What's the deal with all the Knee Sup'rs in the line up?

[TallDude]

I felt compelled to say something about this. I know I'm preaching to the choir, but what is the deal with all the knee paddlers in the line up??? If they can't stand up just paddling out, what makes them think they are going to catch a wave and get to there feet with a paddle in their hands? I would say this SUP explosion has a bunch of wanabe's putting the cart in front of the horse. This morning there were 3 guys trying to turn around to catch a 3' to 5' waves from their knees. They just blocked anyone else from catching those waves, and creating a hazard to everyone. It happened to me a few weeks ago at another spot too. These people need to get their sea legs first, then try SUS'g.   Just a little venting...

[XLR8]

You might take a bit of a bashing on this as there are probably a variety of legit reasons why someone would knee paddle....but I'm joining you in saying it's gotta stop.  It's not efficient or effective and it just serves to perpetuate being uncertain and uncomfortable in dynamic water. I don't see it as a transition technique at all, rather a crutch that doesn't foster any skill development.  I also know my opinion on this is irrational and overly judgemental.  But I still feel this way.

[Boludo]

I'm with you on this TallDude.  I can understand a quick prone paddle on shorter boards to quickly get through to the outside but going for waves or paddling in the surf zone on your knees is a no no.   Those that are doing it, no big deal but do it outside the surf zone.

[SoCalSupper]

No youre not being irrational-i was there too this morning with TD and it was pretty bad.
I agree-you dont have to master it, but at least be proficient at paddling through the whitewater and over waves before you paddle into a crowded lineup-if you cant do it-go practice somewhere else until you get better.
As far as turning and trying to paddle into a wave whilst on your knees- i will burn you every time-dont do it-its not safe for you or the other more experienced paddlers trying to surf.
All the more experienced surfers have put in their time, put yours in too-you will be a safer paddler out in the lineup and you will have more fun.
If youre out by yourself or just a few buds-have at it-but dont do it where theres a crowd.

[stoneaxe]

If they have a valid reason (disability) it's one thing but not being able to stand yet because they haven't put in the time disqualifies them from any spot with others on it. I've suggested to obvious newbies that they move down the beach well beyond any lineup and if they are receptive to it I give some tips and help them get on a wave or two or three. I've only gotten flack once and simply told the guy if he wanted to look the fool and risk hurting someone its on his head. He didn't hang very long.

I struggled more than most learning to do this. I stayed away from anything resembling a lineup for a couple years. I still don't enjoy going out in really crowded spots despite having good control of my board.

[JT]

On a related note, what might y'all say to the guy who showed up at my local with a nice Naish and a kayak paddle, proceeding to scrum for waves on his bum? And no, he had no issues walking to the water from the parking lot.

[PonoBill]

On a related note, what might y'all say to the guy who showed up at my local with a nice Naish and a kayak paddle, proceeding to scrum for waves on his bum? And no, he had no issues walking to the water from the parking lot.

That's legit--basically the same as sea kayaking. There are special boards built for that, but SUP boards work about as well.

The real issue is competence in the lineup. If someone is making it into waves on their knees, popping up and surfing with control then what the heck. But if they're incompetent in the lineup, whether or not they are standing, then it's reasonable to say something if you feel like dealing with it. Personally I'm tired of telling people what they should be doing. I pretty much wait until it's intolerable and then I kill them.

Well, not really, but I'm loathe to say much unless someone is a complete schmuck and screwing up the day for everyone. The marginal guys I leave alone. the moron paddling out through the middle of the lineup, getting in everyone's way, falling every thirty seconds and going after every wave will sooner of later get a few suggestions.

[hbsteve]

From the POV of a non-surfing ocean paddler, I totally agree TD.  I think Stoneaxe's approach is good.  Offer some advice and knowledge.  I know you didn't sign up for that position.  The other option is to let them continue without a clue.

[Tom English]

 "Pocohantus" technique is a sure sign of someone in over their head. 

[Strand Leper]

I just call out chicks... And guys who are trying to regulate me...

SL

[surfcowboy]

This thread is where I'll announce it...

For this very reason, I'm selling my Vibe. (Wow that sounds bad.) It's a fun surfboard but I've noticed that with the size and rocker it's got, I really can't paddle it without falling and or spending some knee time.

I've been prone paddling it mostly when it gets rough but that's no fun. I might as well longboard. I can ride over anything on my 10'6" Rockett and it's seriously a lot of the fun of a session, getting out and popping over waves and I miss that feeling.

It's a lot to do with the conditions I go out in, I work my butt off and get up early all week, I'm always slower out on the weekends and I get caught in some chop. I've had the board for months, put in quite a few sessions and in the end, for my skill level, the waves I ride and the conditions I find myself in, it's not the right board. If I was in more beachbreak and clean conditions, this thing is a monster.

The final straw was realizing that it's so much safer and easier getting out on a board that I can solidly stand on. Knees and or prone on a big board is a recipe for disaster in the lineup. Get up, Stand up... and know your limits.

[PonoBill]

Good choice cowboy. I have lotsa fun on big boards, and a lot of them surf really well too. I'm not a slam, bam, off the lip kind of guy anyway. I know it's against the trend, but at 65 I'm not much of a trendsetter anyway. We'll see how things go with my Kalama board this winter, but even that is a 10'4" I think, and pretty wide. Can't wait to get it wet, but I have a good time on Diane's old 11'6" Nalu

[kneecap]

I'm a firm believer in riding whatever you have the most fun on.  The one with the biggest smile wins every time.  That's why we all got into this and didn't care what everybody else said, isn't it?

[endlessfight]

i can surf waves just fine and still knee paddle out at certain times. i personally find that with the conditions we get here, strong onshore winds, that when im on my knees i can paddle out way faster. when im standing big and tall, maybe i have more to catch the wind and make it harder? who knows. sure i might look a little kooky, but it saves my energy, makes getting out the back easier, and therefore gives me a longer session.

if it was clean with a 12 second wave period, then sure i'm standing. but 20k onshore and 5 seconds? knee paddle it is!

[bootesta]

Hey Strand, please clarify the "I call out chicks" statement. You call out all women or just ones not adhering to proper etiquette in the line-up.  I would hate to think I would get "called out" just because I'm female. I can hang with the boys just fine. Hopefully you meant something else and I'm misinterpreting the statement.

Lori