[colourblindhedgehog]

Hi All,
Im new to the forum but i think it best to start by confessing the distinct lack of any skill in the surfing department.

I am however determind to get back on the board properly this year (not easy in my area i can tell you ) having had a bit of a go, now and again over the years.

The main trouble i have found is that when paddling my muscles are getting fatigued before i even run out of puff, (I work out regularly at the moment so the strength should be there in theory, but i suppose i am a bit weighty a 15 stone)

All i know is when im paddling i often fell like no progress is being made, is technique a big factor. Paddling out seems ok to start with but paddling cross shore to change position or paddling back out after missing my take off proves a suprising challenge, I have spent a few evenings just practicing on flatish calm water and still seem to struggle to keep the momentum up.

Has anyone got any pointers for me because when i get to Newquay this summer i dont want to spend my sessions impersonating a really bad free diver, or a flabby bit of drift wood.

Thanks for enduring this long winded cry for help! And thanks for any help!

Glad to be here, and i'll be glad to get to Newquay this summer!
BEN.
Board: 7'4" Minimal

[Tricky23]

hey dude... i'm the same if i go any length of time not being in the water.

paddling strength is best built up simply by being in the water.

there is a book called 'fit to surf' out there which does specify specific exercises for paddling... its on amazon i think...so that may help you.

otherwise, like i said.. just spend as much time in the water as possible!

[jesster]

I understand that this thread is pretty old, but still, i'll have a bash.

Youre 15 stone and on a pretty small (relatively) 7'4" board. not the easiest to paddle i'm guessing, which may be why its taking more out of you. If youre out of the water for a long time between surfs, you might find it better to beg/steal or borrow a bigger/floatier board. you'd catch more waves because it'd be easier to paddle IMO. And more waves=more fun!

Out of the water, front crawl is handy but not completely surf-specific due to the back extension involved on a board. Press ups and plyo press ups are useful too, twin that with lots of stability ball core moves and work on abs and lower back. The book Fit to Surf is very good and advocates a lot of stretching too.

However, if you want to get paddle fit, the only way is to paddle on your board more! Enjoy!