Sometimes just paddling straight out to the lineup isn't an option. I've had two separate occasions in south jersey where I snuck out the back had a few waves too far inside and struggled to get back out, specifically a big swell in ac with incoming tide. If there is a jetty or pier I've noticed especially tonight it kind of slings you out to the lineup with the right tide I guess. Anyone have any options on how they deal with an extremely hard paddle out or how the rip works?
AC is a decent paddle out. Just know your break and use as little energy paddling out as possible even if you get caught inside. I try to not strain myself at all on the way out even if it I get pounded because I always want that energy when paddling for waves. A perfect paddle out is one duck dive IMO. Use the piers to your advantage never paddle straight at the waves.
Look for the currents in the water. With a trained eye you can find a spot that is favorable with structure. With just sandbars it can suck because many times the spot you picked to suck you out can turn on you fast. If there is a lateral drift paddle out on the driftward side of a structure because the water pools on the inside and then sucks out there and will take you with it. Walk yourself out as much as possible.....if there is a sandbar walk paddle walk paddle. do not paddle out right where the waves are because then by the time you make it out you will be exhausted and the drift will have taken you out of position. Paddle out up the current and let the rip and current hone you right to the peak!
Learn to spot rips. Look on the web at google images or something Use the rip to your advantage. Time out your paddle out. Just be patience. Wait and wait specially if it's big. Watch the sets coming in down the beach too- cause they will eventually come in where your paddling out. Like if it's a south swell and you see a huge set come in just south of you (next jetty). Same set will come at you shortly. Could be 2 min could be 15 depending on the swell. Be careful of the current at the tip of the jetty if you paddle along side it. Sometimes with a sand bar you can get pinned there- when all you have to do to get out is paddle diagonal away from the jetty. Watch where other surfers paddle out. Saw some kids tonight just run down to the water and jump in without watching. There where rips all around them cept where they went. The one kid totally got worked and caught inside... It takes time and experience. Learn from your mistakes.
watch people paddle-out. watch until you feel you're ready. it can be 30 seconds or 15 minutes. watch them get worked, and watch them get carted on a sweet water escalator (rip). you want the latter option. like homeboy above said, preserve your energy, but don't paddle like a pansy either. also, when you think you're toast, and you want to turn around and sit on the beach, don't do it yet. chill out for a few seconds and get your breath etc. once you collect your thoughts and let a set wash over you, your chances of getting out increase. only quit when you feel like you're in deep sh'ite.
I didn't say do that either just wanted some tips so next time I don't get worked as hard not an inexperienced surfer just trying to get to know more
All good advice so far. Just to add, time your paddle out....then paddle like all hell. There are days where the paddle out is a beech but if you time it right you can get out with a dry noggin. Also just surf allot, it will help you to learn what to look for when paddling out as well as increasing your paddle strength/endurance
The location of your duck dive is very important I've found too, paddle for the lip that's already crumbling and not that heavy slam section of the wave
I would prefer a 10 foot wave that has broken 50 feet away from me then a 5 foot wave that has broken 5 feet away from me.
learn to surf jettys... it makes paddling out in sizable surf so much easier. today you wanted the jetty to your left because there were lefts all day. if you had a jetty to your right you'd be caught in a rip. so today i started out literally feet from the jetty (on my left) and paddled out... duck dove twice but waves don't really crash around a jetty, there's a little pocket where the jetty protects you. its hard to explain but you have to identify which side of the jetty is running and paddle down the opposite... and when i say left side i mean south side and right side means north side
Sometimes there is no quick way out if it's pretty big and it a matter of luck. I mean **** sometimes it goes wrong like today at satellite beach man took me like 20minutes if not longer each paddle out.
