Been surfing my sup for a few years and was never really taught how to get out past the break. Your video was a huge help and can't wait to get out there and try these techniques!
It is videos like this that help us rookie SUPers see the techniques that work! I have practised the techniques in this video on my last few wave sessions and they work. In fact, paddling out is almost as much fun as catching a wave. It requires skill and good balance and it is satisfying if you can make it out back without falling off. I think you even earn a little respect from the prone surfers when they see you riding up and over each wave as you paddle out (even on an iSUP!). Thanks.
Getting into sup after only Regular surfing. I was totally caught off guard on getting on the outside! It was embarrassing. Thanks for the awesome tips I can’t wait to get out there again!
Wow. Went back to my sup tonight.. been a year or two. Moved back to the beach.. focused on the short board, and just kept getting beat up. Tonight was a calm looking night, high tide, and just mellow. Got out there, and broke on past the breaks, and was able to focus on the waves breaking first toward the beach. What a difference. On my knees, I was able to take some strokes, and get forward momentum, then when I felt the board sliding down, popped up. I caught so many waves this wave it was an epiphany. Hooked.
great video and breakdown of what the pro's went thru at the REDBULL Heavy Water. Your instruction is perfect and supports everything my wife and I have learned. Your right, be careful of your face when climbing over larger Wave's. My wife sustained a broken nose and several stitches last month. I have also gotten over my pride and often go out on my knees. The margin for not getting out is slim so I paddle like crazy even if from my knees. Thanks again.
Great video. I surf in the river on a SUP and have only tried it twice in the ocean. Very helpful and also motivational, knowing that it's normal to get knocked around and off your board when trying to make it past the break. Thanks for your video!
You have an great collection of videos. I don't step back, although I am back on the board in general when paddling out. I put a lot of weight on my back foot as the wave approaches and then I often take a step forward while crouched. Doing so helps keep me from falling backwards and tends to keep my board from flying off to the left or right as the nose goes over the wave. I have also had a board in the face, not fun. YMMV.
Some solid advice Brah! Thanks! I learned real quick that the old 'eskimo roll' technique I used on my longboards and from Surf Lifesaving was super bad on a SUP because the paddle adds so much extra hassle under water... Up and over is for sure the easiest way!
This was a great video! Thanks for posting...I'll be using all your advice. I just bought a VESL SUP 11'6" and I'm new to the sport. I'm psyched to get out there - mainly to ride some waves! Your video is excellent and gives me confidence to get going!! :)
Clay, I saw the "ClayIsland" and thought that was you. This is Sean "Feral In Baja" Callahan. I was going to try and message you the other day to ask advice on a Franken-Paddle I'm putting together (Oval Blade stem, round Paddle Shaft) they're both good parts, but I'm having to adapt. GREAT VIDEO!!! I'm back in the Baja beachbreak tubes, after 7 months off living in NE Tijuana war zone. Your video game is seriously on point. Gonna get back on the Zone, I was off it after someone really classist-vibed me out. I'm touchy about that, so I stayed away for like a year or more. So many cool people, I'm going back. Cool vibes, great video, thanks for the stoke!
Cool. I've had to learn to choose my battles with rough surf. Sometimes I don't bother or look for another spot. These techniques are worth learning. Thanks
Your wisdom applies to the wily and unpredictable lake ontario surfz whish is - usually only up when the onshore gale force breezes blow- thanx for the tips- I used to be quite agile at my old home in the reefy glassy warm tropics- now i relocated to the northern border of the good ol U S and switched to a SUP- now im stoked if a 2 footer doesn't pummel me....I am still puzzling on where the paddle goes once I start dropping in....
Went out for 1st time today on sup (to surf) and instinctively kneeled to get out ( long time boater, kayaker and prone surfer ) just seemed like the thing to do ( not sure if it is looked down upon) .. lots to learn and your vid is so well done ..thanks for taking the time
@@Mrjmhill worked well in the waters I was in ..( Florida beaches ) especially when it gets too messy... however, have seen more advanced paddlers lay down prone on suoceith paddle under and paddle out like surfboard
Love the tips! I can't tell you how many times I've been bashed in the crash zone trying to get out. Always thought going under, board and all would do the trick, but there's too much volume. The last one, kick the board over and go under is one I will try! Going out on the knees to save time and get more distance right away is a great idea. I am also wing foiling and wonder what will be necessary to get through this kind of surf if down in the water. Thanks for your great footage and instruction!
