Surfing Waves

ok..i'm trying to change from white water tu unbroken waves (i don't know if that has somethong to do with my question but just in case)

I catch a wave and i end up in a spot very rocky and the waves keep breaking on me, i can't duck dive or turtle roll 'cause at that point the rocks are right below me i can barely keep on top of the board i start paddling and then comes another wave and of course it washes me up so i've tried paddling out angled to the opposite direction they're breaking. When i finaly get out i am sooo burned out an desperate that sometimes i just get off (i make sure there's no one around) and swim to get out.

I have a 7"0 , 3.5' thick board

How deep is the water here? If its shallow, is the right spot for you as a beginner - you dont want to surf over shallow rocks.

Watch to see how other surfers get out. Admittedly shortboarders can duck dive which helps, your board might be harder to duck dive but its possible. You wont go deeper than 3-4 feet, so if the rocks are less than that its not really a good spot.

There are some techniques you can use to minimise being washed backwards - for example, go to the back of your board and raise your nose a little bit and try and get the nose over the top of the breaking water (but if you do this wrong you get somersaulted backwards - doesnt work for medium or bigger waves).

But, really, unless you can duck dive or turtle roll (or stand up on the bottom), the only successful way to paddle out is to paddle out between the waves ie wait until the wave has broken, pick a time when the waves arent big, and paddle as hard as you can. At least as far as I know.

I wouldn't surf around rocks unless you feel comfortable around them. Is there somewhere else you can go?

In San Diego most beginners avoid sunset cliffs except for some spots that are beginner friendly

Elena,
You need two things:
1. a different surfing break (you are not ready for this one)
2. an experienced surfer to provide in-water guidance

Or turn off over the wave and onto your board earlier. Don't ride the wave all the way in to the shallows. That way you'll have a shorter ride but an easier paddle back since you won't have as far to go and/ or have to paddle over the breaking wave.

Thank you all for the input
It's a point break, Normally the water's not shallow and the waves are left. There are other areas at the same spot and there are actually lots of schools that go there but normally the waves are on the rocky area.
Most of the other surfers there duck dive and/or paddle harder or faster (maybe both).

Here's the link of the spot
https://www.facebook.com/pages/La-Lanch ... 40?fref=ts

There are some techniques you can use to minimise being washed backwards - for example, go to the back of your board and raise your nose a little bit and try and get the nose over the top of the breaking water (but if you do this wrong you get somersaulted backwards - doesnt work for medium or bigger waves).
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I'll sure try that! Thanks a lot

pico_train wrote:Or turn off over the wave and onto your board earlier. Don't ride the wave all the way in to the shallows. That way you'll have a shorter ride but an easier paddle back since you won't have as far to go and/ or have to paddle over the breaking wave.

I'll try that maybe i just get too carried away Thanks!!

Oh, that's your break! That can get pretty big. Elena, please be careful and do not get into situations that can hurt you.

billie_morini wrote:Oh, that's your break! That can get pretty big. Elena, please be careful and do not get into situations that can hurt you.

I'll be safe! I'm just trying to push a little bit more everytime i'm out there. No pain no gain huh?
anyway i'm trying to get all the advice i can get so i don't get hurt.