Paddling out in Big Surf with Bodyboard? It seems impossible..

[ferrari4756]

Hey guys i'm more into surfing now but I still bodyboard from time to time. New Jersey got about 12 foot waves with the Hurricane Bill swell and i tried to paddle out with my bodybaord.

Its sooo hard. How do you guys get out there with a bodyboard in like 15 foot waves? I had fins on too...

It seems to me that a bodyboard just isnt fast enough to get out there because by th etime i do im into the jetty.

[Scarecrow]

Good question.

15 foot waves! LOL! I have a hard enough time getting out in 5 foot. Some days I can barely get out at all, if it's too choppy, or if the waves are dumping over the sandbar at low tide.

Getting out there is the hardest thing about bodyboarding for me. You just have to have a lot of strength and stamina, I guess.

[Swellinfo]

the difference between paddling on a bodyboard and a surfboard i huge.

A bodyboard just doesn't cut through the waves like the pointed nose of a shortboard.

But, the advantage bodyboarders have, is we can use both legs and arms. You end up relying heavily on the legs with the long paddle outs. Full body workout for sure.

[Ballbags]

It's really all about proper duck diving, so practice submerging your board as deep as possible (you can do this in a swimming pool), and also work on your paddling techniques, using your arms and legs to gain momentum as you approach your dives, etc. Once your board is submerged, kick with your swim fins to help dive deeper, and also kick throughout the dive to help penetrate the waves energy and stay low as the white water passes over you before you surface. Try to get yourself and the board as far underneath the wave as possible. Use those jetties to your advantage and time big sets, use rips, etc. Like anything else, practice! Best thing about bodyboarding is that its easy to get started, and you could spend a lifetime trying to master it. Good luck!

[djkmais]

Timing of the sets is also a key thing. You have to be close to where the waves are breaking when the set is finishing. Sometimes it is very tough especially as the waves get bigger.

I complete agree with the full work out and trying to give an extra thrust while duckdiving.

Good Luck and Don't Give Up!

DjKmais

[Sponger4Ever]

This season allowed me to really push what I had learned in my long lasted 3 year bout at BBing (LOL!!). Well at least a few select times. Bill & Danny taught me I was truly trained and prepared to charge TS/Hurricanes....the paddle out was a cinch...not to brag but it was. The hard part was committing to the 12 foot close out that I really wanted to charge but didn't have the 'balls' to charge for a lack of better words. I'm new at this and proudly a women of 34 years...I'm not stopping though and plan to be the best I can be at this phenomenal sport. If I f-up and drown doing so, believe me it was meant to be. :eek: Enjoy the upcoming surf and winter (my favorite time to BB!).

[i charge large]

[QUOTE=ferrari4756;45196]
Its sooo hard. How do you guys get out there with a bodyboard in like 15 foot waves? I had fins on too...

HAHA! I thought it was the other way around. I can't understand how surfers manage to make it out on big wave days. How do surfers do it? Especially longboarders!

[i charge large]

This season allowed me to really push what I had learned in my long lasted 3 year bout at BBing (LOL!!). Well at least a few select times. Bill & Danny taught me I was truly trained and prepared to charge TS/Hurricanes....the paddle out was a cinch...not to brag but it was. The hard part was committing to the 12 foot close out that I really wanted to charge but didn't have the 'balls' to charge for a lack of better words. I'm new at this and proudly a women of 34 years...I'm not stopping though and plan to be the best I can be at this phenomenal sport. If I f-up and drown doing so, believe me it was meant to be. :eek: Enjoy the upcoming surf and winter (my favorite time to BB!).


:) Yoohooo! That is good to hear. I wish my mom would do that. You are awesome! And I understand how you felt out in Bill. Gighnormous close-outs but I charged them for like 3 seconds before total close-out. 'cus I did not want to paddle out again (it was difficult :eek: ).

[i charge large]

It's really all about proper duck diving, so practice submerging your board as deep as possible (you can do this in a swimming pool), and also work on your paddling techniques, using your arms and legs to gain momentum as you approach your dives, etc. Once your board is submerged, kick with your swim fins to help dive deeper, and also kick throughout the dive to help penetrate the waves energy and stay low as the white water passes over you before you surface. Try to get yourself and the board as far underneath the wave as possible. Use those jetties to your advantage and time big sets, use rips, etc. Like anything else, practice! Best thing about bodyboarding is that its easy to get started, and you could spend a lifetime trying to master it. Good luck!

I could not agree more. Your one paragraph sums up a lot about what I think of bodyboarding.
Keep sponging y'all! :D

[matoo76]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks it is very difficult. I am 33 now and spent some years away from bobyboarding. I tried to get out yesterday at Belmar, NJ and had no luck. I was sucking wind and was very tired going out to begin with. I think a lot has to do with strength and stamina. Duck diving helps, but when wave after wave is coming through, man. The ocean can really humble you. I am gonna start this training regimen. Here is the link::cool:

http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/surfitness--multidimensional-conditioning-for-surfers/1006646

[grande gallo]

practice, practice.