Great great video about how to get through the impact zone particularly at a place like OCEAN BEACH, San Francisco which is by far the hardest place (hands down) to get out at. I have been surfing thiis place my whole life and there is one big important thing you didn't include. What makes Ocean Beach so tough is because not only are you having to deal with navigating through the east to west direction of the waves, you are ALSO are dealing with the North to South directions of the (depending upon the tides...) currents which create mini whirpools and which surfers get stuck in. THE FIRST THING I was taught about surfing Ocean Beach is that YOU NEVER try to paddle straight out. You always have to paddle out at an angle and if you are paddling in you also have to surf and paddle at an angle as well , otherwise you will never make any head way. You were saying that surfers have to know where that open gap is in order to make it out. ...... GOOD LUCK BUDDY .. hahaha.... There are a million different variables which create that gap and you are right, it's all about luck and timing and nothing else. People who think they can get out like a point break are in for a real shocker. Another trick I was taught many years ago was to always start above or below the point you want to end up at. If the tide is incoming, the current will be going North into the Bay and therefor you want to start going out from south of the place you want to arrive at outside the impact zone. If the current is outgoing tides, that means the current will be travelling north to south and therefore you want to start north of the point you want to arrive at. Depending upon the difference in the tides and the swell will determine how far you should begin from your starting point. For example if there is a 6 foot difference from high to low and it's a big swell, than you want to start at least 20 - 30 yards above where you want to end up at because you are going to drift very very fast in a southern direction when you begin to go out.......Cheers and keep making those SUP videos.....hope to meet you in the water some day...
Thanks for this. Struggling and getting in patient with my progress and not only catching a wave but also be able to deal with getting stuck inside given I can’t like I would on a body board. Will be checking out your other videos as well!!
Nice Brahda ! I just bought a SUP this year it’s 256L 9’8 30” wide . I’ve been out on it 5 times this year . I’m getting the hang of it I rather be on my Short board rippin on waves then a SUP but I’m enjoying it on them flat 2 ft days lol ... well I agree man I always knee paddle out gain a bunch of speed and once I get past the white water foam balls I jump up on my feet it’s much faster to paddle out like that staying lower to the board gives u more speed ... keep it up brother Yeww 🤙🏽
Is that ocean beach? Just got my first SUP board. Excited to try it out when it is small. Looks like the best spot is Kirkam. Never tried an SUP but I think I can make it out on a small day at high tide. would be cool to cruz North or south past the breakers! Nice video. Thanks for sharing.
Nice collection of tips. I wish I had seen this when I started SUP surfing. I came at surfing from a kayak and waveski surfing background and found that the advice to always hit the white water head on sometimes is not so good on a sup board if you are trying to knee paddle, if you quarter the wave and sweep the nose of the board around with a powerful sweep stroke you can force the nose to slide over the white water, you save getting hit in the face or knocked over backwards.
I'm trying to determine what's a good size/length paddle to use for sup surfing. It's seems like the one I've used for flat water paddling is just too big. Any guidelines regarding sup surfing paddle choice?
Hi Bill, good question. I suggest borrow/rent/demo an adjustable paddle and try different shaft lengths to see what feels right for you. And try as many different blade sizes and shapes as you can, see if one feels better than the other. Last but not least FLEX, if you can try shafts that are stiff and or flexy and see if one feels better than the other. I like a smaller blade and flexy shaft, and length depends on how high I am off the water.
Great video. A couple of questions for you. 1. Are you and some of your friends using iSUP in those size waves? 2. Have you encounters problems losing your paddle when falling off?
Jean-François Karam Hi, Thanks! Yet to try an isup or see one in the surf. My paddle stays close to me, the few times I have let it go I have retrieved it quickly.
Good info here. I knew most of it, but that last technique was new to me. I notice that you don't have a paddle leash... what happens if you lose it? Go for a fast swim? I ask because I've had times where I've had to let go of the paddle, i.e. getting knocked into the drink and the turbulence can sometimes twist your forearm up if you hang on to the paddle.
