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Easiest board to get past breakers

PostPosted: Sat Sep 02, 2006 4:10 pm
by lefty
Can anyone tell me which board is the easiest to get past the breakers? Or does board dimensions not make any difference at all?
I ask because I am planning to get a new board and my arms are always so tired that it really cuts down how much surfing I can do in a day.

PostPosted: Sat Sep 02, 2006 6:48 pm
by kitesurfer
What do you ride already and what size waves prevent you from getting out back?

KS

PostPosted: Sat Sep 02, 2006 7:22 pm
by Phil
its more paddle fitness geting out back than what board you ride

PostPosted: Sat Sep 02, 2006 8:48 pm
by lefty
"What do you ride already and what size waves prevent you from getting out back?"
Usually the shorter longboards, 6'10' - 7'4'... I rent all the time. Any waves at all give me problems, I can get out about three times without any problems and then my arms feel like they're made of jello.

"its more paddle fitness geting out back than what board you ride"
I was afraid you would say that. I only go surfing about one week a year, which is why I'm not fit. I was hoping that there would be a board that would be at least make it a bit easier.

PostPosted: Sun Sep 03, 2006 7:19 am
by Patrick__69
I was afraid you would say that. I only go surfing about one week a year, which is why I'm not fit. I was hoping that there would be a board that would be at least make it a bit easier.


Ok well heres the thing. In order for you to get a board that will be easier to get out back(fish or shortboard for duckdiving) you need to be really good at surfing your Longboards. The shortboard will be harder to get outback because it is a lot slower to paddle but you can duckdive it. Duckdiving does take lots of practice though and a shortboard for the amount of time you will be surfing is pointless.A fish on the other hand will be just as fast to paddle(little slower) and you can also duckdive. The problem is a fish will take lots of practice to get used to and will shoot from under you.

The Solution

Get in shape. Fit to Surf is an amazing book to do it by. If you rent so often why not buy a board (The same type you have been surfing) and take it out for a paddle twice a week to any flat beach where you live. It will help you get into shape and it will make you live longer!

PostPosted: Sun Sep 03, 2006 8:31 am
by isaluteyou
a bodyboard is the easiest board to get out :P (in big surf that is otherwise its a complete pain in the ass)

But yep it is basically down to paddling fitness. I see a lot of people after turtling/duckdiving spend to long lulling around your paddle out should be one constant motion without stopping for breath (not literally but you get the idea). if its big surf its sooooooo important to get out beofre you get trapped by a set. Its all down to power paddling. To perfect this just surf a lot then job done :D

PostPosted: Sun Sep 03, 2006 5:21 pm
by GowerCharger
yep, unless your surfing somewhere which has a nice channel or calmer area to paddle out in your gonna need to be fit. Often youll notice that theres a lull in the bigger waves every now and again, you need to walk out as far as you can (hopefully past the shorebreak) and when you see the lull paddle like mad to make as much ground as you can towards the outside. If a few sets come in you might have to dive a few and try and keep making progress then when you see another gap paddle like mad again till you get out. Dont stop for a rest or anything as the waves will just push you back meaning you have to paddle further overall and your just making things harder for yourself.

PostPosted: Sun Sep 03, 2006 6:47 pm
by lefty
GowerCharger wrote:you need to walk out as far as you can (hopefully past the shorebreak) and when you see the lull paddle like mad to make as much ground as you can towards the outside. If a few sets come in you might have to dive a few and try and keep making progress then when you see another gap paddle like mad again till you get out. Dont stop for a rest or anything as the waves will just push you back meaning you have to paddle further overall and your just making things harder for yourself.

Yeah, that's what I do at the moment.
As well, I always have good intentions of getting fit, but somehow it never happens. Problem is I live too far away from the sea.
Thanks for the advice anyways, I'll try out the fish board to see if it helps.