A great analogy
is the difference between bodyboard and
diving fins. Small bladed bodyboarding fins
allow quick acceleration and high
manoeuvrability whilst a diving fin is better
suited to maintaining pace over an
extended time.
Your paddle is instrumental in control, turning
and recovery when riding the wave, a whole
new area of use. We’ll take a closer look at how
to use your paddle whilst surfing later on but
again a shorter paddle helps by putting the
rider closer to the water through turns and
allowing a greater range of movement.
I was given a great piece of advice by John
Hibbard years ago when I was just getting
into SUP: ‘Buy the best paddle you can
afford’. To this day I value this little gem and
I’d like to pass it on to those of you reading
this now. A high end carbon or carbon
composite construction is lighter, has better
flex and so will be less tiring and easier on
your body during long sessions.
Leashes: A vital piece of equipment. Under
NO circumstances should you enter a surf
zone without a leash. Most SUP surfers prefer
to use a heavy gauge (I snapped more
leashes in 1 year of SUP surfing than 30
years of surfing) leash around 8mm thick
and about the same length as the board
they’re riding. Therefore for an 8.4ft Pro Wave
an 8ft or 9ft long x 8mm thick leash would be
fine. On the longer all round boards you will
also see knee (as opposed to ankle) leashes
being used – a matter of personal preference.
PFDs: Personal Flotation Devices. In big
waves or remote locations a PFD can give you
a confidence boost and very possibly save
your life if things go very astray. Initially you
shouldn’t be in conditions that necessitate
their use and they can become a hindrance
to passing through or under waves if you’re
in the drink. If you’re sufficiently unsure
about your safety to feel you need a PFD
then more preparation is needed. You are
attached to your board, the best flotation aid
ever. You should be able to swim out of any
eve