Thanks. The few times I have let go of the paddle I have retrieved it fairly quickly. I suspect I would swim or prone paddle if it really got away from me.
Hey there. Love your channel. Thanks for sharing. I’ve been a trad/prone surfer for 30 years and just started supping. I’m wondering about a couple of things I never had to consider before. First - surfing in New England in the winter can be fun but obviously freaking cold. Do suppers ever use dry suits? Also,, even though I’ve always been a long boarder, i’m not used to riding such a mammoth board. Do guys ever use helmets and/or life vests? Kinda worried about getting knocked out if i’m out there alone in a winter day - which I often am. Thanks!
At 8:06, for the "board over-body under" technique, what do you do between entering the wave and re-surfacing? Do you just lie flat, swim through the wave, pull your arms and legs in? If you do nothing with your body while in the wave, will it carry you towards shore with it? I haven't tried this technique yet but it's one I'll need soon.
greenstick100 Hi, good question. I lie parallel to the ocean bottom and let myself sink. The wave usually does all the work, passing over me and I end on the back side of the wave. With my hands I cover my face in case the board gets pushed into me.
clayisland cool vídeo! I’ve always wanted to know what’s best when a powerful wave breaks right in front of you. If you are on top of the board this over and under method seems like a good technique although can you sink easily to pass under the wave that way? You say you just let go and lie flat and the wave passes over you... I think I’d still get beaten and “laundried”. I’ve tried curling myself up but it also rolls me for a while... if you are not on the board, is it better to try dive to the bottom head first, or just the same techniques? I tried diving, curling, laying... still a big wash. Could you give your suggestion on what to do on the different cases to avoid an endless wash that increases the anxiety? I’ve realized also in my case that if I hold all the air and don’t let go a bit to dive a little my ears will hurt from pressure differential with all the turbulent water hitting my head too, which causes more anxiety of drowning...
Solid tutorial. I've found beyond getting me out side faster, these techniques also help with safety. Maintaining contact with your board is necessary for board control. I see too many SUP-ers just bail their boards and dive under white water. 10' board + 10' leash + leash stretch = 20+ feet of danger zone on your beach side.
ZOWIE!!! What a great video! Thanks so much for making this for us. Ditto on the calm voice and great tips. I live on a small lake and just bought my first SUP (at age 66). ☺ I absolutely love it! I'm a total rookie so your information and excellent video production are invaluable. I'm going to be out on the water as much as possible before Colorado's cold season sets in. I'm trying to prepare to take on the ocean in January in Kauai. I was told it's safest to stay PARALLEL to the waves initially. Is this correct? Also, do you have any recommendations on buying and using an ankle strap? One didn't come with my board. Thanks again. ☺
Hi Linda, thanks for the feedback. Hawaii in the winter can serious, I would recommend seeking a local guide. Leashes I change with the condtions, in bigger more powerful surf I prefer a coil leash that doesn't tug as hard on my leg.
Is that a Stretch?? Had no idea they were still shaping. I'll have to try some of these tips - I get knocked over when a jet ski comes within a 5-mile radius...
Great help thanks alot I have alot of anxiety about big waves I'm fine surfing on them but I'm scared to ge t out! One question would those techniques work on my 7.7 fish tail?
Nirvana Sup I hear you. I have felt anxious on a SUP in waves that I feel at ease on a prone board. Ummm I have yet to try my Simmons shape in bigger waves, I am more at home on a pulled in shape with more rocker. I know guys have gone out at OB up to double overhead on fishy shapes, unsure how they do it...maybe try the techniques in smaller waves first?
Nicely presented clip. I remember all those anxieties first time I got a longboard, and reading the handbook, & asking 'stupid' questions in surf shops, 'how do I get out in big waves, mister?' heh...'If you can't get out you don't deserve to be out,' he'd say, the guru. Isn't a paddle in your hand such a faff? I always feel sorry for the guys out back - standing when everybody around lies prone. Best be anonymous out there with all the bad guys :). If I was as fit & young as you I'd go get a longboard and then a 7 footer for the big stuff, learn to duck dive which is fun. S'pose you get a nice glide on the SUP, all best, a very enjoyable delivery, thanks.
