Anybody got any tips to generate speed on small(waist high-ish) waves?

I have a 6.0 thats pretty thick in the middle so catching the waves is a piece of p... but once on them the board struggles(or i do) to generate speed.

I have a cheapo skateboard that i practising pumping my arms and legs on, but kind need to know the technical apsect of when EXACTLY to apply weight/release weight etc.

cheers

i'm a lightweight at 74kgs and short-ish at 5.9. the board is a hybrid and does work well. its definitely my technique as some days i can generate speed with ease.

My position on the wave, i.e. in the pocket, is definitely in question. Not old enough nor lazy enough for a mal, yet!

i laugh when its pumpin at a beachie and crew roll up and try to paddle out on mals

i don't doubt its my technique and other blokes my size riding smaller/thinner boards can do it.

Reckon its just my intensity(or lack of)... practise practise practise...

wodgina6722 said...

if your a beginner and 74kg get an 8ft minimal.

yikes, didn't realise asking questions on improving my technique would get me labelled as a beginner!

I've been surfing since i was 7yrs old so have "some" ability. Was just after alternate ideas as i figured my style could be improved somewhat. Seems to get lazy every couple of years.

What i had in my head and this is for small-ish, beach breaks only.....

Unsurprisingly:
1. Catch wave in the pocket
2. lean forward
3. take off at an angle
4. crouch
5. rear leg cocked and bent forward
6. rear foot located over the fins
7. Exaggerate pumping for the first few waves
8. think down at the top of the up strokes
9. look where i want to go next

As for the amount of pumping, well that seems to be dictated by each wave and as i surf mostly beach breaks this changes constantly in a session.

i weigh 76 kgs and ride a 6'1 rounded pin, perfect for grunty little beaches. have feel on a demo board if you can get one, or borrow a mates.sounds like you've got yourself a sea anchor.
a mals a sure way for you to go backwards i reckon.(no disrespect to the ol boys).

Hey Meerkat, maybe try to keep the board moving by changing directions thrusters need to keep moving or they stop. When you get to your feet work the board by raising and lowering the rail like a seasaw either side of your feet. Feel the speed brother. Mals are good for soft c**py days athough they do have a certain amount of soul to them and put a differant spin on riding waves.