Accelerate faster, and catch more waves with this technique
It's best described by Robert Stehlik in his video, where he explains it by making a comparison to a car. You don't start driving in third gear do you? If you were, you'd take forever to get going, stress out the gearbox and clutch, and most importantly, get abused by drivers behind you!
In paddle terminology, if you were to be sitting stationary out there waiting for a wave, you wouldn't want to start out with huge big strokes! Instead, start in 'first gear' with some short, fast and powerful strokes to get moving. After 3 of 4 strokes, shift to second gear as the wave helps you accelerate, and finally, hit third gear with a big long stroke or two to make sure you really are surfing.
Watch the video below to see it in action, and give the gear shifting technique a try on your next downwinder or surf session…
Buderim, QLD
