Sorry it’s been a while since my last post. My last few surf sessions have been fun, but not really noteworthy per se. Yesterday, the waves were kind of strange. They were either totally weak and powerless, or really fast breaking, steep walls that closed out almost instantly. Whenever I would catch one, I would pop up, ride for a couple seconds, then suddenly feel the world drop out from under me, as my board pointed straight down the face of the wave and I went flying!

At first I assumed this was just me, and my general kook-i-ness, but the two guys I were surfing with both reported the same experience. Of course, unlike me, they were able to squeeze some nice rides out of the smaller waves, while I just continued practicing my funboard pole vaulting technique.

However, one positive note I have noticed, is that my paddling seems to be getting stronger and stronger. I can actually make my way out past smallish waves, whereas before I pretty much had to wait until it was flat to get out. As I mentioned in an older post, I recently adjusted my workout to focus on surfing related muscles, and so far, it seems to be helping.

The number one tip I got on paddling came from a book called “The Art of Surfing” by Raul Guisado. According to Mr. Guisado, the main muscles used in paddling are actually the lattisumus dorsi, or your upper back. According to his book, you not only need to develop these muscles, which I have been working on with exercises such as pull ups, and bent over dumbbell row, but you also have to make sure you are relaxing your shoulder muscles when you paddle. If your shoulders are tensed, they wind up doing more of the work, which is less efficient.

I don’t know how true this all is, but it seemed to help me when I tried it. Relaxing the shoulders alone made a huge difference for me, and really allowed me to keep paddling around out there longer than before. If anyone else out there has any tips or suggestions for paddling, please share here!

One more note, my new travel bag from Wave Tribe is due to arrive here Monday… the guys at the Tribe have been super communicative and friendly so far via email, and I’m looking forward to reviewing their product. Till then, hope everyone enjoys their surfing!