Reaching the lineup quickly keeps energy for wave riding. Combine smart positioning with the right technique for conditions and board type.

Build this base: paddling efficiency to cover distance, paddling posture to keep shoulders safe and strokes long, and breath and relaxation to stay calm under sets.

Choose the Right Technique

Shortboards excel with duck dives. Longboards and funboards rely on turtle rolls and timing. Use what fits the board and moment.

Whitewater: Punch Through (Basic)

  • When it’s too shallow or too foamy to dive, punch through the whitewater
  • Time for the lull in energy, keep speed, lower your chest, and push through the foam

Shortboards: Duck Dive

  • Start early, press the nose down, then the tail with a knee
  • Get the whole board under the wave; body follows board

Longboards: Turtle Roll

  • Flip the board, hold rails, let the wave pass, then roll back over
  • Keep arms straight; protect shoulders

Positioning and Strategy

  • Read rips and channels to use free conveyor belts outward
  • Time sets; move during lulls, rest when sets unload
  • Angle between peaks rather than fighting the steepest area

Practice Flow

  1. Refine paddling mechanics in flat water
  2. Add angled paddling and board control
  3. Drill duck-dive (shortboards), turtle-roll (longboards), and punch-through for whitewater