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INTRODUCTION TO STAND UP PADDLE SURF (SUP)

Stand Up Paddle Surf is an ancient form of gliding in which the navigator uses a

paddle to move through the water while standing upright on a surfboard. SUP

originated with the Polynesian peoples. The Hawaiian translation is Ku Hoe

He‟e NALU: to stand up, to paddle, and to navigate a wave. Its popularity as a

modern sport has its epicentre in the Hawaiian Islands.

SUPs most recent history dates back to the 1960s when Beach Boys (surf

instructors) on Waikiki beach used longboards and rudimentary canoe paddles

to take photographs of the tourists who were learning to surf. This is where the

term “Beach Boy Surf” was coined. As standing on the board gave instructors

better visibility and enabled them to easily warn of the arrival of incoming swells.

Remaining in an upright position meant that they could see the waves long

before the surfers. As time went by, board design and trends changed. The

paddle was an important element but was lost in the history of surfing. Only a

few surfers in Waikiki continued to use the paddle but its use largely

disappeared.

At the beginning of 2000, Hawaiian surfers such as Dave Kalama, Brian

Keaulana, Archir Kalepa and Laird Hamilton started to practice SUP as an

alternative way of training on those days when they could not surf. They

discovered that Stand Up Paddle Surf helped them to keep fit for the major days

of tow-in surfing adding also a new dimension to their skills.

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Over the years they found themselves competing at events such as the Molokai

Oahu Paddleboard Race y Makaha la Junta Big Surf Classic. Nowadays many

SUPers participate in „Canoe & Paddleboard‟ events and even have their own

RACE and WAVE circuits.

One of the differences between modern day surfing and SUP is that the latter

does not need waves to practice. In SUP, paddling can be practiced in the open

sea, in harbours, lakes, rivers or any large body of water. One of the

advantages of Stand Up Paddle Surf is the angle of visibility. Due to the height

and two-legged stance on the water, both the bottom and the surface are visible

which leads to better visualisation of the aquatic characteristics which we

WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO SEE in any other way.

RESPECT!

Modern Stand Up Paddle Surf boards make it possible to catch a wave long

before other surfers. This is a great advantage but can lead to problems of

crowding in the water and overcrowding during lulls. Try not to steal all the

waves. Ride a few then let a few pass under your board. Use your elevated

position to warn other surfers about incoming swells. Use your paddle to visit

other peaks.

In Hawaii, this is called "Surfing with ALOHA". It is not difficult to do but

means that, as the sport grows, SUPers and surfers will be respected by other

people in the water. Don‟t be greedy out there. Show respect to gain respect!

CONTENTS:

- EQUIPMENT.

- REGULATIONS.

- TECHNIQUES.

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EQUIPMENT

1. SUP MONITOR DUTIES REGARDING EQUIPMENT

SUP LEVEL 1 Monitors will have the following duties:

Knowing the characteristics of equipment for beginners and exactly

what will be used in their sessions.

Keeping up to date with new equipment meant for beginning SUP

practice which appears on the market.

Investigating and knowing about other equipment on the market even

if not specifically designed for SUP but which could be used in the

initiation sessions for beginners in this sport.

Dedicate at least part of the 1st and 2nd sessions to explaining to the

learners the basic characteristics of the equipment and regulations for

the equipment they will be using throughout the course.

Check the equipment at the beginning and end of each session /

course.

Inform the manager of the school of the number and condition of the

equipment at the beginning and end of each course / season. They

will also have to decide and inform the manager of which equipment

needs attention or repairs, as well as pointing out needs for new

equipment.

Give information to pupils who wish to purchase their own beginners

equipment.

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SUP BOARD

A – Parts of a SUP Board

All SUP boards have common elements.

NOSE: the front or point of the board. The shape varies, with some

boards having a sharp point (shortboards) and others having a round

point (longboards).

STANCE: SUP boards have a central area named Stance or

Navigation, where the edges of the rails are rounded to make turning

easier. This is the area in which the board‟s volume is greatest

guaranteeing good floatability.

