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The Journey Towards Having More FUN Surfing

Surfing means different things to different people, but should always remain at its core

Fun

Lack of progression and fatigue leads to frustration which then leads to an unpleasant lineup. Nobody wants that. The first step in thwarting this downward spiral is to improve your entire surfing experience, from the pre-surf ritual, paddling out, deciding on a spot to surf, making adjustments, choosing the wave for you, riding with flow, kicking out, sharing with others, and finally exiting the water to talk story with others afterwards. At its root, to have more fun means to improve. It doesn't matter where you start in this journey of progression, from novice to pro, you can always improve and enjoy the experience of surfing just a little ... bit ... more.

Birdwell Beach Britches Interview by Jamie Brisick

surfing paddling technique Aug 01, 2019

Surf culture is difficult to get your head around sometimes. The term "Hardcore" specifically. This term is very common where I grew up and within the general surf population. What does it really mean? It truly depends on how is saying it.

When I was young, "hardcore" meant a surfer who shunned any assistance, charged waves without fear, and surfed all the time. And for many surfers, this is still a base definition. But that is slowly changing and I'm once again honored to be featured in an article by a "hardcore" surfer representing a "hardcore" brand. Well, maybe Birdwell wouldn't be considered hardcore by the above definition, but certainly has a deep connection to surf history and I'm honored nonetheless.

Jamie Brisick, whose bio you can read below, did a great job at consolidating all of the many thoughts in my head into a clear and concise article. And trust me, my words did not come out that clear when we spoke!

In this article, I talk about some of the biggest ...

Sprint Paddling - as featured on Surfline

surfing paddling technique Jul 01, 2019

I have been honored to be featured on Surfline a few times.

In this article, I shared some knowledge on Sprint Paddling (or Paddling to Catch a Wave).

Here is the article in case you missed it. It has several videos that go along with it:

Stroke For Your Stoke

Let me know if you have any questions!

Surfer's Journal article on paddling

surfing paddling technique Jun 01, 2019

If you don't subscribe to Surfer's Journal, you're missing out on loads of knowledge and information to help your surfing.

I was incredibly grateful to be interviewed for a paddling article Dean LaTourrette wrote. Volume 24 Number 6, pages 15-16. Jaime Mitchell bestows some simple tips for you that are spot on.

No URL link this time - hard copy only!! Get out there and grab a few Journals and enjoy!

Cheers,

Rob

Featured The Inertia Article

surfing paddling technique May 01, 2019

I had such a blast being interviewed for this one. There was something about it that made it extra special. Maybe because it featured one of my earliest videos on paddling technique.

Did you know that thanks to the comments I received on this video, I decided to leave my full time consulting job to pursue a job that was not even created yet (as a paddling coach)? I know, crazy. But I'm so glad that I did because I get to work with some of the best people in the world.

Shortly after a webinar I conducted, I was contacted by the author of this article. She gained so much helpful information from the webinar that she wanted to feature me in her next article. I was very honored and grateful.

Here it is, in all it's glory.

Top 3 Ways to Paddle Like Kelly Slater article

Enjoy!

Surfing Paddling Academy Surf Trip Indonesia 2019

surf trip Apr 22, 2019

“I caught the best wave of my life and I have no doubt it was because of your paddling coaching.” – Garry H

The crystal blue water rose closer and closer to the sky in front of me. The sun’s light seemed to get darker with each moment. “In 2, hold 2, out 2, 3, 4, 5…” I focused on my breathe and making sure to conserve energy. This was going to be a romping. Stay calm. Don’t fight it. The wave detonated in front of me, sending whitewater twice the height of the wave I saw moments before. After traveling thousands of miles along the roaring forties and raging fifties, then up into the Indian Ocean, the wave unleashed all of its energy at me and boy, did I feel it. We’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto.

Garry, setting up (photo by Earl)

And Thomas setting up (among the coconut trees)

Every time I run a Surf Trip I get nervous. I get nervous not because I don’t think the participants can handle the surf, nor because I think it’s not

...

Surf Simply Podcast

surfing paddling technique Jun 28, 2017

Surf Simply Podcast Surfing Paddling Technique

One of the most fun things I get to do is work with surfers on improving their surfing paddling technique, which in turn helps with their energy efficiency, power, and overall surfing experience.

In this surf simply podcast, I had the opportunity to share a few nuggets of information on paddling technique as well as nerd out on the technical side of paddling a surfboard.

Listen in by clicking here

Hope you enjoy and learn something new...

Cheers,

Rob

Learn to Paddle Like World Champion John John Florence

surfing paddling technique Apr 24, 2017

John john Florence Sprint Paddling Technique

John John Florence is a great example of a strong paddler. In this video, John John Florence Sprint Paddling Technique, we investigate some key elements of a sprint paddling technique, which is slightly different than a regular paddling stroke. When do we sprint? Catching a wave, avoiding getting caught inside, or battling for priority in a competition.

Even though we spend less than 5% of our paddling time sprinting, it's a pretty important aspect to our arsenal!

The video goes more into detail of the following John John Florence Sprint Paddling Technique. Here is a summary:

Entry angle is steeper. When sprinting as opposed to regular paddling, the Lift phase (or the first phase) of the underwater armstroke is shortened because in this scenario, we’re really focused on getting our hand and forearm to the front propulsive phase of the stroke which is the second phase of the underwater armstroke.
Keeping the elbow high

Why is Surfing Addictive?

surfing Mar 23, 2017

Do I have A Surfing Addiction?

@surf_coach posed the question "why is surfing addictive" on Instagram and it got me thinking. Why IS surfing so addictive? So I did what I always do when I get curious – I did some research.

I had to start with “what is addiction?” before I tried to reason what makes something addictive. Addiction is a heavy topic and has endless resources that send you to drug, alcohol, sex, and even shopping addiction. I didn’t think my surfing addiction was that bad…but drug and alcohol addicts don’t think they have it bad either.

There were numerous sources discussing the science behind addiction, such as what happens in the brain when the addiction makes a shortcut to the brain’s reward system. Then the brain makes sure it happens again and again, laying down memories of the quick sense of satisfaction, and then creating a conditioned response to certain stimuli. Cue - Behavior - Reward. A habit is just formed. Our noggins are gnarly.

After searchin...

The Most Common Surfing Paddling Fallacy

surfing paddling technique Jan 13, 2017

Every once in a while I hear someone provide a paddling technique which I would consider the most common mistaken belief. How many of you have been told this exact thing?Check it out...

The Best Way to Improve Your Surfing For Tomorrow

surfing fitness Sep 14, 2016

There is no way you are doing this. It's the #1 technique to improve your next surf, and I never see anyone doing it.

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