How to improve your paddle

There’s an old saying in surfing: the best surfer isn’t always the one with the fanciest board, it’s often the one who paddles the best.

Whether you're just starting out or you've been surfing for years, improving your paddling technique is one of the quickest ways to catch more waves, stay out longer, and enjoy every session. The good news?

Efficient paddling isn't about having massive shoulders or endless fitness. It's about technique, positioning, and working with the ocean instead of fighting it.

Here are some simple ways to paddle smarter.

Find the Sweet Spot on Your Board

One of the biggest mistakes surfers make is lying too far forward or too far back.

If you're too far forward, the nose of your board will push water and slow you down. Too far back and your board drags through the water, creating unnecessary resistance. Aim to position yourself so the nose sits just above the surface of the water. Your board should glide effortlessly without ploughing or dragging. A quick tip: when you're paddling correctly, your board should feel like it's skimming across the water rather than pushing through it.

Keep Your Head Up

Your body naturally follows where your eyes are looking. Looking down at your board causes your hips to drop, increasing drag and making every paddle stroke harder than it needs to be.

Instead:

-Look toward the horizon.

-Keep your chest slightly lifted.

-Engage your lower back and core.

This creates a cleaner line through the water and helps maintain speed.

Take Long, Smooth Paddle Strokes

Many surfers try to paddle faster by taking short, frantic strokes. In reality, longer and more controlled strokes are far more efficient. Reach forward as far as comfortably possible, cup the water with your hand, then pull all the way through until your hand reaches your hip before exiting the water.

Think quality over quantity.

Each stroke should move you forward with purpose rather than simply splashing water around.

Use Your Whole Upper Body

Paddling isn't just an arm workout. Your shoulders, back, chest and core should all work together. Engaging your larger muscle groups reduces fatigue and gives you more power over longer sessions. Imagine you're pulling your body past your hand instead of simply pulling water backwards.

Relax Between Sets

One mistake many surfers make is paddling constantly. When there's no wave coming, take the opportunity to rest. Sit on your board, enjoy the view, conserve energy, and prepare for the next set. Efficient surfers know when to work hard and when to recover.

Time Your Paddle for the Wave

Catching waves isn't about sprinting as hard as possible at the last second. Start paddling early. Match the speed of the approaching wave before it reaches you. By the time the wave begins lifting your tail, you should already have momentum. This makes take-offs smoother and dramatically increases your wave count.

Improve Your Paddle Fitness

Like any skill, paddling gets easier with practice. A few simple exercises can make a noticeable difference:

-Swimming laps

-Resistance band exercises

-Push-ups

-Planks

-Shoulder mobility work

-Light rowing sessions

You don't need hours in the gym - even 20 minutes a few times each week can improve your endurance in the water.

Learn to Read the Ocean

Sometimes the easiest paddle isn't about being stronger - it's about choosing the smarter route. Watch where experienced surfers paddle out. Use channels where possible, avoid paddling directly into breaking waves, and work with rips instead of against them when it's safe to do so. Saving energy on the paddle out means you'll have more left for catching waves.

Paddle With Purpose

Every paddle stroke should have intent. Rather than rushing, focus on staying balanced, keeping your body streamlined, and maintaining a steady rhythm. The more efficient your paddling becomes, the less tired you'll feel and the more waves you'll catch throughout your session.

Final Thoughts

Surfing isn't won by the strongest paddler - it's won by the smartest one. Small improvements in technique can make a huge difference over the course of a session. Better positioning, smoother strokes, improved timing, and a little extra fitness all add up to more waves and more fun. So next time you paddle out, don't just think about the next wave. Think about how you're moving through the water. Because when your paddling improves, everything else in your surfing starts to fall into place.

Until next session... keep chasing clean lines, endless waves, and timeless days.