Is he a freak?

[Chilly]

Two years ago I got invited to SUP race in Miami.  I remember watching the athletes warming up. There was this one dude that was paddling around with one foot up in the air and I was thinking to myself "Wow those boards are really stable", Boy was I wrong!  I didn't know it back then, but that dude was Danny Ching. Two years later I'm trying to do the same thing and can't even come close to doing it. Is there a trick to doing this or is Danny Ching a freak?

[kayadogg]

It helps to put your foot closer to the middle and turn it to a 45 degree angle.  Also, paddling on the same side as the foot that is down seems to be easier.

[raf]

If it was your job to be the best paddler in the world, you might not do it as well as Danny, but I bet you could paddle on one foot alright.

[PonoBill]

Opportunity + Talent + Experience. Danny was paddling when most kids were learning how to color inside the lines.

[SlatchJim]

I paddle with one foot in the air often.  Oh, hold on, that's called falling.  Nevermind.

[Bulky]

 

I paddle with one foot in the air often.  Oh, hold on, that's called falling.  Nevermind.

[upwinder]

It helps to put your foot closer to the middle and turn it to a 45 degree angle.  Also, paddling on the same side as the foot that is down seems to be easier.

Here's one of our OZ locals hamming it up on our recent SUPVic club surf weekend (I don't think Heath or DJ will mind me pirating the photos  ):





Foot on the centre line and angled, paddle on the foot side

[Chilly]

Upwinder, DJ, Kayadogg,
Thanks, I've been practicing Kayadogg's technique from the time he posted it. Unfortunately I still can't do it, but at least now I have a base that I can work off. The reason I'm trying to learn, is because I think it would be a great drill to add to a training session. (Just to mix things up) Besides improving balance I notice it takes a lot of ankle and foot strength.
The photo has more knee bent that I was doing. So I'm going to try that next time.

[PonoBill]

Note where his foot is too. My balance sucks and I can do it. One of the few "tricks" I can actually pull off. Though I almost pulled off a 360 a few days ago. I made it around but I fell just before the board settled. Now I need to quit farting around and get some power into my weak little turns.

[Chilly]

Thanks Bill, I did notice his foot placement. I have a strap so I'm going to have to see if I step in front or behind the strap.
I'm guessing you're talking about turning yourself 360 degrees on the board? I've been practicing walking to the back and the front of the board while paddling, but not that. That would be another good drill.
I'm regular foot so my right pivot turns are pathetic. Need to work on that too.

[kayadogg]

Chilly, I've found it helps to be slightly further back when on one foot. Not sure why but maybe because it feels like the board kind of "locks in" better and feels more stable. I'd bet you have better success behind the handle than in front.

[PonoBill]

Thanks Bill, I did notice his foot placement. I have a strap so I'm going to have to see if I step in front or behind the strap.
I'm guessing you're talking about turning yourself 360 degrees on the board? I've been practicing walking to the back and the front of the board while paddling, but not that. That would be another good drill.
I'm regular foot so my right pivot turns are pathetic. Need to work on that too.

It's pretty easy to turn around on your board, especially if you learn to cross step, which gives you better control of tipping. But no, I was talking about spinning the board 360 degrees while surfing. Laird and Dave Kalama do it effortlessly, and a lot of surfers can pull it off, especially the punk kids. I did kind of a "Geezer Olympics" version the other day, tottering in a circle.

[addapost]

Probably wouldn't hurt to practice at home on one of them stability pads.

[Chilly]

Your right Kayadogg, I just got back from the lake practicing on each foot. Behind the handle worked better. I was able to get at least three baby strokes in before I had to put my other foot down. By baby stroke I mean, my paddle was in the water about an inch deep.

Bill, 360 degrees on a wave! To me that's impressive just trying to attempt it.

Addapost, the stability cushion is a good idea.

[sup_surf_giant]

I can do it. But...it BURNs the calve muscles.