Paddling out on a longboard can be challenging. Longboards are big boards with lots of volume and as such, they’re nearly impossible to duck dive. Luckily, there are a few different techniques you can use to safely get your log out through the waves. In the above video, the gliding over, punching over, and turtle roll techniques are explained to help you more easily execute them in your own lineup.
Gliding Over
“To do this, you need to build up some momentum going into the wave. When the wave is about to get to you, move into a kind of extended cobra position and keep weight on your thighs or toes, letting the power of the whitewash wash past your body. This is a technique to use on a small day or as you begin to move out the back from the shore.”
Punching Over
“This technique is pretty fun and it’s great to use if you don’t feel like getting thrashed around underwater. First, paddle towards the wave and as the wave nears, sit toward the tail with the nose pointing up. Face directly towards the wave. Just before the wave gets to you and you feel yourself getting sucked into it, lunge forward, grabbing the rails, with your weight over your chest and onto the board. Once you’re back on the water quickly start up paddling again.”
Turtle Roll
“There are three things to keep in mind if you are wanting to do a successful turtle roll. One is to make sure your board is straight while doing it. Two is to have a firm grip with bent arms. Three is to simply handle and not to be afraid. It’s really important that once you deal with these waves, you get paddling quickly straight away so that you don’t get washed back towards the shore.
So, paddling into the wave, ensuring your board is straight and with a firm grip, you want to put pressure on one of your rails until you and your board flip over. You want to almost suction your board onto the water. Whilst underwater, you want to have a solid grip with bent arms as this helps you absorb the turbulence of the white water. Once you feel the wave has passed you, quickly flip your board back over, jump on as fast as possible, and get moving again.”
