Catching waves at an angle...HELP!

[jconway2002]

I have been having trouble in the bigger surf and I beleive its because I try to catch the wave heading straight on and end up pearling. I dont seem to be having any luck catching waves at an angle. i think possibly my problem is I m using too much of an angle and my board is being flipped. What kind of angle should I be facing? Are there any tips out there you can give me?

Yay friday!

[drowningbitbybit]

You've identified your own problem - too much angle. The angle usually isnt all that great - if the beach is at 12o'clock, then you'll be paddling at 1o'clock for a right. The angle puts you in a postion to pop up and immediately go right/left - it doesnt actually take you along the face.

The angle can get more extreme for more critical waves, but that takes a lot of practise.

[jconway2002]

thanks mate, i will practice this some more tomorrow.

[esonscar]

45 degrees maximum off from the beach ahead should be more than enough to give you a wave advantage before you can play on take offs; then its almost backwards !