Top Surf Ski Paddling Tips

1. The arm that is punching forward, must be kept at eye level.

2. When paddling correctly, you should be exercising your stomach and mid/lower back and lats.

3. If your arms are getting tired quickly, you are doing something wrong. Your arms are used to place the paddle in the correct position. Once the paddle blade is in the correct position you should use your stomach, back and lateral muscles to twist from the waist.

4. When you bury the blade, in order to initiate your twist, concentrate on pushing your foot (same side) onto your pedal to give yourself the leverage to unleash the power of the twist.

5. Ask other paddlers about your stroke, we have all been through it! You will find that anyone with a Surf Ski will help you with your stroke.
Surf Ski Paddling Techniques

Paddle Efficiently!

Sit straight up in the boat and lean slightly forward. Imagine a rod running down your spine and into the ski, that will not allow you to lean forward or back. Extend both arms at eye level (with the paddle in your hands). Now attempt to place one of the blades of your paddle in the water, next to the ski, as far toward the nose of the ski as possible. Now the only way you can get the blade further toward the nose of the ski, is to twist from the waste. Herein lies the secret of great paddlers.

Now bury that blade in the cool blue ocean, and initiate your stroke by twisting from the waste. Keep the arm that is extended locked at the elbow. All the power of your stroke comes from the first 40cm of your stroke i.e. from where you bury the blade, to in line with your upper thigh.

If you continue further with your stroke (i.e. past your waist) two things will happen:

1. You will pull yourself off balance
2. You will be slowing the Surf Ski down

Keep your shoulders relaxed, and don't lean back in the surf ski. Lean slightly forward!