Hey clay are you wearing an impact vest in some of the video. I surf alone a fair bit and am considering a vest and helmet. Solo surfs on rocky points cause me some anxiety!
Yes, the vest I like in smaller surf, in bigger more powerful surf it gets pulled over my head and traps my arms, for that I prefer the impact suit or wearing a vest under my wetsuit.
Hi, Learn to Foil:
clayisland.com/learn-to-foil/
More videos:
clayisland.com/category/member-videos/
Dude, your mission statement "our purpose" is beautiful, thank you.
Been surfing my sup for a few years and was never really taught how to get out past the break. Your video was a huge help and can't wait to get out there and try these techniques!
I was just smiling the whole time watching this. Super helpful, clear explanation.
It is videos like this that help us rookie SUPers see the techniques that work! I have practised the techniques in this video on my last few wave sessions and they work. In fact, paddling out is almost as much fun as catching a wave. It requires skill and good balance and it is satisfying if you can make it out back without falling off. I think you even earn a little respect from the prone surfers when they see you riding up and over each wave as you paddle out (even on an iSUP!). Thanks.
greenstick100 You're welcome and thanks for the great feedback! Glad to hear this helps!
You posted 2 yrs ago. Are you still paddling? Any “lessons learned”?
Bro that was literally the best paddle out SUP video I've ever watched nobody's ever helped me more your superchill bra love it!!!!!!
thanks , some good tips for my next trip out
Getting into sup after only
Regular surfing. I was totally caught off guard on getting on the outside! It was embarrassing. Thanks for the awesome tips I can’t wait to get out there again!
Wow. Went back to my sup tonight.. been a year or two. Moved back to the beach.. focused on the short board, and just kept getting beat up. Tonight was a calm looking night, high tide, and just mellow. Got out there, and broke on past the breaks, and was able to focus on the waves breaking first toward the beach. What a difference. On my knees, I was able to take some strokes, and get forward momentum, then when I felt the board sliding down, popped up. I caught so many waves this wave it was an epiphany. Hooked.
This is one that I'll Bookmark and keep. It's an honest talk through getting out and what might work and might not. Thanks
I feel like my overall SUP surfing has improved from this channel honestly, so thorough,.
That's fantastic! Thanks so much for the feedback.
@@clayisland my SUP surfing was improved too
great video and breakdown of what the pro's went thru at the REDBULL Heavy Water. Your instruction is perfect and supports everything my wife and I have learned. Your right, be careful of your face when climbing over larger Wave's. My wife sustained a broken nose and several stitches last month. I have also gotten over my pride and often go out on my knees. The margin for not getting out is slim so I paddle like crazy even if from my knees. Thanks again.
Cliff Bernard Thanks and you're welcome! Love the feedback, and hope your wife is okay.
Great video. I surf in the river on a SUP and have only tried it twice in the ocean. Very helpful and also motivational, knowing that it's normal to get knocked around and off your board when trying to make it past the break. Thanks for your video!
Joshua Coleman You're welcome
You have an great collection of videos. I don't step back, although I am back on the board in general when paddling out. I put a lot of weight on my back foot as the wave approaches and then I often take a step forward while crouched. Doing so helps keep me from falling backwards and tends to keep my board from flying off to the left or right as the nose goes over the wave. I have also had a board in the face, not fun. YMMV.
Helpful 💯😼🦞
Going to be heading out for the first time in a few days. This has given me a lot of great things to think about. Thanks!
You're welcome! Love to hear a report on how it goes!
Great tips thanks. That "over/under" move at 8:10 was beautiful.
wrybread You're welcome.
Some solid advice Brah! Thanks!
I learned real quick that the old 'eskimo roll' technique I used on my longboards and from Surf Lifesaving was super bad on a SUP because the paddle adds so much extra hassle under water... Up and over is for sure the easiest way!