TAIL: the rear part or tail of the board. As with the stance, the shape

may vary but more widely since the shape of the tail is fundamental

and gives the board specific characteristics. The tail has a part called

a plug which is cylindrical in shape and is pierced by a small metal

bar to which the protection for the edges is gripped.

There are different kinds of tail:

a) ROUNDED: this shape allows boards to turn smoothly.

b) SQUARE: this shape makes for more nervous turns.

c) SHARP / Angular shapes: used in large boards and also in very small

boards, such as „pinchos‟ or guns, some of the „evolutivo‟ boards and

also fish boards.

Pintail: is rounded but slightly pointed and used on boards for very large waves

Swallow or fish: specifically for very short boards and small boards. Their main

characteristic is their great manoeuvrability.

d) Other possibilities, resulting from a combination of all the above

shapes.

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DECK: top side of the board where body and feet stand.

BOTTOM: underside of the board which facilitates gliding.

ROCKER: all boards have a slight curve which can be larger or

smaller varies depending on the characteristics we wish to give the

board. Generally speaking, the Rocker of a board produces the

following:

- Short boards tend to have a larger Rocker which gives them greater

manoeuvrability, but slows them down on the wave.

- Large boards tend to have a smaller Rocker which decreases

manoeuvrability but increases speed on the wave.

The Rocker, in turn, is divided into two parts:

a) Nose Kick: curve at the front

b) Tail Kick: curve at the back

RAILS: these are the edges of the board and they given the qualities

they bring to the board can be:

Pointed or Hard: the board is more stable in the wall of the wave as

the edge penetrates deeper into the water.

Rounded or Soft: the board is less stable; the edge has greater

volume and does not penetrate the water so deeply.

Mixed: a combination of the above along each edge.

FINS: gills are the parts shaped like fins which are attached to the

bottom at the tail. Their function is to direct the water that goes under

the board when gliding. There are different sizes. In general terms:

Small: suitable for weak waves and small boards. The smaller they

are, the more manoeuvrable the board.

Large: suitable for large, powerful waves and large boards. The larger

they are, the less manoeuvrable the board.

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B – SUP Board measurements

All boards have their own size and measurements which characterise both their

shape and their performance on the water. These measurements are written,

generally, on the underside of the board, either on the soul or directly in

polyurethane and by hand with a pencil or felt tip. Many shapers write the

measurement in inches but they may also appear in centimetres.

Below we will explain the parameters of the measurements:

1. – Length: measured from the tail to the nose on the underside and over the

soul.

2. – Width: the perimeter is measured across the middle of the board.

3. – Thickness: this is the width of the soul at the middle point.

C – Types of Boards.

If we go back in time to the island of Hawaii, we find there were only two types

of board: the Olo, for the chiefs, and the Alai, for the people. Both were made

out of solid wood, the making of a surfboard was a cultural event. Since then up

until today, surfboards have evolved in many ways and with many different

materials. They are manufactured in large quantities due to the high demand of

the surfing population.

Knowing the different types of SUP boards is essential in order to choose the

right one. This depends on the several parameters:

- The level of SUP

- Size and weight

- SUP Surf style

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Stand Up Paddle Surf boards are specifically designed to be ridden in a

standing position while we use a paddle to move. The characteristics and

measurements vary depending on the SUP modality we want to practice

(Waves, Fitness or Race). Long boards glide better due to their length. The

shorter a board is, the better it responds to pressure from the feet, support with

the paddle and changes in direction.

THE PADDLE

There are three types of paddle and they are made either of wood, aluminium,

fibreglass or carbon:

WAVE: The paddle is in the shape of a drop of water. This facilitates a good

grip and support when gliding through the wave at high speed.

FITNESS: The basic characteristic is that the base of the paddle is straight

which makes the paddling action very powerful. This makes it an ideal paddle

for calm waters and initiation to waves.

RACE: This is a combination of the two above models but is quite thinner which

reduces its resistance to water. These paddles are used for long crossings (25-

32 miles).

THERE ARE THREE PARTS TO THE PADDLE:

- Blade: the part that enters the water and propels via resistance to the

water.

- Shaft: the paddle mast which is gripped by user.

