What side should the paddle be for backside surfing?

[SUPerman]

Hi everyone,

I am a natural footer and I tend to feel more comfortable paddling into waves and riding waves with my paddle on the right side of my board.  I am trying to improve my backside riding and I am looking for some opinions on whether to switch the paddle over to my left side so I can bottom turn and open my shoulders more, or keep it on the right side.  I have seen photos and videos of guys doing both and I can't find a reason as to why they choose one or the other.  I would love to hear some of the opinions out there. 


Thank you,

Kane

[stoneaxe]

All depends on what you're doing. If you're just going down the line it doesn't make much difference but the more radically you turn the more the paddle comes into play. I'm certainly no ripper and my paddle use has more to do with lending stability than slashing but even I'll plant and use it if I'm trying to turn hard. If you watch the really good surfers, Zane, Kai, etc... the paddle is a fulcrum that is crucial to the moves they make.

[Tom]

The simple answer is both. I would suggest you start using the paddle on the inside of you turns whether you're regular or goofie. On a bottom turn, place the blade into the water on the side you want to turn and lean on it as you turn. This will allow you to lean into the turn farther and to bury the inside rail of your board deeper.
Another use of the paddle is to use it on the outside of your turn, and this works best on a top-turn or off the lip. Hold the paddle on the outside side of your turn and after you have initiated the turn use a paddle stroke to throw you around.

[SUPerman]

Tom and stoneaxe,

Thank you for the input!  The whole paddle on the inside of my board going backside is going to take some getting used to.  It looks like that is the best technique for overall performance.  Can't wait to get out there and try it.

[Cardiff Sweeper]

Depends on the size of the wave:



I prefer it out in front:

Really helps bring the board around








Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ctuna]

If you want to use your paddle as a planning surface as an outrigger it
pretty much has to be in the same position you paddle in . That is with the
bend such that you can get the paddle to plane on the surface. I don't see
how it would be effective the other way .

[JimK]

I second TOM & SWEEPER
JimK
www.extremewindsurfing.com

[surfcowboy]

I'm a goofy who surfs a right point a lot. To get myself to have the paddle backside I work on paddling on my right to catch waves so that I'm in position for the backside bottom turn.

It's helped me a bit, just being there as opposed to having to switch from the paddle on my frontside.