Danny R Right on! Thanks and you're welcome :)
This was a great video! Thanks for posting...I'll be using all your advice. I just bought a VESL SUP 11'6" and I'm new to the sport. I'm psyched to get out there - mainly to ride some waves! Your video is excellent and gives me confidence to get going!! :)
Clay, I saw the "ClayIsland" and thought that was you. This is Sean "Feral In Baja" Callahan. I was going to try and message you the other day to ask advice on a Franken-Paddle I'm putting together (Oval Blade stem, round Paddle Shaft) they're both good parts, but I'm having to adapt. GREAT VIDEO!!! I'm back in the Baja beachbreak tubes, after 7 months off living in NE Tijuana war zone. Your video game is seriously on point. Gonna get back on the Zone, I was off it after someone really classist-vibed me out. I'm touchy about that, so I stayed away for like a year or more. So many cool people, I'm going back. Cool vibes, great video, thanks for the stoke!
Hi Sean, good to hear from you! Glad you are back on the zone, bad vibes can be rough. Thanks for the good words and you are welcome for the stoke!
Thanks for your video, very informative. I appreciate you making it.
Cool. I've had to learn to choose my battles with rough surf. Sometimes I don't bother or look for another spot. These techniques are worth learning.
Thanks
Guy Witscher You're welcome, glad to hear these techniques are worthwhile.
Your wisdom applies to the wily and unpredictable lake ontario surfz whish is - usually only up when the onshore gale force breezes blow- thanx for the tips- I used to be quite agile at my old home in the reefy glassy warm tropics- now i relocated to the northern border of the good ol U S and switched to a SUP- now im stoked if a 2 footer doesn't pummel me....I am still puzzling on where the paddle goes once I start dropping in....
Thanks for the tips. I will need them for my beach trip and race at Dana Point. Usually I spend my time eating it for three or four weeks.
willis richardson You're welcome and I hope they help.
Went out for 1st time today on sup (to surf) and instinctively kneeled to get out ( long time boater, kayaker and prone surfer ) just seemed like the thing to do ( not sure if it is looked down upon) .. lots to learn and your vid is so well done ..thanks for taking the time
How did that technique work for you? I'm a River kayaker, converted to SUP. Ready to try the surf next.
@@Mrjmhill worked well in the waters I was in ..( Florida beaches ) especially when it gets too messy... however, have seen more advanced paddlers lay down prone on suoceith paddle under and paddle out like surfboard
@@Mrjmhill lay down prone on sup and paddle it like a surfboard ( kneeling worked fine though )
Ray O mine also has a collapsible seat.. I’m going to take mine to the gulf next month to give it a try. I’ll try seated like a kayak too...
@@Mrjmhill have fun ..very addicting
Love the tips! I can't tell you how many times I've been bashed in the crash zone trying to get out. Always thought going under, board and all would do the trick, but there's too much volume. The last one, kick the board over and go under is one I will try! Going out on the knees to save time and get more distance right away is a great idea. I am also wing foiling and wonder what will be necessary to get through this kind of surf if down in the water. Thanks for your great footage and instruction!
Great video and tips!
I also do the 2 step to get over waves. Works. Great with SoCali waves from chest to ^^
Awesome and detailed explanation, thank you
Great great video about how to get through the impact zone particularly at a place like OCEAN BEACH, San Francisco which is by far the hardest place (hands down) to get out at. I have been surfing thiis place my whole life and there is one big important thing you didn't include. What makes Ocean Beach so tough is because not only are you having to deal with navigating through the east to west direction of the waves, you are ALSO are dealing with the North to South directions of the (depending upon the tides...) currents which create mini whirpools and which surfers get stuck in. THE FIRST THING I was taught about surfing Ocean Beach is that YOU NEVER try to paddle straight out. You always have to paddle out at an angle and if you are paddling in you also have to surf and paddle at an angle as well , otherwise you will never make any head way. You were saying that surfers have to know where that open gap is in order to make it out. ...... GOOD LUCK BUDDY .. hahaha.... There are a million different variables which create that gap and you are right, it's all about luck and timing and nothing else. People who think they can get out like a point break are in for a real shocker. Another trick I was taught many years ago was to always start above or below the point you want to end up at. If the tide is incoming, the current will be going North into the Bay and therefor you want to start going out from south of the place you want to arrive at outside the impact zone. If the current is outgoing tides, that means the current will be travelling north to south and therefore you want to start north of the point you want to arrive at. Depending upon the difference in the tides and the swell will determine how far you should begin from your starting point. For example if there is a 6 foot difference from high to low and it's a big swell, than you want to start at least 20 - 30 yards above where you want to end up at because you are going to drift very very fast in a southern direction when you begin to go out.......Cheers and keep making those SUP videos.....hope to meet you in the water some day...