- “T”or “P”: top handle where the paddle ends and which offers greater

grip, reducing the pressure needed whilst paddling.

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REGULATIONS

COMPETITION TYPES:

There are three very distinct SUP types:

A. Wave SUP:

Subject to existing Surf competition Rules. The difference lies in the technical

characteristics and the equipment specific to each modality. The paddle is an

important part of the equipment for this sport; therefore it should not be used

solely to help with rowing and riding the waves. It should be an instrument of

support when surfing the waves, acting as an additional multiplying element,

similar to a ski stick.

A SUPer should be able to demonstrate manoeuvring skills on board, both in

the transition phase (from the end of one wave until connecting with another) as

well as in the wave surfing phase to be considered a complete SUPer.

Judging criteria are basically the same as for surfing without paddles. A specific

feature introduced will be:

Radical controlled manoeuvres should be performed using the paddle as

a key tool during critical sections, demonstrating control, speed and

fluidity to maximise score potential. Innovative and progressive surfing,

as well as demonstrating a varied manoeuvring repertoire such as using

the paddle to increase the intensity of the manoeuvres should be taken

into account when awarding scores.

A SUPer who performs these criteria with a maximum degree of difficulty and

commitment on the waves will be rewarded with higher scores.

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B. SUP Open Race:

The Classic Open Race involves a starting point, indicated as such, at the

shoreline, a route with a turn and a buoy in the sea no further than half a

nautical mile away. The length of the route will depend on the characteristics of

the beach.

After turning, return to the starting point indicated by buoys and a race of not

less than 20 meters and no more than 40 metres, without releasing the paddle

and keeping it tight to the body so as not to interfere with other participants.

Wielding, waving or using the paddle in a way which the Judges consider

dangerous or offensive to other RIDERS, is cause for penalisation. Once

the finishing line has been crossed the race is over.

Juniors and cadets will compete by racing a distance equivalent to a third of the

route and juveniles will cover two thirds. The Competition Manager will decide

on the location of the buoy and the direction of the turn, as well as all other

matters pertaining to the race. If the Manager wishes, a group of expert racers

who are familiar with the site may be consulted.

C. SUP Crossing:

These are races involving pure physical and mental endurance and stamina.

They start at the shore and cover a minimum distance of 5 nautical miles (8.05

kms.). The finish will be governed by Open Race rules.

In this kind of event, the further the distance the greater the effort and

complications when organising the event as permits need to be applied for from

Maritime Authorities because the RIDERS will be navigating in waters with

shipping traffic. It goes without saying that the distance is what will give the

Crossing prestige. The most famous is the Molokai Channel Crossing in Hawaii,

35 nautical miles (56.33 kms.)

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Categories:

- Stand Up Solo Stock (max. 12‟ 6”)

- Stand Up Solo Unlimited (from 14‟)

- Stand Up Team Stock (max. 12‟ 6”)

- Stand Up Team Unlimited (from 14‟)

In this last Team modality, one of the SUPers will start the crossing and will not

be able to change with another SUPer, who will be in the escort boat the whole

time, for at least 30 minutes.

General Rules:

Only single blade paddles are allowed.

Competitors must remain standing the whole time they are paddling.

Competitors must follow the indicated route so that they can be

watched by the judges and safety and rescue crews.

The nose of the board determines when the finish line is crossed.

Start and Finish lines must be indicated with buoys and official

markers.

No additional help such as fins, engines, sails, personal helpers, etc.

will be allowed.

Competitors may be required to wear official identification (lycra,

number...) which they must wear throughout the event.

No competitor will be recognised as finalist if they are not wearing

identification.

Organisers reserve the right to accept, reject or cancel any inscription

as per the rules of the SSA (Swiss Surfing Asociation).

Any complaints must be submitted in writing to the Competition

Manager within 15 minutes of the provisional announcement. The

Competition Manager will respond and their decision will be final.

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The judges of the races will have the authority to remove a competitor

from the race if they perceive any sign of danger to the competitor‟s

health.

All participants must sign the responsibility exemption part on the

inscription form before the event. If they are under age, their parent

or tutor must sign.

