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Surfing Skills & Techniques – Sitting on the Surfboard

Many surfers sit on their Surfing Boards, waiting for the next wave. This gives them a better view of the oncoming waves than when they are paddling out. It is also one way of resting after riding waves. Sitting on your board seems very easy, but do not be fooled. Take note that a Surfboard is unstable and buoyant, so it will be quite difficult to keep it from tipping on one side as you sit on it. This simple technique also needs some practice. Here’s how to do it:

  1. From the paddling position, hold the rails of your board and push your upper body away from it.
  2. Find the position in which you will feel stable and in control of the board. This is usually with the nose of the board above the water surface, while the tail is submerged on the water. Do not lean too far left or right, otherwise you will turn over.
  3. In order to see the oncoming wave and catch it, you need to know how to turn and change direction while sitting. Your legs can serve as your paddles. Simply look towards the direction where you want to go and move your legs to turn in that direction.

The first few tries of sitting on the board can be frustrating. It requires patience in finding the right position on the board. Just keep on practicing and you will soon be able to do it with ease.

By Duke Ogden

Duke Ogden, a name synonymous with both the thrill of the surf and the art of storytelling, is a distinguished surfer and the esteemed editor behind the renowned Surfing.LA website. A dedicated waterman since his early days, Duke's passion for surfing ignited on the sun-drenched shores of Southern California.

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