I've watched at least 40 gig of YouTube and still can't paddle straight on one side,every time I paddle on my left(right hand on top)the board turns to the right.I've tried lifting my heel,taking shorter strokes,moved the fin,bottom hand straight used my fat gutted cores nothing f$&@ing works.Anyone got any ideas.100 kgs riding both 12 tourer and 10' mana same on both boards,all suggestions welcome even smart arse ones.By turning right I mean the boards do a huge turn to the right,tried leaning to the left. Cheers Ron

As The Cartoon said there could be a number of issues. I suggest you have a good look at where your feet are placed, if not even and centred, this could be weighting the board to one side.
Another option is to look at how your paddle is going into the water. it needs to go into the water with the shaft vertical. Any lean or angle will cause the paddle to sweep and therefore make the board turn to the opposite side. Try and keep the paddle close to the board as you take your stroke and picture pulling the board past the paddle not the paddle past the board. Straight arms are also important. Dave Kalama has
a couple of vids that show this. Bent arms will cause the paddle to go in to the water out of vertical.
It is also a good idea to much other more experienced paddlers and also ask them for tips. Most people are happy to helps.
Good luck and hope this helps.
eT.

Thanks,sorta hadn't thought about feet placement,I think I do stand in more of a part surf stance,not square on to the board,I know what you are saying about paddle placement on entering the water,but will check out what your saying.maybe I think the paddle is straight and its not .Ha you'd think once we get to a certain age we'd be happy just to be on the water,after having to stop surfing thru back problems,a major hereditary heart attack.Thanks to sup Im back in the water loving it,acting like a kid and still wanting to learn and go faster.thanks guys will put all advice into action and I will one day out paddle these young bastards
Thanks Ron

All sounds good Ron, but, Andrew and Hilly may be a bit younger than our 58 years. Andrew's forward bend works well and is a method used by a lot of racers. It gives you a longer stroke for sure, but if you have or have had a dodgey back it may not suit.
The forward bend puts a lot of pressure on the lower back. I am not advising against it as it is a bonfide method, however, not always great for people with back problems.
Cheers. ET.

Ron54 said...
Andrew,Hilly thanks for the tip about the feet,always thought the grab handle was the sweet spot!! But moving foward,I'm really interested to try it thanks Andrew.ET your right about the back,watching the videos you try and emulate the guys you see,and after 20mins the back is hurting,not bad,but all I want is to paddle straight and keep having a ball.So I'll try all the suggestions,appreciate the the time people put in to help thank you

Hi Ron54, All good info, above. Mate I know where you're coming from, nearly 58, can't surf due to injury, got a stand up, havin a ball. Just a simple suggestion. Go flat water as much as possible, before you hit the surf. Practice your paddling technique, your turns etc, I just found that jumping straight into the surf, very frustrating. Paddled, paddled and paddled some more on the flat stuff and it helped when I finally got into some waves.
I found Dave Kalama's site to be really helpfull.
www.davidkalama.com/reach-dammit-reach/
Cheers