The Best Way to SUP in the Ocean - Learn How to Bodysurf!
In order to begin your journey into SUP surfing, it can be important to start slow with learning how to bodysurf.
Stand up paddle boarding in the ocean is an exciting part of the sport that we believe everyone should give a try. The thrill of making it past the breakers with the taste of salt on your lips and the sun on your face is an unforgettable experience.
However, the progression from flatwater paddling to ocean paddling, and finally to SUP surfing can be long. And it can be difficult. But there are ways you can shorten the struggle sessions. Increase your SUP skills in a new environment. And paddle in the ocean without beginner struggles
One such way is to learn how to bodysurf before you even begin to think about paddling in the ocean.
In this article we’re going to discuss why this is an important way to begin your journey into paddling the great expanse of the ocean. We’ll cover how to do it properly. Why it’s a great way to begin. And how it will translate into catching a wave on your SUP!
Why Bodysurfing is a Great Way to Learn How to Ocean Paddle
To put it simply, when you know how to bodysurf, you know how the ocean works. But what do we mean by that?
When beginners learn how to paddle in the ocean, they believe their skills on the flatwater translate to this new environment. They believe that since they can stand on a flatwater, easily maneuver their boards, and move their feet from front to back, that they’re prepared for the ocean.
This is not always the case. The ocean is a wild experience compared to a calm flat body of water. On flatwater, wind is usually your biggest obstacle. In the ocean, wind also plays a huge factor. But so does the tide, the wind direction, speed, the wave size, and what lies on the ocean bottom - reef, rocks, or sand.
It can be a dangerous environment if you’re not familiar with it. And it should always be treated with high amounts of respect.
When you immerse yourself in an ocean environment by learning how to bodysurf, you will understand the strength of the waves and how they feel when they propel you forward (without the danger of a board hitting you or others!), how the tides affect the surf in your local break, what type of bottom is under the waves (sand, reef, rock), what it feels like to be kept underneath the wave if you go over the falls (as well as how long you can hold your breath while down there), and how to read a wave when it approaches.
Reading a Wave (Left, Right, Point Break)
Waves either break left, right, they’re a point break, or they are closing out.
When a wave breaks left, that means you will be surfing left in the direction of the wave. The opposite goes for right hand waves. A point break is a wave that breaks down the center and allows surfers to either catch a right or a left. And a close out is when the waves break at once, straight down. Trying to surf closeouts is not fun.
By being in the water bodysurfing you will get used to picking out the right wave on the horizon. You will be able to see the wave build, get into the correct position to catch it, and determine if it is left breaking, right breaking, a point break, or a closeout. Knowing how to understand what the waves look like before they begin to break is a huge advantage for the beginner SUP surfer. And it can be the biggest obstacle towards success if you don’t know how.
By familiarizing yourself with the ocean and eventually reading it correctly you will be ahead of the game.
How to Catch a Wave Bodysurfing
After you’ve become familiar with reading waves, you’re ready to catch your first one bodysurfing. As you see the wave build, determine which way it’s going to break, it’s time to put your back towards the wave and use your feet to push off the ocean bottom.
Swim as fast as you can using your arms and legs to gain momentum. As soon as you feel the wave lift you up, stop kicking, push one of both of your arms in the direction you want to head and take a deep breath.
Next, put your head down in line with your lead arm. This is usually your dominant hand. Stiffen your entire body from your lead hand fingers to your feet, so that it mimics a board, and push all your weight onto your lead arm to create a forward/downward momentum. About half of your body should be out of the water in order to catch the wave correctly - you cannot be completely submerged. As you do so, you will feel the wave propel you forward.
Congratulations, you just caught your first wave!
Increase Stamina and Swimming Strength
Just like regular surfing, body surfing also increases your stamina and especially your swimming strength. These are both important attributes if you want to be a successful SUP surfer. With an increase of stamina you will be prepared for a long session. And with extra swimming strength that comes with bodysurfing, you will be physically (and mentally) prepared should anything go wrong in the ocean - leash breaks and you have to swim back to shore, you get taken over the falls and kept underneath the water, etc.
Optional Equipment
Handplanes: Handplanes are not essential to learn how to bodysurf but they will enhance your experience in the water. A handplane is basically a small board that is attached to your lead hand. It is used to get onto the wave earlier and stay on longer. Think of it as a mini surfboard that will help guide you through the waves.
Swim Fins: Fins are used to increase your power in the water when you’re swimming. This will help you to catch more waves over the course of your time in the water. It is important to give different pairs a try - some bodysurfers like stiff fins, others loose. Test out what works best for you!
Wetsuit: A good wetsuit will keep you warm in the water. It depends on where you plan on bodysurfing, the temperature of the ocean, and how long you will remain in the water. It is always best to start with at least 2-3mm and work up from there if need be.
Boogie Board: Another option is to skip right to boogie boarding. A boogie board is the middle ground between a handplane and a surfboard. Instead of it being attached to your hand, the board is big enough to support your body. However, it’s not large enough to stand on. Instead, you lay flat on your stomach and ride the waves in a similar fashion as you would bodysurfing.
The natural progression from ocean paddling into SUP surfing can sometimes follow this flow - bodysurfing, bodysurfing with a handplane and swim fins, boogie boarding, ocean paddling, and SUP surfing.
If you do happen to follow that progression, your time in the water will be safe and fun!
Conclusion
Bodysurfing is an important stepping stone towards being a successful ocean paddler and eventually SUP surfer. It is a safer way to understand how the ocean works, how your body feels being propelled by a wave, and it will make you more comfortable in an environment that requires a great deal of respect in order to stay safe. We recommend you try bodysurfing before your first SUP surfing lesson for these reasons. If you do, we know your first SUP surfing session will be a success.
About the Author
Share this Post