Awesome ! ☀️🏄🏼
So helpful! Great video and analysis/commentary.
D S Thanks!
Your voice is so calming
Thank you
This is really helpful. I surf beach break most often and any tips to fell more confident pushing over the white water are appreciated.
Josiah Ambrose Right on, glad it's helpful! Thanks for the feedback.
Thank for a nice relaxed look at some techniques, from here on my sofa I might have to go get me a paddle board and rewind my life 10 years :-)
You videos are always great my friend. Thanks for this one. Please keep it up! 🤙🏼🏄🏽
Giovani Mazza You're welcome, and I will!
I am going to do this to prepare my ski season.
Thanks for this. Struggling and getting in patient with my progress and not only catching a wave but also be able to deal with getting stuck inside given I can’t like I would on a body board. Will be checking out your other videos as well!!
Great video. Super helpful. Thank you
A great video. We are not blessed with the greatest waves on the English Channel, however these techniques are really great.
Nice Brahda ! I just bought a SUP this year it’s 256L 9’8 30” wide . I’ve been out on it 5 times this year . I’m getting the hang of it I rather be on my Short board rippin on waves then a SUP but I’m enjoying it on them flat 2 ft days lol ... well I agree man I always knee paddle out gain a bunch of speed and once I get past the white water foam balls I jump up on my feet it’s much faster to paddle out like that staying lower to the board gives u more speed ... keep it up brother Yeww 🤙🏽
Grab one of these puppies, 4 times more power when you're kneeling. thumb-runner.com/
Great video. Do you think there’s a big difference between a hard board vs an inflatable on the ocean?
Hi, thanks. Yes, most inflatables aren't stiff enough and have soft rails so they feel very tippy and unstable.
Kai Lenny is a force of nature..!
Beautifully made thanks
Another great vid. Really appreciate them. I remember the first time i got smashed in the face by my sup. Shocked the hell out of me.
Really well-done video!
Thanks!
Yo thanks for making this. I wanna take my sup to the beach. Just not sure how to get past the surf.
Search this on youtube: VADER retired PADDLE boarding on LA RIVER (Narrated by Jones Earl James) - S2E1 The River Wild full
I sort-of do the same thing Kai does. Step forward or even bird-hop forward when the whitewater is nice and even.
Is that ocean beach? Just got my first SUP board. Excited to try it out when it is small. Looks like the best spot is Kirkam. Never tried an SUP but I think I can make it out on a small day at high tide. would be cool to cruz North or south past the breakers! Nice video. Thanks for sharing.
Excellent sup tutorial thanks!
Thank you 🔥🔥🔥
Great info. Im looking forward to going out for my first time. Thank you.
this video was good! full of techniques and monuvers... very helpful
sloth sloth Thanks!
Right on thanks for sharing I know Zane 😄🤙🏼
Sweet, good to hear from you, I've seen and enjoyed your videos over the years.
Search this on youtube: VADER retired PADDLE boarding on LA RIVER (Narrated by Jones Earl James) - S2E1 The River Wild full
clayisland hey wow small world 😄🤙🏼
Nice collection of tips. I wish I had seen this when I started SUP surfing. I came at surfing from a kayak and waveski surfing background and found that the advice to always hit the white water head on sometimes is not so good on a sup board if you are trying to knee paddle, if you quarter the wave and sweep the nose of the board around with a powerful sweep stroke you can force the nose to slide over the white water, you save getting hit in the face or knocked over backwards.
SeadartVSG Thanks
Well done! Lot's of good content and information.
Bill King Thanks!
I'm trying to determine what's a good size/length paddle to use for sup surfing. It's seems like the one I've used for flat water paddling is just too big. Any guidelines regarding sup surfing paddle choice?
