2 tips worked wonders for my trashed neck, back and shoulders... One, surfing in Cali with one of the Paskowitz sons. He told me instead of swinging your arms wide while paddling, keep the elbow in tight when you pull your hands out of the water, (like a chicken wing) then straight up the side of your board for the reentry. You can drive your hands in deeper and you take the stress off you neck and shoulders. Add an "S" turn under your board on your pull. Like a freestyle stroke. Second, from Yoga for Surfers III. Be aware of strain not only when paddling but sitting on your board waiting for sets. If you hunch, and round your back, you increase difficulty of breathing and lower your O2. Sit more middle of the board and keep your back straight, deep breathing the whole time. Gives me more endurance. Plus, this really helped my shoulders: www.surfbodyfitness.com/shouldertraining
Constant pain = call the PT or Chiropractor. Works for me and I've got 10+ years on you. As far as head up and paddle sooner / stronger - that'd be affirmative. I've also been leaving the 8' fun shape in the garage and got a 6'10"'er that i've been corking it late and cheating down the line. Late drop = less paddling = less pain