TECHNIQUES

1. CLARIFICATION OF CONCEPTS

1.1 Technique

Definition:

“It is the ideal model of movement relative to a sports discipline.”

“It is the procedure which leads directly and efficiently to achieving a

result.”

“Achieving a motor objective economically and efficiently.”

“It is a set of motor actions which tend to be carried out in an automatic

manner and which constitute situations ideally matched to the driving

force of different sports.”

2. IMPORTANCE OF LEARNING THE TECHNIQUE CORRECTLY

Learning the technique correctly starting at the most elementary

levels is something that we should ALWAYS bear in mind because

changing an incorrectly learnt technique, and therefore incorrectly

executed technique, is much more difficult than teaching the correct

technique to someone who has never surfed before.

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We can therefore state that: “IT‟S MUCH EASIER TO TEACH

SOMEONE WHO DOESN‟T KNOW ANYTHING THAN IT IS TO

CORRECT SOMEONE WITH DEFECTIVE OR BAD TECHNIQUES.”

3. BASIC AQUATIC SKILLS

The basic aquatic skills are:

3.1. Floating: the ability to stay afloat in the water without

moving and without any object.

3.2. Propelling: the ability to move oneself forward in the water

(without a board or float of any kind).

3.3. Turning: the ability to change direction in the water.

3.4. Breathing: the ability to hold one‟s breath whilst underwater.

3.5. Immersion: the ability to submerge under water in different

situations, such as overcoming waves or avoiding being run over by

another surfer.

There are two basic reasons why these skills are important:

a) one‟s own safety.

b) as an initiation to the different specific skills inherent in SUP surf

and body board.

- THE BASIC SKILLS FOR STAND UP PADDLE SURF (SUP) are:

SUP Flat Water

Stand Up Paddle Surf is very intuitive but here are some tips that will

help us to start off on the right foot.

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The greatest difficulty is standing up on the board. For the first

try, we should choose flat water. Initially, this will help us to first get

down onto our knees while we get a feel for the board and the paddle.

Once we feel more or less comfortable in this position, it is time to

stand up and make some small movements with the paddle in front of

us, taking it out of the water when the water comes up to our feet.

We will practice changing the paddle from hand to hand and keeping

our eyes fixed on a point situated in front of the board, instead of

looking at our feet and at the paddle.

We can turn by paddling on one side only and pushing out with the

paddle. As we gain ability, we can push the paddle harder, bringing it

up quickly in order to avoid brushing our feet.

A more aggressive turn can be achieved by placing one foot behind

us towards the TAIL. This will make the NOSE rise slightly, making it

easier to perform the turn.

With the board in this position, our side paddling will turn the board

quickly in a smaller circle. Once the turn is complete, a quick

movement of the feet to return to the initial paddling stance on the

STANCE. This way we won‟t fall into the water.

Once we gain confidence and venture further from the shore, we must

insure that we put on our LEASH. It is easy to fall and lose the board

and difficult to swim after it with a paddle.

After we have learned these basic moves in flat water, we can then

go on to practice in rougher waters with small waves. From then on,

practicing in these kinds of water will help us to become better

SUPers.

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SUP Waves

4.1 Entry into the water.

4.2 Paddling and positioning on the board.

4.3 Overcoming the waves (over the waves).

4.4 Waiting position on the board.

4.5 Turning on the board.

4.6 Taking the wave.

4.7 Take off and gliding position: natural and goofy.

4.8 Sliding on the wave.

4.9 Renouncing the wave.

4.10 Exiting the wave.

4.11 Falling.

4.12 Returning to shore.

These basic skills will allow us to perform a complete practice cycle

which guarantees success and safety.

When we ourselves give lessons (as future professionals), we should

choose places which will be as free from risk as possible. In this

respect, we should:

- In the first place, we should choose a sandy beach where the sea is

as calm as possible and, if possible, where there are no dangerous

currents or rocks that could cause accidents.

- Secondly, the site should be easily accessible in case anyone might

need to be carried out. We should also know where the nearest

hospital is and how to get there as quickly as possible.