Hi Bill, good question. I suggest borrow/rent/demo an adjustable paddle and try different shaft lengths to see what feels right for you. And try as many different blade sizes and shapes as you can, see if one feels better than the other. Last but not least FLEX, if you can try shafts that are stiff and or flexy and see if one feels better than the other. I like a smaller blade and flexy shaft, and length depends on how high I am off the water.
Thanks for that advice. Good stuff!
Bill King You're welcome!
To me it's one of the biggest mysteries of all time how these guys get out. I mean I'm already having a hard time on a shortboard.
Gracias por Compartir!!!
4th week in and your videos help!!!
Awesome!
So good man. thank you!
Great info and video! I got smacked straight to the face with my board a couple months ago going over a wave, so will definitely use this👍🏼-Graci
Ouch! I hope this is helpful! Thanks
Love this. Feeling confident about going out next.
Great video. A couple of questions for you. 1. Are you and some of your friends using iSUP in those size waves? 2. Have you encounters problems losing your paddle when falling off?
Jean-François Karam Hi, Thanks! Yet to try an isup or see one in the surf. My paddle stays close to me, the few times I have let it go I have retrieved it quickly.
great vid thanks very much
Super helpful
Always super helpful and inspiring video's. 😎👍🏄♂️
C B Thanks.
Mahalo for the tips! 🤙🏽
Good info here. I knew most of it, but that last technique was new to me.
I notice that you don't have a paddle leash... what happens if you lose it? Go for a fast swim? I ask because I've had times where I've had to let go of the paddle, i.e. getting knocked into the drink and the turbulence can sometimes twist your forearm up if you hang on to the paddle.
Thanks. The few times I have let go of the paddle I have retrieved it fairly quickly. I suspect I would swim or prone paddle if it really got away from me.
Thanks
Hardest part well explained - the surfing is easy - thx
Thank you, and you are most welcome.
Great techniques...thanks for the video.
Captain Velveeta Thanks and you're welcome!
if you come from a skating bakground, its basically like trying to ollie but the wave really makes it pop up
Thanks a lot for this. Now I don't feel so bad about getting caught inside every now and then, or going on my knees when i need to!
Philip May you're welcome
Hey there. Love your channel. Thanks for sharing. I’ve been a trad/prone surfer for 30 years and just started supping. I’m wondering about a couple of things I never had to consider before. First - surfing in New England in the winter can be fun but obviously freaking cold. Do suppers ever use dry suits? Also,, even though I’ve always been a long boarder, i’m not used to riding such a mammoth board. Do guys ever use helmets and/or life vests? Kinda worried about getting knocked out if i’m out there alone in a winter day - which I often am. Thanks!
Thanks so much. I really enjoyed watching this vid.
Ewan Melling Flavell You're welcome!
cool thanks 👍👍👍👍
At 8:06, for the "board over-body under" technique, what do you do between entering the wave and re-surfacing? Do you just lie flat, swim through the wave, pull your arms and legs in? If you do nothing with your body while in the wave, will it carry you towards shore with it? I haven't tried this technique yet but it's one I'll need soon.
greenstick100 Hi, good question. I lie parallel to the ocean bottom and let myself sink. The wave usually does all the work, passing over me and I end on the back side of the wave. With my hands I cover my face in case the board gets pushed into me.
clayisland cool vídeo! I’ve always wanted to know what’s best when a powerful wave breaks right in front of you. If you are on top of the board this over and under method seems like a good technique although can you sink easily to pass under the wave that way? You say you just let go and lie flat and the wave passes over you... I think I’d still get beaten and “laundried”. I’ve tried curling myself up but it also rolls me for a while... if you are not on the board, is it better to try dive to the bottom head first, or just the same techniques? I tried diving, curling, laying... still a big wash. Could you give your suggestion on what to do on the different cases to avoid an endless wash that increases the anxiety? I’ve realized also in my case that if I hold all the air and don’t let go a bit to dive a little my ears will hurt from pressure differential with all the turbulent water hitting my head too, which causes more anxiety of drowning...
Thanks for the video. What board are you riding in the video?
I think a stretch 9'6"
Thank you for that!
Colin Guinn You're welcome.
