Travel Talk

SOME GAME-CHANGING SURFING TRICKS FOR INTERMEDIATE SURFERS

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Surfing is one of the highly thrilling water sports that involves riding on the waves in an ocean or sea by lying or standing on a surfboard. Dating back to many years ago, the sport started as a necessity rather than a hobby- people surfed to return to the shores from the ships.

As an intermediate surfer, you are not yet there, but you are actively looking for ways to enhance your surfing experience. Maybe you keep wondering how other surfers manage to get on better waves than you do.

There are many reasons why advanced surfers catch better waves than beginners and intermediates. One they have more experience in wave riding and secondly they might know the surfing spot better than you do. Additionally, they might have a better paddle technique. But worry not because here are some tricks to use in your next surf holiday.

Sit at the appropriate spot.

When you go out there to catch waves, the first thing is to ensure your it at the right spot. Keep in mind that where you decide to sit and wait for the waves matters greatly, impacting the quality of waves you catch. It is advisable to sit near the highest point of the first wave to break while exercising caution and respecting surfing rules.

On days that aren’t too crowded, waiting for the waves at the highest point provides longer and more satisfying wave rides. The difference between you and an advanced surfer is that you stay too far on the shoulder of the wave, so when you catch a wave, it is shorter, weak, and is almost peeling.

Position yourself for take off at the right spot

After the first tip- sitting at the right spot, the next thing is to position yourself as you wait for the next wave. Note that every wave breaks uniquely on beach breaks, so you need to position yourself appropriately. What positions you properly for your first maneuver is taking off at the wave’s steepest, highest, and strongest part.

Advanced surfers always calculate their approach to gain more speed and power during the next maneuver. When you see a wave coming, you should quickly paddle towards the peak then turn around to catch it at the most powerful point to enjoy a quality ride. Note that if you drift too deep past the peak, you will be too deep, minimizing your ability to catch the wave breaking.

Examine the shoulder line

As an intermediate surfer, you’ve got quite some experience of how a wave peels before it begins to break. Therefore you should look out for waves that peel at a reasonable rate for your surfing ability. For instance, beginners should look for waves with steeper shoulder lines because they peek slowly.

As you experience more surfing, you get better at catching speeds, so you can be on the lookout for faster and stronger waves with shoulder lines that drop slowly to facilitate fast peeling waves.

So take a look at the wave on the horizon and examine the shoulder line; if it drops slowly, the wave will peel quickly, but if it drops suddenly, the wave will peek slower. On the other hand, if the wave’s line is straight, that means it will close out, and you need to find waves that peel gradually, offering a more quality ride.

Use the right angle when paddling into the wave.

You can always catch better waves by continuously assessing the shoulder of the wave you want to surf. Therefore, the trick is to constantly look at the next wave when paddling and taking off. Otherwise, you won’t know whether you should glide through the middle of the wave or straight and carve down below the wave.

When it comes to using the right angle to paddle into a wave, many intermediate surfers tend to blame the quality of the wave. But the problem is how you enter the wave and the angle you use to paddle through it. If the wave peels slowly, you should paddle straight and surf to the bottom, then carve into the direction you aim to go allowing extra time for the wave to take shape.

Always be on the lookout for the oncoming wave.

If you have been practising surfing for some time, you will realize that the best waves come in a series of 2,3,4 waves. Again not all waves are high quality. For instance, in a series of five consecutive waves, you might notice that only 2 are quality and the rest are average.

That means you should be on the lookout for the best oncoming wave on the horizon. For instance, the second and third wave provides you with more time to position yourself well at the peak. Therefore avoid going in for the first wave that comes by taking some time to examine the next wave.

Always look for reference points.

It sometimes becomes very challenging to stand and wait for waves in the same spot because the water currents keep dragging you in different directions. Therefore look for a point such as a tree, house, or beach that you can use as a reference point to your surfing spot. It becomes easier to remember where you were first positioned and paddle back into the area when you get a good wave.

Know the best time to surf

Many advanced surfers prefer to do it before dawn and in the evenings when the waves are quality. You are already aware that the waves and wind determine the best time to surf. Many surfing spots favour winds coming from the land or no winds, usually at dawn or dusk when the temperature of the water and the land’s surface temperature are the same.

Temperatures are usually similar at dawn; therefore, you can catch more waves in glassy conditions. Use a website like Yeeew to find the best surfing destinations across the world and surf in the best conditions on your next surf trip.

The takeaway

Surfing is an art that may take years to master but getting some tips and surfing in great conditions with consistent waves can help you master it more quickly.

Maxy Ozzy
the authorMaxy Ozzy