I am already regretting the subject title of this post, as it is begging for some idiot comments. Seriously though, I'm fairly new to SUP and find just don't know what to do with the paddle when surfing backside. It seems pointless to have it sticking out the bottom side of the wave. Any advice on technique?
1st idiot comment, just wave it around, beat an egg, kill horse flies, some guys luv it and they get there mates to say how good it is. Keep surfin you wil find the answer to your q
You will work it out to suit your style, remembering that the paddle is an added power house in SUP, so think where you want to utilize it in your surfing.
I personally do not change sides with my paddle at any time, always maintaining a "goofy stance" paddle grip and predominantly using the paddle on my toe side. I often use it to power into bottom turns or extend off it to allow me to get further off the rail when hitting the lip and lighten up the pressure on the board after the hit allowing nice tails slides and also promotes fast board speed recovery as your paddle is already set forward and deep as part of the turn, it's then time to just just power out of it. I will also sometime use the paddle reached behind my body and crossed over to the other side of the board's tail (maintaining the same grip) for hard tight cutbacks, literally driving the paddle all the way round the tail of the board for the toe side portion of the turn and then continue the motion as you go into the heelside turn (whether it be a white water hit or just a turn) kind of like a figure "8" motion, this gives you heaps of power and stability.
But really it doesn't matter what you do with the paddle, just make sure it is doing something that makes your surfing better through power, stability, etc.., otherwise go grab the Mal.
I've seen vids of guys on big stuff reaching behind them and sticking the paddle on the opposite side of the board to slow them down or help ride them guide higher up the face. It's a nice stance and I hope to be there someday soon.
Unfortunately, I'm in Far North Qld where most waves don't have enough power to get me down the line. On a frontside wave the flat sections are easily overcome with a couple of quick pulls of the blade. Meanwhile, when I go backside I just haven't figured out how to get power out of the paddle to make my ride longer.
