Paddling into the swell.

[TallDude]

Last year I was fortunate enough to go paddling with Danny Ching and some friends. He gave me a tip on ocean paddling. Paddle harder up the faces of the swell and back off when you crest it. I've always been so caught up in my cadence, that I paid more attention to that then each individual bump. I equate it to mountain biking down a ravine. You coast down, and pedal hard up the other side. I've been practicing this and my open ocean paddling has completely changed. I feel like I'm maintaining a better average speed too.

[longboarder1973]

I agree...I feel like if I paddle up the swells and then coast down the back side, I am maintaining a better average speed.
When I have the swell behind me, I paddle hard as it is catching me, but relax a bit as it passes by.

Supposed to be a decent swell for the Hobie Hennessy race this week...should make for fun racing.

[corlot]

Awesome tip! Totally agree. Thanks for sharing.

[mik911]

Talldude,  Thanks for the tip. 
I did the Hobie Hennessey fun race this wkend, and on the upwind/upswell leg, I tried your (i mean Danny's) suggestion of paddling hard upswell, and resting a bit down the back of the swell.  Not sure if it made me any faster, but at least mentally, it gave me something to think about, and rest for a second going down hill.  It felt better than just plugging along mindlessly.

Hope you had a good race (Pro course?). 
I just did the fun course, and bonked, but it's all good.  Not in it for the prize money, just for fun.

Mahalo

[bbqSUPer]

Got to work on it this weekend. Helps stabilize yourself and gives you something to think about besides, "oh shit, that's a big mountain of water coming at me!"