How do you go about catching waves with your LONGBOARD?

[bttf]

The other day, I went to a beach that I don't normally go to, and the waves looked beautiful. But, me, my longboard, and my kooky skills, were only able to catch some white water rides the entire day! How do some of you experienced longboarders go about catching waves? I've heard that longboarders usually paddle in around the breaks to save energy and time... I hear alot that longboard's are "wave-catching machines" and that they can literally catch any old wave; no wave too small for a longboard... At first I thought that was exaggeration, seeing as though I couldn't catch any waves close to shore (they didn't have enough power to propel me), but then I saw this video of Joel Tudor as a kid: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44PURl7CS28 .. Riding foot high waves?? I can't imagine me and my huge 9 footer catching that! Mind you, I am 5' 7", 170lb... But is there something I am missing here? If I practice right, could I ride any old wave like that?

[PredationSA]

The culprit could be your paddling technique. If you're lying too far forward, you could be digging your nose and killing your momentum. If you are too far back, you could be digging your tail and killing your momentum as well. You might also not be digging your arms deep enough into the water and you're basically just slapping the water if you know what i mean.

[billie_morini]

bttf,
part of your development as a surfer, long or short board, is to try different breaks. You may not realize it, but you learned things that you are going to carry forward. Yeah, you didn't have a great time, but I promise that you have gained and will benefit in the future from the experience.

Yes, you're going to be able to ride any old wave one day.
billie

[Ed McDead]

It isn't just paddling, its placement on he wave. On tiny waves you really do need to be on the peak and take of as it breaks, turn into the clean face just like young Joel - actually this applies to just about any wave in my view. I weigh 200lbs and I've ridden waves as small as this. There is also something about equipment, I have a log with loads o loat for small days - I ride something much lighter and looser when it picks up.

[bttf]

Thanks for the tip fellas; encouraging words indeed...