Learn to Surf: Catch a Wave

A surfer riding a wave has the right of way over a surfer paddling out. If you think you are going to collide while paddling out, dive under the wave to avoid the surfer coming at you.

For beginners the best way to learn to stand up and turn is to practice in the broken white water of the waves. As you improve, you will move further out to catch the waves before they have broken, watching the horizon for swell. The waves to catch here are those that break from left to right or right to left. Riding the wave as it breaks.

When you have improved, and are ready for the unbroken waves. Start paddling well before the swell gets to you, bringing your speed close to that of the approaching swell. As you feel the swell rise beneath you, paddle harder. If the swell is quite flat with little slope, you are too early for the wave and no matter how hard you paddle you won’t be able to catch it. If the wave is step and almost about to break, you are too late and will end up riding the wave in the whitewater.

More on Surfing, Step one: learn to Paddle and Stand