- Thirdly, there should be telephone coverage so that emergency

services may be contacted if need be.

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4.1 Entering the water

During the initial stages of learning, a couple of points must be kept in

mind:

1 Walk into the water looking at the waves until the water reaches the

waist, carrying the board against our side and the paddle in the other

hand in order to avoid being hit by the equipment when the waves hit

us.

2 When we can no longer advance, we will get up onto the board by

grabbing the sides with both hands and pushing ourselves up with

arms and legs into a lying position on the board. We place the paddle

between our chest and the board. This will free our arms and hands

to push ourselves up into the prone position. FIRST BASIC SAFETY

POSITION.

4.2 Paddling and positioning on the board.

Paddling is the technical move that will allow the SUPer to advance

(with their board) to reach the peak, take a wave or return to shore.

In SUP, this action is performed, basically, with the arms and is we

break it down; we should keep in mind two points:

a) Position of the body on the board.

From a lying position, with legs together, on the board:

- From this position, we hold the paddle by the handle and bring it

up to the shoulders as we rise on the board to a KNEELING

position, or SECOND POSITION, and from her to the THIRD,

STANDING.

- Balance is achieved to nose of the board protrudes slightly.

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b) Co-ordinating arms and paddle to advance (paddling)

There are two types of paddling: frontal and lateral.

- Frontal: this is very similar to the style in a kayak, but with the

difference that standing on the board allows us to paddle much

further. To compensate the drift

- Lateral: also called „Hawaiian‟; with one foot behind on the

longitudinal axis we paddle on the frontside and we can alternate

between paddling backside to avoid drifting.

These techniques will allow the SUPer to overcome the waves that

will take them to the peak.

There are two different ways of overcoming the waves:

4.3.1 Lying on the board: holding the paddle between the board

and chest, we paddle with the arms towards the wave as if it wasn‟t

there. This technique is used with small waves or foam.

4.3.2 Going through the waves in a kneeling position: as we

take the wave in this position, we move our body weight to our heels.

This technique is used with small foam or waves that are beginning to

break and in the first stages of initiation to SUP.

4.3.3 Standing: going over the wave in a standing position.

Depending on the wave, a frontal position for waves that have not

broken and in „Hawaiian‟ position when we meet the foam.

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This technique is used with all types of waves and foam and is one of

the more complicated techniques.

4.3.4 Submerging and moving away from the board: the

SUPer lets themselves fall sideways from the board and submerges

as deep as possible without letting go of the paddle.

This technique is used with waves of great force that cannot be taken

any other way.

This is not a technique to be practiced in the initiation stages due to

the risk involved (for other surfers).

4.3.5 Hauling: generally used with large boards, the SUPer sits

on the board and positions themselves with their back to the waves

awaiting impact. This technique is used with small or medium-sized

waves.

4.4 Sitting on the board (waiting position)

Between swells, the SUPer should take advantage to take a break

and the sitting position is the best way to recover from the effort

made.

At the initial levels, the following points should be observed:

1 Sit squarely in the middle of the board.

2 In a sitting position, rest the paddle on the thighs.

3 Press down with the legs to keep better hold of the board.

Having accomplished this position, we will appear less aggressive to

other surfers and will be at their same level so we can then talk to

them and make friends in the line-up.

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4.5 Turning the board

In order to turn the board, we can:

1 Paddle on the opposite side of where we want to position

ourselves.

2 Paddle on both sides of the board but harder on the opposite side

of where we want to be.

3 A more aggressive turn is achieved with one foot towards the

TAIL. This will make the NOSE rise slightly and we then paddle

hard on the opposite side of where we want to be.

4.6 Taking the wave

To take the wave we need to first perform a series of technical

manoeuvres in order to obtain the expected result. These are:

- Positioning: when we paddle to reach breaking point we should

be face on or side on to the wave. Therefore, we must change

direction. There are two ways to do this:

a) Paddling in a semicircular direction in order to get close to the area of

taking the wave.

b) Paddling directly to the breaking point.

- Turning: as previously explained, but paying attention to position

oneself with our backs to the wave and in an area where the wave will

allow for sliding.

