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

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.

 

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

 

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

 

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.

 

Never ever ever ditch your board

 

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!!

 

Re:

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 ??

 

Seriously?

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

 

big day paddle out

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.

 

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

 

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