SYNC IN: How to choose the best wave to catch

How to Choose the Best Wave

Selecting the right wave to paddle into will increase your chances of catching a wave and decrease frustration.  By being selective and only paddling for waves that will be worthwhile, you  will save arm strength, maintain your position in the lineup and ensure you don't miss out on the rest of the waves in the set.

When a bodysurfer moves from riding whitewater waves to catching unbroken waves, there are a number of ocean cues that should be recognized to assist you consistently catch the waves you paddle for.

Firstly, you should position themselves in the ocean to be able to catch waves on the peak, that is, where the wave initially breaks. This will give you the best opportunity to catch the wave and achieve the longest ride. In addition to this, you should be out far enough from the beach to catch the unbroken wave and not let the wave “break on you head”.

Secondly, you should paddle positively when positioning for and paddling around waves. Too often, bodysurfers paddle tentatively and “drift” around the break. If a wave is approaching, paddle with purpose to position yourself, or to paddle over the swell, seeking a better wave that may be coming behind. 

 How To Decide Which Wave To Paddle For

You must also decide which wave to paddle for. There are three basic types of unbroken swells that bodysurfers must recognize to help them make consistent and correct decisions as to whether the swell is appropriate to paddle for and catch.

1. Bodysurfers often paddle for swells that could be classified as “flat” swells. They are flat in appearance and haven’t built up sufficiently for you to catch. When you paddle for and miss a “flat” swell, there are usually three consequences. They waste energy and effort, you put yourself out of position for the next wave, and the following wave can break on your head, making for a harder paddle out, back to the peak position.

2. Bodysurfers also paddle for “pitching” waves, where the wave breaks over you as you attempt to stand. This too-late takeoff usually results in a wipeout on the takeoff, with the result being an unsuccessful ride, compromised peak positioning, and wasted effort.

3. Bodysurfers should paddle for “half-built” swells. These swells allow you to effect a clean entry into the wave, with your paddle into the wave, creating momentum and speed that can be used to set up the first move of the ride. 

To learn more about wave selection, check out the following video from Martin Dunn at SurfCoach.com

Article via: http://www.surfscience.com/topics/learn-to-surf/surfing-101/how-to-choose-a-good-wave