The Art of Efficient Paddling

Why Paddling Matters

You’ll spend most of your session paddling. Efficient technique saves energy, protects shoulders, and helps you catch more waves.

The Science of the Stroke

• Think lever and hydrofoil: hand/forearm generate lift, not just drag
• Maintain a high elbow (EVF) throughout the catch
• Enter hand at ~45°; set the catch then press water back

Finding Your Sweet Spot (Body Position)

• Chest just behind board center; chin up, eyes forward
• Quiet, streamlined body; legs together and relaxed
• Let the board plane; avoid pressing the nose down

The Breathing Connection

• Match breath to stroke rhythm to stay relaxed and powerful
• Breathe in at hand entry; breathe out during pull
• Aim for a sustainable rhythm you could hold for 20 minutes

Mastering the Duck Dive

• Start early; push the nose down and the tail with knee
• Get the whole board under the wave; body follows board
• Start motion 10–15 feet before the wave reaches you

Reading the Ocean

• Use rips to your advantage when paddling out
• Position intelligently to minimize wasted paddling
• Move less, catch more — strategy is free speed

What Most Surfers Get Wrong

• Treating paddling like swimming; different mechanics and goals
• Paddling too hard too often; seek relaxed, sustainable rhythm
• Ignoring legs for balance and control

How to Practice

• Short, focused sets: stroke mechanics, then breathing, etc.
• Film short clips to compare feel vs. reality
• Set clear goals for each paddling session

Equipment that Helps

• Board choice balances stability and glide for your conditions
• Wetsuit fit affects shoulder freedom and drag

Keeping Your Shoulders Healthy

• Rotate torso with each stroke to distribute load
• Stop if painful; don’t push through shoulder pain

The Complete Picture

Efficient paddling blends mechanics, strategy, and mindset. The goal isn’t to paddle harder — it’s to paddle smarter.

Efficient paddling is the foundation of everything else in surfing.