Front side bottom turn advice

[CSAWS]

haha, I know right...what the heck was I thinking!

I went out today in 2-3 foot conditions...was really able to handle this new board A LOT better. Got 3 good rides out of the session. I absolutely love this new board. I need more time on it to get it really dialed in but today was much better than yesterday...to your point on paddling, the good place is NOT further back...I just needed to lift up my head/chest more when I paddle to keep it balanced...from what I understand, generally good paddling form!

[oldmansurfer]

I forgot to mention strong offshore winds make it harder to takeoff too

[dtc]

It takes everyone a few sessions or more to sort out even the basics of a new board - where to lie on the board, how much to arch and when to arch, where to position for waves, when to start paddling and pop up etc etc. Given its your first hard board, probably it will take quite a few sessions. So dont panic after one or five sessions, you will get there. Its completely normal.

And, yes, smaller waves where you are comfortable with the waves and can focus on the board is a good starting point. Rather than stressed about the waves and not knowing quite what to do

for paddle positioning - my view (may or may not be correct): when paddling for waves be in the spot on the board that puts the nose just above the water when you are arched to a comfortable degree. If you need to, then you can arch more; if for some reason you need to get weight forward (extra speed, get over the edge, those offshore winds) you can throw your head forward. If you are in a position of maximum arching all the time, you have reduced your options.

[CSAWS]

I apologize in advance for my comments. I had the best day of my short surfing life today. I AM ABSOLUTELY HOOKED.

I took a lesson this morning from the guy that has been working with me on and off since I started. All I can say is that I learned more about surfing today then I have in sum total to date. I caught 100% of the waves I wanted to and, on my NEW board.

At one point, it felt like I was shot out of cannon but had perfect balance and felt in total control...I couldn't help myself as seriously yelled out WOO-HOO when I caught a very nice 4 footer and nailed every aspect of position, paddle, pop-up and a great ride to the finish.

Man, what a great sport surfing is!

again my apologies for my excitement but it was a good day for me and I feel like I took 100 steps forward...thanks to ALL for the advice to date...you have made one man into a lifetime surfer.

[oldmansurfer]

Having a person there to see what you are doing helps a lot.

[dtc]

Another life ruined...

[jaffa1949]

NEVER apologise for being stoked, always hoot a good ride, yours or some one else

[waikikikichan]

I’ve learned surfing ( like life in general) is 50-50. One day of good, is usually followed by bad. That day you have a great time, next time some half-good on a too shortboard is going to drop-in and take a piece out of the nose of your new 7’0”. On top of that he going to blame you. So take the good with the bad. In surfing, I’ve met/made good friends and nice people, but I’ve also met a bunch of butt heads.

[CSAWS]

so quick update - preaching to the choir here a little but surfing is AWESOME!

I have been working hard on my overall skill development and feel like I have learned a ton over the last 3 months

Bottom turns (both sides) are now at will - I even did a back-side rail grab the other day, surfed down the line in the pocket and had the wave cresting over my shoulder...so stoked! of course, no one was there to witness this break through moment for me but so freakin' what...I still pulled it off...lol!

I am now focusing on top-turns but i think our break is generally too small and too short to really get this skill developed quickly. In the absence of a good swell, we generally get 2-3 feet and short periods. I think the longest break i know about for our "normal" conditions in Wilmington, NC is a 25 feet wide sand bar that gives you about 5-7 seconds before the wave crumbles into the gap between the first and second sand bars.

my son and i are planning a trip to Oahu for spring break (late March) so i am hoping to keep getting better so when we get there in a few months, i will have at least had a chance to develop my top turns a little more and get a chance to surf some longer breaks.

anyway, thanks for reading!

[jaffa1949]

We are a tag team here to help you get stoked, safely and improving each step of the way, always great when we see you getting stoked!