Step 1: Position Your Board and Accelerate Smoothly
First, lie flat on your board.
- Keep your feet together.
- Keep your body straight on the board.
- Lift your chest a little.
- Look forward, not down.
When your body is in the right place, your board moves faster. If you lie too far back, the board slows down because the nose of the board will go up.
If you lie too far forward, the nose goes under water and it will as well block the speed. Find the sweet spot where the board feels light and fast.
Step 2: Use Long, Powerful Paddle Strokes for Maximum Drive
Short splashes don’t work. Instead:
- Stretch your arm all the way forward.
- Put your hand in the water fingers first.
- Pull the water all the way to your hips.
- Use your back muscles, not just your arms.
- Breathe slowly and steady.
This is good surfing paddling technique. Long strokes give you more power and more speed.
Step 3: Time Your Paddle-Out to Reach the Lineup Faster
Before you even catch waves, you must get out safely. In Bali, waves come in sets.
That means a few waves behind each other, then a break.
- Walk out with your board in chest-deep water.
- Hold your board straight into the waves.
- Watch the ocean.
- Paddle during the quiet time between sets or in the channel.
This smart paddle out technique surfing in Bali helps you save energy.
Step 4: Control Your Body to Push Through Whitewater
Whitewater is the foamy broken wave. When it comes:
- Grab the sides (rails) of your board.
- Lift your chest.
- Keep your body strong.
- Push up your upper body
If you use a shortboard, you can also learn duck diving. Do not panic paddle.
Stay calm. Calm surfers save energy.
Step 5: Find the Sweet Spot and Read the Wave Early
Now you are sitting in the lineup.
- Sit in the middle of your board.
- Face the beach.
- Watch the horizon.
When you see a wave coming, turn early. Don’t wait until the last second.
Good surfers don’t rush. They prepare early.
This is a big part of how to catch waves surfing.
Step 6: Commit to the Wave with Strong, Deep Strokes
When the wave lifts your board, it’s time.
- Take 3 strong strokes.
- Paddle deep and powerful.
- Keep your chin up.
- Look forward.
- Keep paddling until you feel the wave is pushing you.
Do not stop too early. Many beginners stop paddling too soon.
Commit fully.
Step 7: Avoid Energy-Wasting Paddling Mistakes
Here are common mistakes:
- Bent arms
- Slapping the water.
- Kicking legs too much.
- Lifting chest too high or not enough.
- Over-paddling and getting tired too fast.
Many beginners struggle not because of balance, but because of bad paddling and poor timing. Fix your paddling first.
Everything else becomes easier.
Step 8: Build Paddling Strength On and Off the Board
Want to improve faster? Try this:
In the water:
- Paddle sprints.
- Longer slow paddles for endurance.
- Practice pop-ups in calm water.
On land:
- Planks.
- Push-ups.
- Resistance band rows.
- Superman holds for your lower back.
Step 9: Practice in Beginner-Friendly Bali Waves
Not all waves in Bali are big and scary. There are calm, soft waves that are perfect for learning.
Mellow conditions help you:
- Feel safe.
- Catch more waves.
- Improve faster.
Good supervision is important, especially for families and beginners. That’s why choosing the right surf spot matters when you are surfing in Bali.
Step 10: Learn Faster with Structured Coaching at Pelan Pelan Bali
Learning alone is possible, but it can also be frustrating and unsafe. Learning with guidance is faster, safer, and more enjoyable.
At Pelan Bali:
- Solo travelers join supportive surf groups.
- Couples learn together and share the experience.
- Families surf in a calm, safe, non-party environment.
- We have a policy of maximum 2 guests per surf guide.
We focus on personal feedback and clear step-by-step coaching. After almost every session, you receive video feedback so you can clearly see what to improve.
You don’t just surf. You understand what you are doing, and why.
If you’re ready to improve your paddling, timing, and wave count faster, book now and experience structured coaching designed for real progress. If you have questions about levels, schedules, or family-friendly options, feel free to contact us anytime.
We’re happy to help you choose the right program.
Paddle Smarter, Catch More Waves
You don’t need to be the strongest person in the water. You need:
- Good body position
- Long, strong strokes
- Smart timing
- Patience
Strong paddling increases wave count, endurance, and confidence. If you want to improve faster and feel supported, join us at our surf camp in Bali.
Paddle smarter. Catch more waves.
Smile more in the ocean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Improving your paddling strength is key to better surfing. Stronger upper body and core muscles help you paddle faster, catch more waves, and avoid getting tired too quickly.
Here are clear answers to common questions:
How can I improve my paddling strength for surfing?
Focus on exercises that build your upper body, core, and back. Simple moves like push-ups (including diamond push-ups), bicep curls, tricep dips, and Superman holds are very effective.
Do 3 sets of 10-15 reps, 2-3 times a week. Swimming is also great because it improves your stroke technique and builds endurance in the water.
What are common paddling mistakes surfers should avoid?
Avoid arching your back too much, placing your hands too far forward, or paddling too wide. Don’t kick too hard or paddle too fast without control.
Keep your core engaged, relax your shoulders and neck, and focus on steady, well-timed strokes to save energy.
Does body positioning affect paddling speed and efficiency?
Yes. Lie flat on your board with your chest slightly lifted, legs straight and together, and eyes looking forward.
Good positioning reduces drag, improves balance, and helps you paddle faster with less effort.
What land-based exercises help build paddling endurance?
Push-ups, rows, pull-ups, planks, and TRX exercises are excellent for building strength and stamina. Back-focused moves like Superman holds and arm raises also help.
Aim for one or two training sessions per week, separate from your surf days, to improve endurance and overall paddling performance.
