable

b.     Obtain full bottom arm extension

c.      Relax your grip and your body to produce full extension

4.     Establishing Connection

: a. Don't start the power phase until the blade is secure

b.     No splashing – visualize sticking the blade in mud

c.      Shift Weight off the board and onto the paddle during the catch

5.     Producing Power

: a.      Use big muscles – not arms

b.     Use legs, hips, and torso

6.     Exiting Paddle from Water

a.      Exit around when the elbow reaches the torso or bottom hand hits the thigh

b. Don't paddle too far back

c.      Feather the blade by dropping the top shoulder and breaking the wrist inward

7.     Recovery Phase

a.      Relax and breathe

Stance and Body Positioning
1.     Low and wide stance
2.     Low grip for better leverage