- Paddling: (taking the wave); this is similar to paddling as

explained in 4.2 above, but paying special attention to four aspects:

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a) Paddling harder to get to the same speed as the wave so that it can

carry us.

b) Offer the greatest possible surface of the board so that the wave can

push us.

c) Positioning (especially in small swells) as close as possible to the

point so as to favour imbalance of the board toward the base of the

wave.

d) Looking sideways, towards where the wave is breaking to see how

the wall is evolving.

4.7 Take Off and adopting sliding position: natural and goofy

- Take Off:

Take Off refers to the descent from the top of the wave to the bottom,

sliding down its wall. There are two types of direction:

a) Vertical direction: the board moves vertically towards the bottom of

the wave in order to achieve maximum speed. Used large or powerful

waves.

b) Diagonal direction: the board moves sideways following the direction

of the wave. Used in small or weak waves. This technique should be

taught to beginners.

The position of the body should be:

- one foot in the middle of the board and the other at the tail.

- knees half bent.

- body slightly bent.

- arms and paddle at the hips balancing the body.

- face looking towards the coming wave.

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- Gliding Position: Natural or Goofy:

- Goofy: when the right foot is in front and the left at the back.

- Natural or Regular: when the left foot is in front and the right foot

at the back.

Once we have adopted one of these positions, we can move over the

waves in two ways:

- Frontside (facing the wave): once in a standing position,

facing the wave.

- Backside (back to the wave): once in a standing position,

with your back to the wave.

4.8 Gliding on the wave

Gliding on the wave is the „essence of surfing‟ since a session of

this sport without gliding cannot be considered complete. All the

previous steps are essential to reaching the goal.

Movement over the wave has several objectives:

1 Gliding as long and as far as possible.

2 Gaining speed.

3 Reaching the ideal spot to perform a manoeuvre.

During the first steps of initiation to surfing, we should only consider

the first and once this first objective has been reached, we can teach

the next. WE SHOULD NEVER SKIP STAGES BUT GO STEP BY

STEP.

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The basic gliding position is the following:

- One foot in the middle of the board and the other at the tail

distanced by about the width of the hips.

- Knees bent.

- Body: frontside position, slightly forward. Backside, more centred

and twisted, face turned towards the wave.

- Arms: frontside, both in front together with the body. Backside, one

in front and one behind.

- Head facing the coming wave.

- Paddle constantly touching the water to provide greater stability.

During this stage we will try to strengthen this basic position and try to

get the learner to glide as long and as far as possible while avoiding

bad postures that may turn into habits when surfing.

After this, different positions on the board and their consequences

can be experimented with:

- if body weight is moved forward, speed picks up but grip is

diminished.

- moving body weight backwards tends to slow down and strengthen

grip and control.

At first, these two positions can be alternated quite simply (moving the

body forward and backwards) and in a second stage, moving the feet

forwards and backwards and experiencing the reactions of the board.

Later, the learner can be asked to ascend and descend the wave with

the board on top of the wave. In this case, the edge of the board

should slant towards where you want to go, standing firmly and with

the paddle in the water.

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4.9 Renouncing the wave

When a SUPer decides, at the end, to renounce a wave, they should

be efficient in techniques that will brake the gliding. These are two

forms of ascending difficulty:

1 Simply stop paddling.

2 With the paddle at the rear, exerting pressure on the water and

performing a counter-paddling.

The first technique is useful in breaking waves of little strength while

the second should be used with larger waves.

.10 Leaving the wave

There are various reasons why we might decide to leave the wave,

for example:

- the wave loses strength.

- to avoid colliding with another surfer (who is riding the wave).

- the closing off of a section which impedes surfing.

Several techniques may be used to bring the gliding to an end.

Beginners must adhere to the more simple techniques:

1 With small or weak waves: letting oneself fall over a side of from

the back of the board and, if possible, behind the foam so we are

not bowled over.

2 With large or powerful waves: the board should be directed

towards the bottom of the wave and pointed towards the beach.

Once the wave has broken (behind us), we can let ourselves fall to

one side or to the back, pushing the board forwards.

