Less airdrops?

[derbyshire surfer]

Hi all,

I've been surfing a few years now, mainly weekends due to living so far away. Just something that seems to happen a lot recently.
I got more confidence happier geting out back on slightly larger days, I can get down the line and had some really pleasing wall rides, my probelm seems to be I tend to take too many airdrops. i.e paddle for a larger wave get to my feet and freefall! This has caused much amusement to some of the guys I surf with, apparently my last one was a good 6ft (fortunatley I made it lol)! I have managed to somehow turn and land without getting nailed, but then I slow down.
Am I just taking off too late? When I surf on East coast (UK) I'm able to get more 'onto' the wave, position myself and get down the line. When I go to the S.W I seem to do this more??
I'm riding a 7'6 flying carpet board, like a 'short longobard' if it helps?

Cheers!

[O_Danny_Boy]

some waves are just sucky and jack up out of nowhere in which case youll most definetly be getting some air time through no fault of your own

a nice angled take-off might help

[CHarvey]

If the waves are jacking that hard you might also want to look at getting a slightly shorter board and not taking off so deep. It's always fun landing some acid drops though.

[The Fafanator]

It is going to happen on really steep waves, roll with it, I can imagine it being kinda fun and cool, I've seen many vid's of pro's doing air dops, and it looks soooo cool, I think the amusement of those guys is that they are stunned that a guy on a minimal can land an air drop.

[Otter]

Look at it this way, if you keep it up;

1. You'll eventually become very comfortable with air drops and make them effortlessly.
2. In the meanwhile, you'll amuse the carp out of your friends!

[stuzzy07]

yeah you might want to make sure the wave your riding ins't closing out...most of the air drops i've done have either been because i had a late take off or because the wave closed out on me...just try paddling a littler harder and picking the right ones.

[CHarvey]

Hey Otter,
I must say I have never had anyone amuse the carp out of me. At least then I wouldn't have to go fishing for dinner.
lol

[Otter]

I've just gotten in the habit of saying carp instead of crap, some sites are particular...

When we surfing CHarvey?

[CHarvey]

I figured Otter, but it was too good to let go.
My girl is working tomorrow morning, the life of an accountant, so if you want to paddle out tomorrow I am game. Please just not too early....lol
Did you have a good V-day?

[Otter]

Yeah, wife took me out for Chinese at Wong's on University and 70th in La Mesa, good eats. Wasn't hungry an hour later either!