How to Paddle and Turn Around?

[PeterInLA]

Hey all.. I tried searching for this and didn't find much so I wanted to ask here.

I'm a fairly new surfer (started early this year) but have been surfing pretty often since the summer (2-3 times per week)..

So once I actually catch a wave, I can stand up more often than I fall. Usually when I fall it's because I lose my balance once standing up. Not sure if that's a good guage of my current level of surfing

Anyways, my question is about quickly turning around on my board. I see everyone do it and I try to do it and have only been able to do it properly like once. That was a complete accident as well.

I think not being able to turn my board around quickly has become my biggest hurdle catching/timing waves. I sort of stick myself in a spot that has "worked" a few for a few waves and just wait for the right timing one to show up. Sort of sucks :-/ I try to paddle my way into them but when trying to turn either laying down, or straddling the board, I'm just way to slow.

So I get that you need to sort of push yourself back towards the tail so the board/nose goes into the air more. I've seen videos on youtube that say to kick your legs in like a circle. Maybe that's where I'm missing the point because when I try it, nothing happens lol.

Can someone please tell me the correct way to do this? Even when just practicing it (not trying to catch a wave) I don't make much progress. I generally just use my arms to turn me and it's just way to slow.

I hate being on the line and watching everyone turn around so quickly. It's so frustrating because I am trying but I just don't seem to get it. I thought I would eventually have that "ah hah" moment (like I did with paddling, don't get me started hehe) but it hasn't happened yet.

So here I am, asking for help. Any kind soul out there able to explain this to me so my numb skull mind will get it?

Thanks,

Peter

[drowningbitbybit]

Big question here... what are the dimensions of the board? The technique is different depending on whether you are on a shortboard, longboard or something in between.

[Rickyroughneck]

You had it there, you have to lean back so as much board as possible sticks out of the water.

I don't really use my feet that much, I find most of the turning is done by leaning.

Just practice whipping it around while you wait for waves at the line-up, it is easy (unless you are Roy)!

[PeterInLA]

Big question here... what are the dimensions of the board? The technique is different depending on whether you are on a shortboard, longboard or something in between.

It's a 7'6" lost board. Don't know more than that. I bought it used on Craigslist. I've loved using it.

You had it there, you have to lean back so as much board as possible sticks out of the water.

I don't really use my feet that much, I find most of the turning is done by leaning.

Just practice whipping it around while you wait for waves at the line-up, it is easy (unless you are Roy)!

I'll keep trying while out in the line up. I look like a dumb ass cause I keep falling off my board but I don't care


I feel like I'm missing some technique but I'm probably just over thinking it.

[drowningbitbybit]

Okay, a mini-mal... shouldnt have too much problem getting that to turn round.
Ricky's right - you've basically got it.

One thing though... it's right that you should use your legs, but not quite in the way you describe. Your legs shouldnt paddle the board around - they should be the anchor you turn around. Imagine you're playing netball (but for some strange reason have a board between your legs) - you've got the ball and now you want to throw it to the person behind you, so turn around without moving your feet. As you twist (with the board sticking out the water), your knees will pivot the board around. Easy

[PeterInLA]

Okay, a mini-mal... shouldnt have too much problem getting that to turn round.
Ricky's right - you've basically got it.

One thing though... it's right that you should use your legs, but not quite in the way you describe. Your legs shouldnt paddle the board around - they should be the anchor you turn around. Imagine you're playing netball (but for some strange reason have a board between your legs) - you've got the ball and now you want to throw it to the person behind you, so turn around without moving your feet. As you twist (with the board sticking out the water), your knees will pivot the board around. Easy

I think you just gave me that "ah hah" moment I was talking about... Even though I had no clue what netball was (had to Google it :p) but I understood what you're saying. Sort of pivot my body keeping my legs in place (like you said, use as an anchor!)

I can't hit the water tomorrow morning but I'll definitely be going Thursday. I'll put this to use.

I can't thank you all enough. Seriously, I appreciate it. I can't say how frustrated I've been with this.

Thanks again! I'll update this thread with my progress if you're interested

Peter

[surf patrol]

Hi PeterInLA, welcome to Surfing Waves.

Let us know how you get with your next surf!

[jaffa1949]

Imagine you're playing netball (but for some strange reason have a board between your legs) . Easy

Hi D 3xB , unfortunately about as many people play or know of Netball in the USA as play or know cricket, so poor old PeterinLA now has cultural challenges as well.
I get caught so often trying to explain Aussie ( well in this case a world wide sport) to Americans, usually evokes a "say what " We understand US culture better because we have television as a trainer.

eg. try to explain beetroot on a hamburger to an American = "Say what "

How's the photography developing

[RonG]

I think you just gave me that "ah hah" moment I was talking about... Even though I had no clue what netball was (had to Google it :p) but I understood what you're saying. Sort of pivot my body keeping my legs in place (like you said, use as an anchor!)

I'm another beginner and I also spent a couple months of frustration with this. Particularly all the explanations that said "just twiddle your legs in alternating circles to swing the board around", but then showed a video or still sequence of someone turning around quickly and properly. Being a 5'7" beginner on a 9' longboard didn't make it any easier!

I sort of figured it out by watching experienced surfers in the lineup. When I saw the majority of the board emerge from the water at a steep angle just prior to the turn around, I also had an "ah hah" moment. Then just recently I downloaded the eBook "A Shortcut to Longboarding" and sure enough - Lee Ryan illustrates *and* describes the move as it should be. I'm reasonably quick going clockwise now, still a little awkward counter-clockwise. The adrenaline surge of seeing a nice wave coming tends to speed the process up, though

[stereoscope]

If you want to turn counter clockwise, while sitting on your board with the nose out of the water, try grabbing your left rail with your left hand and use your right hand to paddle as you whip it around, clockwise vice versa

[IB_Surfer]

In simpler terms, to turn faster figure out how to sink the tail and raise the nose so that you are pivoting less board than having it lay flat. Try it a few times while out in the lineup, not while trying to catch a wave. Once you figure out that it's easier to turn around less board than more the rest will fall into place.