Newby introduction

[ilmsup]

Hi folks,

I just bought a SUP a week ago and want to thank this forum and some of the videos on the net for the progress I've made.  I come from a waveski background which I love and swore it was more fun than a SUP but realized you can't rent waveskies anywhere and the cost of air transport of a board is prohibitive.  So when I was in Hawaii, I spent one day surfing a longboard but found myself drawn to the SUP (even though I find surfing a SUP far more challenging than a longboard) .  The breaks are hopelessly crowded at Waikiki so I rented SUPs of various shape and sizes and paddled around in the waves working on my drive on open swells since I didn't feel comfortable dealing with all the tourists where the waves were breaking.

About a week ago I bought the SUPATX escape (10ftx29") model.  I didn't want to repeat my waveski experience of starting out with high volume and turning around and buying a smaller volume one for performance.   I struggled the first few days paddling it in any form of wind or chop and found I would often lose balance when I switched the paddle to my week side.   Eventually I was able to handle some light winds and texture and so I gave surfing it a try.  I struggled to line myself up and time the wave while maintaining balance.  I went through all of this with high performance waveskies so I know I'll get over this hump.  Then there is knowing exactly when to shift the weight to the back of the board.  I always seemed to jump the gun on that.   I need to get better at engaging the rail in the direction I'm catching the wave but since I still feel a bit wobbly, I haven't mastered that yet.   All in good time, and fortunately I can paddle to a lot of places where a kook can be alone with his thoughts. 

Yesterday I took the board to a calm area of the intracoastal to focus on stroke techniques and lifting the nose for a strong pivot.  I"m goofy foot and right handed.  Plus coming from a whitewater paddling background I've spent most of my time rolling and bracing on the right side.   Consequently when switching to the right I instinctively control the paddle with my right hand rather than on top with the left.  I also read on one of the threads here that there is a tendency to push down on the left foot if you are goofy foot.  I was therefore not just yawning but pretty much turning the board when I switch to the right.  On the left side, I have solid technique and could keep it straight for several strokes.    So yesterday I focused on using my left hand on the right side and pushing down with my right foot and like magic my extreme yawning problem was solved. That being said it is easy when a wake passes under me or conditions get choppy to go back to bad habits.

So now for some newby questions I wasn't able to find.  First, I'm sore all over from a week of playing on this board but what do I do about my feet? Tell me this goes away.  Should I buy special shows?  Second question has to do with switching stances.  In calm conditions I like to experiment with a variety of stances and positions on the board.  When I drive for a wave I feel more comfortable in a staggered position because it is one less thing to think about having to time when trying to drop in.  Is this a bad habit that could lead to other problems? Also, while I'm goofy foot, I don't find the regular stance to be that awkward.   I find it strange I'm goofy since I kick with my right foot.  Is there any advantage to switching stances depending on whether you catch a left or right?  Once I get good enough to do cutbacks and top turns I would imagine it would be better to stick to one stance and get use to leaning backwards.

Well enough of my rambling, any insight for a newby is appreciated.

B

[PonoBill]

The foot thing will probably go away as you relax. It's probably a monkey thing--trying to grab the board with your feet when you lose balance. Humans tend to scrunch up their toes to avoid a fall.

It's fine to start off in a staggered stance as long as it's relaxed. Don't get into a full stinkbug stance--ever.  Goofy foot is generally an advantage. Lefts are less crowded than rights. Switch stance is a handy thing if you can pull it off. Some folks have a weak dominance that is either trained or genetic.

[old bosun]

If it is about the same for you either way, then I suggest you stand regular when you go right, goofy when you go left. I'm 59 and been surfing goofy foot for almost 40 years.  This summer I have been working on switching stance when I go right. That's a lotta muscle memory to unlearn. Learn to switch now, you can thank me later.

[supthecreek]

You are doing it right.... paddle to private breaks to get the basics wired... very cool.
I wish more newbies would realize that the main peak is not a good place to start.

As far as catching waves and paddle switching issues....
Try to line up waves while facing out to sea, with your dominant paddle position on the wave side.
Stay facing the wave, favoring the direction you want to go. As the wave nears, paddle on the wave side only and time a slow turn so that you are in correct takeoff position when the wave reaches you. That way you do not have to switch sides with the paddle and it on the side that you want to plant it when making your bottom turn. (it sounds confusing... but it is very simple)

Your doing it right... keep at it

[Logan]

I am willing to bet that the foot thing is your body adapting to the balance needs of sup. I avoid shoes as much as possible when surfing because I want my feet and calves to adapt. The thing that has been a game changer in that regard has been a pair of those flattish balance ball thingies.

Wisdom from this board that has really helped me on my 7'10 is to paddle in a staggered, almost surf stance almost all the time.  It took me awhile to get this, and if you are already riding this way, you are ahead of the curve.

Have fun!

Logan

[ilmsup]

Thanks for the feedback everyone.  If I could just get my butt out of bed at the crack of dawn I might have a shot at surfing in clean conditions with no wind.  But perhaps dealing with the chop and wind now will pay dividends later.  Practice makes muscle memory.

[robcasey]

Consider stretching your legs before, maybe during, and after your paddling to see if that helps - calves, hamstrings, etc.  Some get sore feet from wearing sandals, so try booties. how thick is your traction pad? some boards have texture but no pad which may get painful after a bit.  also as bill suggested - relax. loose grip on paddle.

i'm a goofy (also goofy..)  and i never learned to surf properly - came from surf kayaking.  i find sup boards so stable i can can do both goofy and regular foot. why limit yourself?

i use forward stance for small waves up to waist high, then get my speed up on forward or with a slight staggered stance, then more staggered once the wave gets behind me.