Knowing when to go low Whilst staying upright will keep you balanced when paddling in rough water , there are times when getting low will be needed . In rough water , staying loose will often work best , so going low should also be a dynamic movement , not just bending and locking your legs in a squat position . You will react naturally to bumps or when you need to stall the board , and your legs will change direction and position as needed . Trust your instincts again and combine going low with a brace stroke to help your stability .
Stalling the board You will often need to slow the board down in rough water , especially if you ’ re approaching the shore or a bigger wave comes through . In these situations moving towards the tail and putting pressure on your back foot will stall the board and stop your forward momentum . Getting into a low crouch position at the end of the stall will allow you to regain your balance , transition back to a standing position , and move forward on your board . Again your paddle is a vital tool , so keep it engaged with the water through brace or paddling strokes .
Timing your paddle strokes Paddling in rough water will also mean being dynamic in timing your paddle strokes . A rhythmic cadence that you might use on flatwater will often put you in sync with what ’ s happening on rough water . Instead , match your paddle strokes with what ’ s happening around you , and you will find more stability and the ability to generate speed by using the conditions .
Paddle in the troughs A simple way to know when to time your paddle strokes are by paddling in the trough of waves and chop . This will allow you to generate speed for the upcoming wave and be in your recovery phase as the bump passes you . Especially when paddling through bumps , you will then be able to brace as you go over a wave and then be ready to paddle as you transition into the next trough .
Padding with the swell or downwind Similarly , if you ’ re going with the swell or bumps , you want to be paddling in the trough or just as the following wave catches you . You will feel the back of your board lifted slightly ; this is the perfect time to apply power . With luck , you may even start to ride that bump . If it passes you , be ready to brace as it flows underneath you and avoid paddling uphill into the back of a wave . This will cause the nose to bury and put you in an unstable position .
LAUREN NEWMAN-WARREN AND SIMON NASH LOOK COMFORTABLE IN CHOPPY CONDITIONS
SARA MAXEY DEALT WITH THE WAVES BY GETTING LOW AND GETTING READY TO USE A BRACE STROKE .
STALLING THE BOARD THROUGH PRESSURE ON THE BACK FOOT
– IN THIS CASE , TO TURN OFF A WAVE IN CONTROL