I don't think kicking helps... I don't kick... Just get in the right spot and two paddles is all you need...
Appreciate the advice. I'll make attempts to start using the kick but I guess if it doesn't work out then so be it. Seems like alot of other seasoned surfers do just fine without it.
From the article it says it's more useful on short boards in BIG waves where your knees are in the water... What size board you riding? Also, it says if done poorly it will actually slow you down. The approx. 9% increase if done correctly on the right size board doesn't seem like it's worth it, unless you're riding a 5'10" in DOH waves. My guess is if you're not doing this correctly already, you aren't catching waves of this size yet. But that's not to say you won't be able to with practice. You'll get there though.
There's a video on YouTube of some dude/swimmer/surfer breaking down a clip of Mick fanning paddling like hell for a wave. Talks about the kick and all that. Give me a minute and I'll look for it. I don't kick myself. Maybe sometimes non intentionally. I find it throws me off and just feels unnatural. I do see allot of guys use it with success though. I'll stick with positioning/paddling.
get a regular long pair of speedo fins and do some kicking with a board (kick board that is) on your front, with out a board on your back, on your side without a board too... the one mistake that most people make is kicking from the knees (as far as swimming is concerned). the kick motion begins from the hip flexors and thighs/hamstrings and extends down the leg from there. this doesn't mean that you should keep your legs straight when you kick (the looser the joints the better actually) just don't begin the kick motion from the knees... check out this [video=youtube;S5MKDcQ6u9I]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5MKDcQ6u9I[/video] from about 7 years ago...it's fly kick, so not necessarily what you're looking for, but you can see how the kick begins at the hips (with an undulation, unlike freestyle kick) and extends down to the feet with with loose joints which is somewhat physiologically similar to freestyle kick. the biggest tip i can give you with kicking is the more you keep your feet in the water, the more water you kick (although they should exit slightly with a board, and do quite a bit on a surf board due to your body position).
i remember when the internet taught me how to surf. oh sorry, rewind, paddle. what the hell is up with $hit these days, dudes making videos on how to paddle, kids turning to youtube to learn fairy kicks. surf more. that said, i am new to making turkey sandwiches, anyone got a youtube tutorial for it? ive been trying for about 3 weeks and am feeling inferior
How do you kick enough to propel you with our kicking your board? How far back are you laying? In order to kick on my short board I would be laying way to far back to get the board moving.
and to the - youngster - who kicks hard and unnecessarily when near me and catching the wave..... i see it and i'm watching you. you don't want this behavior from me. i know how to ruin your sesh....and might if you choose unprovoked aggression.
your pier - thanks for the info! I do a drill to expand my lungs - I swim 10 strokes freestyle, then 5 strokes underwater breaststroke - x 8 near the end of a long ocean swim. It kind of simulates duckdiving an eight wave set. The first few are easy, but by the time you are done, it is a good lung workout.
Chipotle sweet pickles you say? bet that doesn't suck A little siracha/mayo mix never did anyone wrong either