[Belmar_Bodyboarder]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks it is very difficult. I am 33 now and spent some years away from bobyboarding. I tried to get out yesterday at Belmar, NJ and had no luck. I was sucking wind and was very tired going out to begin with. I think a lot has to do with strength and stamina. Duck diving helps, but when wave after wave is coming through, man. The ocean can really humble you. I am gonna start this training regimen. Here is the link::cool:

http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/surfitness--multidimensional-conditioning-for-surfers/1006646

I agree I'm not from Belmar but I, Bodyboard belmar most of the Spring/Summer/Fall and during the winter months I stay a little closer to home. I live in Keansburg so I hit up MB, Deal, and them places before I take the ride too Belmar, and boy out of all them places Belmar is problaly the hardest place too paddle out in. Between the undertoe, the rip and the tide running, sometimes it takes me a little while to get out but its worth the paddle out just don't take the wrong wave and get sucked back too the beach because if its not the summer and theres girls laying out on the beach theres not point of resting for a little bit :D.

Goodluck with your training program, Lift lift lift.

[EastCoastBodyBoarder]

idk im 14 and i got out in bill i was just llucky there was a jetty so i could drift with the rip

[ECsponger]

Dive deep, grab the sandbar and hold on. I find myself ditching the board every now and then and going into full-spread legs and arms stretched out in order to not be sucked over once I am getting hammered. But while duck-diving, big breaths, relax, let the motion take you under the wave and pop up to the top, surface as quick as possible in order to start paddling immediately, cause you know another one is coming, :D

Days like Noel, Ernesto, and Hannah (Assateague) really gotta commit to making it out there. I was mashed to bits attempting to get out in Noel, thankfully, rips occur around groins, but the thrashing I got was life-threatening. I was very under-prepared that day :o

Oh, diagonal paddle-out with the current will help out a lot too. Keep spongin'!

[spongedude]

spongeboards ARE slower but also less mass to fight heavy surf, and frankly i can jump off and dive through and let the leash bring the board through the wave or wash ( i hold on....not trusting the velcro....)...if yer tired you can also turtle and pull the nose toward yer head and the wave will force the board ...and you ...under and pass you by....in theory anyway (if you don't, the board will get ripped out of your hands). i also use webbed gloves...it makes a difference....

[no6rider89]

spongeboards ARE slower but also less mass to fight heavy surf, and frankly i can jump off and dive through and let the leash bring the board through the wave or wash ( i hold on....not trusting the velcro....)...if yer tired you can also turtle and pull the nose toward yer head and the wave will force the board ...and you ...under and pass you by....in theory anyway (if you don't, the board will get ripped out of your hands). i also use webbed gloves...it makes a difference....

i heard those webbed gloves cause cramps like no other?

[dbiz135]

i heard those webbed gloves cause cramps like no other?

I have used the webbed gloves alot in the past and while they do add stress to your shoulders and back muscles, they propel you alot further with each stroke. It is important to use proper form when paddling and dont over extent your strokes. Keep them short and shallow and let the gloves do the work for you. After a couple of months using them your back and shoulder muscles will be much stronger and you wont need them as much.:cool:

[mikeb2056]

spongeboards ARE slower but also less mass to fight heavy surf, and frankly i can jump off and dive through and let the leash bring the board through the wave or wash ( i hold on....not trusting the velcro....)...if yer tired you can also turtle and pull the nose toward yer head and the wave will force the board ...and you ...under and pass you by....in theory anyway (if you don't, the board will get ripped out of your hands). i also use webbed gloves...it makes a difference....

When you said "hold on not trusting the velcro". What do you hold onto? The leash or the board?

[basscaptain]

NEVER NEVER NEVER take your board into a pool, thats just plain retarded! And for paddling out, u need to just have alot of endurance and use your arms. I still remember one day that it was dumping with crazy current out hear in NC, and i saw 5 surfers just sitting on the beach just watching the swell. I took it apon myself to get out there... it took me about 10-15mins of constant paddling/ducking to get out and constant paddling to just maintain my position. Needless to say i got 3 sets in until i was pulling to much speed off the waves and lost one of my fins... it ruined my day... now i live by fin leashes lol

[MaxG72]

On big days like those approaching in the next couple of days, I switch fins. Imo, large scuba fins WORK and take less effort than small bb fins, plus you save your arms the wear and tear. Obviously this isn't for dk, I only ride prone. Anyway it may sound foolish but the thrust generated from larger fins is a huge plus in huge surf. Saved my ass countless times.

[mikeb2056]

On big days like those approaching in the next couple of days, I switch fins. Imo, large scuba fins WORK and take less effort than small bb fins, plus you save your arms the wear and tear. Obviously this isn't for dk, I only ride prone. Anyway it may sound foolish but the thrust generated from larger fins is a huge plus in huge surf. Saved my ass countless times.

