Surfing Waves

Can anyone tell me why some longboarders paddle with lower legs raised at a 90 degree angle from their board?

Also, any tips on knee paddling? Looking for ways to increase speed and power. Thanks!

First question, nuh, they just do some people who have come through Surf Lifesaving Club training also beat a paddling cadence with their feet, I reckon it upset balance and rocks the board more side to side an disrupts the glide but that's just me. Some of the competitive paddlers are superb athletes so it works for them>

Next knee paddling, depending on your ankles????? say what you can have your instep on the board with your feet flat or you can have just your toes on the board, I find the toes method gives me toe cramp and spastic toes which really hinder standing. Pop up is easier , but you need a bigger degree of flotation and stability more the flotation and finding the sweet paddle spot. You will get board bumps, surfers' knot or what ever they call them where you are , they are a blast from the past but can be problematical, and can develop sea ulcers if you break the skin, formal shoes also become difficult. They almost kept people for going to Vietnam. ( yeh board bumps)
BTw after my digression I have to tell you that knee paddling is faster in short burst as you have more muscle groups in the game. If you have Thoracic spine or lumbar spine issues proceed carefully.

Personally, I find the knees at 90 degrees a little more stable, especially in rough surf as I can shift weight to the left or right of the board quicker. Its good if I'm trying to break through white water at an angle.

There is no way I can knee-paddle though, board is too unstable or I don't have the skills.

Greg

I just tried this technique and can't believe how much faster I was going.

The S Pattern: http://www.surfscience.com/topics/surfi ... verything/

In addition, I keep the nose an low to the water as possible, sometimes it slightly goes under but can't believe how fast I still go.

It helps me keep my weight forward and off of the tail, which allows me to paddle with less drag.

For me it takes a bit of pressure off my lower back. I alternate between legs every 30seconds or so but tend to favour having my left leg bent.

When paddling for waves you can also throw both legs up to move your weight forward as you glide into the face. Helps a bit in weak conditions to catch more waves. At least I think so!

I think bending your knees when you paddle is poor form. You should be in the balanced position already, without having to shift more weight to the nose. If you are already in the right position on the board, raising your knees will take critical weight off the tail. You won't change directions as quickly because your fins aren't as deep as they should be and you run the risk of pearling. It also makes it too easy for the board to rock side to side. Plus I think it looks bad, haha.

Nathan Adams seems to like doing it in one of your videos...

Yeah and his paddling looks terrible at the end there...