Paddle angle on the wave

[cloclo]

Lately I've been thinking about the paddle angle.
In this vid of Blane, we can see he twist his paddle.
Look at 3"26
Zippy Little Rights are ALL RIGHT

What you think about the padle angle during a bottom turn, I think the blade has to be parallel and you have to handle the paddle really low on your body.

A good bottom turn is the key to do a nice turn, and I guess the use of the paddle is very important.

[sylvano]

It looks like he twists the blade to have an open angle on the wave. I suppose he gets more planning.
Does he do it also on bigger waves (when the blade goes into the wave instead of on the top?

The paddle planning is very important.
I have just experimented it since a few weeks, surfing back side, full speed and laying on the paddle. I can feel my board going lighter and faster.

Front side, on the bottom turn, when I manage to lay on the paddle, the turn is much powerfull and the fantastic thing is that I can feel the power in the arms, a bit like a windsurfing bottom turn! The sensation is unreal!

[Blane Chambers]

As far as bigger faster waves, that's when I really like to use the back side of the blade to lean on.    It has zero resistence so you can maintain optimum speed.     When leaning on the back side of the blade you can still put ALL your weight on the paddle when you're going fast.        Sometimes I like the free glide feeling and some waves I want it to stick more.    Some waves I like both ways...    I been doing it since I started so now it's become something I never think about.     It really is a whatever way I feel at that moment kinda thing...

Here's another version doing it in tiny waves on a 12' board...   
Cruising the PSH 12' Gun/Ripper

[sylvano]

With a bit of luck, i'll be able to try this tomorrow.