Totally agree. I use big fins after buying a pair of small bodyboard fins. NO COMPARISON. Snorkeling fins are way better and give much better thrust. Unless you ride dk, no reason to use short fins. Twice the work with 1/2 as much trust with short fins on a long paddle out into the lineup. You do have to get used to the big fins though. Different technique required.

[VBwaver]

Just build up and go out on smaller days and practice your duck dive and if you still dont have them down when a another big swell comes there is always the option of ditchig your board and swimming under. but you mite look like a kook but once your out there it doesnt matter

[steven]

Hey guys i'm more into surfing now but I still bodyboard from time to time. New Jersey got about 12 foot waves with the Hurricane Bill swell and i tried to paddle out with my bodybaord.

Its sooo hard. How do you guys get out there with a bodyboard in like 15 foot waves? I had fins on too...

It seems to me that a bodyboard just isnt fast enough to get out there because by th etime i do im into the jetty.

In my experiance, its all about timing, paddling like hell and lying about the size of the waves! ha

[ND081]

When you said "hold on not trusting the velcro". What do you hold onto? The leash or the board?

he means he actually grabs the leash with his hand, because if the wave has enough force, your board can get ripped away from you. happened to me one time when 4 huge sets came in as I was paddling out. I didnt know what to do so i just slid off my board and swam under the wave, forgetting to grab the leash. the board got ripped off and washed down to the next beach so I had to swim in from the impact zone. not fun.

[MaxG72]

Never ever ever ditch your board :)

[dalebodyboard]

yeahh, i have gone out on 13 foot days in cali, its just all about timing the set waves, sit out there and watch the waves for a good 10-15 minutes and get the feel of how long the period is between sets and work on duck diving.. and use all limbs while pattling out, pretty harsh work out but its diffenitly worth it!!

[Janet12]

Been trying to but can't seem to neither. I try to use some of my 'skateboard skills' but to no avail ! Any videos online that can show us how to do so ??

[notjamee]

Hey guys i'm more into surfing now but I still bodyboard from time to time. New Jersey got about 12 foot waves with the Hurricane Bill swell and i tried to paddle out with my bodybaord.

Its sooo hard. How do you guys get out there with a bodyboard in like 15 foot waves? I had fins on too...

It seems to me that a bodyboard just isnt fast enough to get out there because by th etime i do im into the jetty.


I've never heard of such a thing. I can get out in any size surf with my bodyboard. I surf 95% of the time and it is much harder to paddle out on a surf board. You are either doing something terribly wrong or have gear that shouldnt be out in that surf. I suggest getting V5's if you want to get serious about bodyboarding. Best thrust and the best rail of any fin.

[richp12]

I've never heard of such a thing. I can get out in any size surf with my bodyboard. I surf 95% of the time and it is much harder to paddle out on a surf board. You are either doing something terribly wrong or have gear that shouldnt be out in that surf. I suggest getting V5's if you want to get serious about bodyboarding. Best thrust and the best rail of any fin.

bodyboarding if FCUKIN G@Y bro try surfing

[reefbreak]

here is my method: first i try to ignore the giant butterflies in my gut, then I walk out as far as possible then turn over on my back holding the leash very near the board so it is right on top of me. Kicking on my back is much easier than paddling and kicking on the board and it saves your arms for when you get further out. I count 3 or more surges of white water in this position, you are mostly under water and basically doing a upside down shallow duck dive through each surge while holding the board tight to you. then turn over get on the board and paddle giving my legs a rest, duck hard and deep even bail and dive for the bottom hoping my board at least part way under the surface and the leash holds to get through the impact zone. then paddle and kick steady not all out, getting far enough outside so if a set comes hopefully i am out far enough not to get worked by it.

here is an important piece of advice and it applies in any situation where you are exerting yourself... Breath before you need to. hyperventilate to charge your blood with oxygen so it is there when you need it.

also know your limits don't be afraid to give up and try again later it seems to me the first paddle out is the hardest, once you are warmed up you can paddle harder and longer.

and... train for big days in a pool (see my post on swim training) this will not only build your endurance but it will give you confidence.

[SignfcntOthr]

Just build up and go out on smaller days and practice your duck dive and if you still dont have them down when a another big swell comes there is always the option of ditchig your board and swimming under. but you mite look like a kook but once your out there it doesnt matter

Definitely agree. The more you do the easier it'll become because you'll build up confidence, stamina, ability and knowledge.

[nickbeezy]

i find that stretching out really good before i paddle out helps alot when i go to paddle out especially in big surf.

timing is also very important as to when you should get in the water, you dont want to paddle out as soon as the sets are rolling in. you will kill yourself fighting against every wave.

instead of combating against the waves, find the riptide and take it straight out to sea, i find this most useful sometimes not even getting my head wet lol.

pushing yourself all the way until you make it to the outside of the surf and getting time to rest is what gets me through

practicing sprints up a stair set helps me to train my body for short rapid burst of leg movement kind of like getting through the surf