Jargon buster
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CATCHING SKILLS
WAVES
INTRODUCTION
SUP SURFING IS ONE OF THE MOST ENJOYABLE WAYS TO GET OUT ON THE WATER . THE FEELING OF FLOATING OVER THE SURFACE IS WORDS & PICS : SCOTT WARREN
( HAYWOOD SPORTS )
Jargon buster
Out-Back : a position out beyond the break waves .
Inside : being inside the breaking waves .
Caught Inside : being on the Inside and unable to get Out-Back easily .
The Line Up : the optimal position for catching the waves .
Rip Current : water flowing back out to deeper water from the shoreline .
Take Off : the point where you catch the wave a begin riding under its power .
The Surf Zone : the name given to the entire shore area , water and waves where surfing takes place .
The Drop-in : when you have caught the wave and drop-in to the wave to start riding it .
UNLIKE ANYTHING ELSE AS YOU GLIDE EFFORTLESSLY ON A WAVE . IT ’ S ALSO ONE OF THE MOST BENEFICIAL FOR YOUR SKILLS AND FITNESS AS YOUR PUSH YOURSELF TO CATCH MORE WAVES AND BURN PLENTY OF CALORIES AS YOUR PADDLE . CATCHING WAVES , HOWEVER , IS NOT AN EASY SKILL TO MASTER , ESPECIALLY WHEN CONDITIONS BECOME A
SUP surfing … it ’ s easy You might already be a reasonably experienced paddler or even a surfer of traditional prone boards , so does that mean you will be out there catching every wave you see on your SUP ? Well , whilst it will undoubtedly be advantageous for you , it ’ s also very easy to miss waves when using a paddle . The biggest advantage you will have in the waves is your vision due to being stood up and the power and speed that comes from using a paddle . However , these can also be your biggest problem , as we will look at next .
The paddle Firstly let ’ s tackle the paddle . So you have more speed , can quickly move around the surf zone and can produce lots of power to catch waves , so that surely means catching them is easy , right ? Well , not so . Have you ever tried to do a sprint start on your board ? Even 14 ’ narrow race boards will quickly turn in the opposite direction to your paddle side , so imagine what a shorter all-round or surf shape board will do . They practically spin in a circle before you have moved anywhere .
So what can you do to combat this and get yourself lined up to catch waves easier ? Welcome to the school of less is more .