Sup newbie needs help

Hey mate,

I'm about the same weight and learned on a 10' Evoke also. The size is fine, i'd practice surf specific skills on flatwater ie. turning the board around quickly, popping to a staggered stance whilst paddling quickly, stepping one foot back for a pivot turn etc.

Then go out in very small waves with somebody to give you tips in the water. If you don't know anybody to help, a lesson would be worth it.

When paddling for a wave you have two options on set up; normal stance and bending your knees as the wave picks you up to help lower your centre of gravity or having a staggered stance (which also helps lower your centre of gravity). Both of these techniques help stop digging a rail.

Another thing with your stance is bringing your feet closer together. Too many beginners have a really wide stance when paddling around. It sounds counterintuitive but wider feet will make the board feel more unstable (catch rail). My feet are actually narrower than shoulder width on my boards and it feels the most stable to me.

With practice you'll find the board will become easy to surf small stuff. I think it's too big/wide a board for bigger stuff. 1-1.5OH+

It won't be long till you want to buy a smaller board for waves. good luck.

I tell people who are new to surfing a SUP that they should psychologically think of the paddle as a walking stick and use it for balance. I found that helped me with my balance perhaps was all in my head

Really appreciate your advice guys. Defiantly boosted my confidence and i cant wait to hit the water again keep practicing. Cheers

All the above advice is spot on Kayd, one thing I noticed about this forum is that most of the crew are keen to help newbies, better to educate than to criticise!

I too am pretty new to SUP surfing and still occasionally jump between SB and LB as well. Sometimes I feel like I am going well then get humbled!

Stick at it and keep trying different things to find what works, for me just practising and picking the right conditions helped. Sometimes I get desperate and go out in less than ideal to test myself, with that mindset it takes away any pressure you put on yourself.

Have fun with it and treat it like a learning curve and the Stoke will carry you through mate, it's just so much bloody fun

I'm pretty New myself kayd,
started out on a 160L nalu at 100kg was all over the shop at first but after 3 months around the lake flats starting to venture out and catch waves now, main thing I found was picking the rite conditions in the surf, I was amazed how much the wind blew me around. But a few perfect mornings i.e. No wind 1-2ft, caught waves with ease and stoke level high still spend plenty of time in the water but hey beats mowing the grass.

I love a happy ending

you'll be getting a smaller one soon.

I bought an Evoke 7'11 last June. Went down in length way too early but have stuck at it. After 20flat water sessions and seven 7 surf sessions finally started to get it going yesterday . Balance was not the problem , but catching enough waves was . I need to use it closer to low tide . Fat and higher tide waves are a no go for me on the 7'11. I just don't have the strength at 65kg to get that thing moving . Today I took it out in bad chop and was real impressed that I could catch waves and not fall of . The board has its place in my quiver

9foot but I am only 65kg. The 7'11 is at 2 to 1 in terms Litres to Weight. Length has been the issue rather than stability.
Looks like you are doing mighty fine on that 10 footer. Great photos

I just posted the comments below on Board Talk re response to a 'tippy Speeed' however thought they would also be relavent here.
As a once whitewater kayaker where the only thing that keeps your head above water is your skill with the paddle I know that a SUP paddle is not just a blunt instrument for propulsion. Waving the paddle around in the air to regain balance is far less effective than having the paddle actively engaged with the water. To remain stationary you can do a figure of eight type of 'stir the pot' stroke to provide youself with very strong 'outrigger'.
Adding to that, a concept that has helped me is at the point of feeling you are loosing balance quickly drop by bending the knees as if sitting your bum down on a chair rather than allowing your torso to bend forwards with straight legs.
Watch the hot shots on tiny boards in tough conditions and you'll see the paddle is rarely not in or skimming the water.
Learning to use your paddle more will mean you can enjoy a smaller board. Best thing about a smaller board is less on the end of your leash in the white water or going over the falls!

Hoppo
Defiantly agree with you, i had trouble turning the sup felt heaps stiff and was like a big bus lol. I will try shifting back onto the tail next session thanks hop

Hey guys, tried applying some more rail tape on my sup today as my first attempt was terrible with air bubbles everywhere. As i was applying rail tape then taking it off to straighten up i have peeled off good strip of clear coat which is very frustrating. I previously chipped a little bit of clear coat with my paddle that is also why tried to apply rail tape again but now has peeled off massive strip. Has anyone had same issue??