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Other, more complicated methods that we shall learn at the next

stages are:

3 Moving the body through the wave wall.

4 Exiting with the board on top or behind the wave, before it breaks.

4.11 Falls

Falls are a fundamental component while practicing SUP and,

because of the frequency with which they occur and the possible

danger to the practitioner, falling must be taught from the very first

stages.

Basically, we will highlight three types of fall:

- those that happen in flat water.

- those that happen while gliding (surfing)

- those that happen on taking off.

We recommend that:

- as far as possible, the equipment must be under control or, at

least, away from the body.

- try and manoeuvre the fall over the side of the board or over the

back so that it does not come between the surfer and the wave. If it

does, it could hit the surfer.

- jump holding the paddle firmly above the head and curling up into

a ball to avoid hitting the bottom or the board.

- take a deep breath in case of prolonged submersion.

- keep calm, avoid fighting the wave and keep tight hold of the

paddle so as not to lose it.

- recovering the board is very important to keep afloat.

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4.12 Returning to shore

Once we have decided to leave the water we can return to the shore

either:

- lying on the board and being pushed by the foam.

- paddling from the board towards the beach.

- surfing a wave or foam that takes us to the shore.

At the beginning, the first two methods are the best since they are

safer for both the practitioner and the rest of the people who are in the

water.

Before entering the water

Which way into the water?

Before entering the water, we should teach learners to watch out for a

series of factors which will make access to the waves easier and will

avoid unnecessary risks:

- which areas have currents (the direction and strength of these)

- swimming areas.

- enter the water across sandy beaches and avoid dangerous areas

such as pathways for vessels, rocks, ropes, fishermen, equipment,

and so on.

- avoid areas crowded with surfers.

- enter the water in areas where waves are small or there are no

waves.

- wait for the moments of calm between series.

- pay attention to the direction of the tide.

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Selecting the Break

Those who are initiated in SUP should bear in mind the following:

a) Regarding people:

- always surf with a partner.

- avoid areas with many people surfing.

b) Regarding the current:

- it is not advisable to use currents to situate oneself on the break.

- we should not surf in those areas where they exist.

- teach learners to recognise and avoid them (how to get out of them

and how they are formed).

c) Regarding the type of wave:

- avoid areas with larger waves.

- avoid powerful waves, especially at the shore.

- seek out

- avoid waves that break onto rocks and always seek sandy bottoms.

Location of the break

The surfer‟s aim, once at the breaking area, is to detect where the

waves will break and estimate the most appropriate place to take the

best waves. Therefore, this location will depend on the evolution of

the wave and the situation of the surfer. Skills such as paddling or

overcoming the waves will be used while attempting to visually detect

the optimum point for taking the wave.

In the initial stage, surfers should situate themselves inside since this

will permit them to better observe the evolution of the waves, to have

a larger number of waves to choose from and to interfere as little as

possible with other surfers.

Safety distance must be kept with respect to other surfers, especially

if these are beginners.

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Selecting the wave

Before taking the wave, we should recognise its most important parts,

distinguishing between:

- impact zone: is the area where the wave has fallen or is just about

to.

- zone of taking the wave: is the space in which the wave may be

taken.

- weak zone: is the part of the wave which has not risen sufficient to

display a slanted surface upon which to glide and which, therefore,

does not favour taking the wave.

From this, we should teach learners when it is possible to take a

wave, when we should renounce the wave and when not to make

futile efforts.

Basic preferences

We should transmit a series of basic skills to our learners which will

help them avoid „shocks‟ or „problems in the water‟:

Taking the wave

The person nearest the point where the wave breaks always has

preference. Therefore, this surfer will have priority in taking the wave.

Overcoming the wave

While in the water, it is essential to avoid interfering with people who

are surfing since they ALWAYS HAVE PREFERENCE and, therefore,

we should interfere as little as possible while gliding the wave. So

that:

a) We will not force them to modify their direction.

b) We will not force them to renounce the wave.

c) If necessary, we should ride the wave by the foam.

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Foto: Fernando Labad, Crossing Molokai2Oahu 2010