Solid tutorial. I've found beyond getting me out side faster, these techniques also help with safety. Maintaining contact with your board is necessary for board control. I see too many SUP-ers just bail their boards and dive under white water.
10' board + 10' leash + leash stretch = 20+ feet of danger zone on your beach side.
True but if nobody is behind you who cares? It's all about having the awareness
ZOWIE!!! What a great video! Thanks so much for making this for us. Ditto on the calm voice and great tips. I live on a small lake and just bought my first SUP (at age 66). ☺ I absolutely love it! I'm a total rookie so your information and excellent video production are invaluable. I'm going to be out on the water as much as possible before Colorado's cold season sets in. I'm trying to prepare to take on the ocean in January in Kauai. I was told it's safest to stay PARALLEL to the waves initially. Is this correct? Also, do you have any recommendations on buying and using an ankle strap? One didn't come with my board. Thanks again. ☺
Hi Linda, thanks for the feedback. Hawaii in the winter can serious, I would recommend seeking a local guide. Leashes I change with the condtions, in bigger more powerful surf I prefer a coil leash that doesn't tug as hard on my leg.
Hi Linda I just got my first sup too at 56
Really enjoying it .
So helpful! Thanks for this!
Is that a Stretch?? Had no idea they were still shaping. I'll have to try some of these tips - I get knocked over when a jet ski comes within a 5-mile radius...
Yes it's a Stretch and yes still shaping: clayisland.com/my-gear-list
Great help thanks alot I have alot of anxiety about big waves I'm fine surfing on them but I'm scared to ge t out! One question would those techniques work on my 7.7 fish tail?
Nirvana Sup I hear you. I have felt anxious on a SUP in waves that I feel at ease on a prone board. Ummm I have yet to try my Simmons shape in bigger waves, I am more at home on a pulled in shape with more rocker. I know guys have gone out at OB up to double overhead on fishy shapes, unsure how they do it...maybe try the techniques in smaller waves first?
Hey Clayisland, what up great video explanation. What type of mount camera you have in your SUP?
Hi and thanks! I make my own bamboo camera mounts: clayisland.com/building-with-bamboo
Thank you for this video!
Awesome tips... cheers man
This is good stuff! Great work. Keep it up.
bjywong Thanks
Nicely presented clip. I remember all those anxieties first time I got a longboard, and reading the handbook, & asking 'stupid' questions in surf shops, 'how do I get out in big waves, mister?' heh...'If you can't get out you don't deserve to be out,' he'd say, the guru.
Isn't a paddle in your hand such a faff? I always feel sorry for the guys out back - standing when everybody around lies prone. Best be anonymous out there with all the bad guys :). If I was as fit & young as you I'd go get a longboard and then a 7 footer for the big stuff, learn to duck dive which is fun.
S'pose you get a nice glide on the SUP, all best, a very enjoyable delivery, thanks.
Mat Woolf I hear what you are saying. I hope to see you out there.
great video and explanation. thank you
Hey clay are you wearing an impact vest in some of the video. I surf alone a fair bit and am considering a vest and helmet. Solo surfs on rocky points cause me some anxiety!
Yes, the vest I like in smaller surf, in bigger more powerful surf it gets pulled over my head and traps my arms, for that I prefer the impact suit or wearing a vest under my wetsuit.
Clay - where are you paddleboarding? Reminds me of my home break. Great footage and insight..thank you!
Hi Scott, thanks! I mostly surf Ocean Beach. Where is your home break?
Pismo...although not quite the same as OB... however, it's a thumping beach break when we get a good swell!
Agreed. I have enjoyed surfing the pier a handful of times.
good stuff! thanks
Great material for development here! (and thanks for confirming I am on the right track with "Timing and Knee Paddling").
d cartier Thanks and you're welcome.
nice video! what kind of board are you riding on?
Great info thanks man
Great info👊🏼
patience and swallow your pride, so true.
Are these special boards they're using specifically for surfing? Or can you surf on any paddleboard with enough practice?
They are on race boards which suck for surfing. A surf sup made for riding waves is much better.
Cheers Dude!
real helpful! Thanks!!
Alex Bentley Excellent, you're welcome!