Surfing Waves

Today I went out with my 5'8" fish board. I know I know, it's way short but it's the only board I could afford right now. So I got way out there where the waves were pretty big. I'd turn and start paddling to catch a wave, and when it felt as though it was picking me up I'd go to pop up and the wave would pass me by. I know it could be a number of problems, but any you think of could you mention so I could work on it Monday?

Thanks

Shuffle further forward on the board. If you keep nose diving you've shuffled too far - go back inch by inch.
Or if thats not the problem maybe you're too far out - so sit further inside.

Maybe you need to dig in the wave a little more and pick up a little more speed before you try to stand up. But im not sure.

Paddle harder! It will build muscle/endurance and will only help you in the longrun. Try the advice the above posters gave, along with paddling harder, you will be catching breaks in no time~

Another thing, if you still cant catch waves, make sure your feet aren't trailing in the water behind you as your paddling, if you need to bend your knees while laying on your board and have your feet stick up in the air. Realise this will shift your weight slightly forward though. Goodluck!

If you're on a fish, you need to...

- be REALLY far forward. There's no 'extra' board like on a shortboard, so you need to have your nose almost over the end!
(Try this on smaller waves first!)

- Keep your head down. Fishes are very responsive to weight distribution, so if you raise your head/arch your back too early, the board stalls.

- lift your feet clear of the water, but make sure you dont put all your weight through your knees as this will also stall the board!

Oh, and once you've caught the wave - don't 'drop in', thats something completely different!