Hi guys,
Had a bit of trouble in the chop and head wind this morning on the bay, it was no howling wind but the chop was coming in on an angle and I had so much trouble going in a straight line! I have a Mana 10" but every time I took a stroke the board almost went at right angles and the only way I could get to where I wanted was to tack right and left. Literally I had to swap sides every one or two strokes at best, is this a technique problem or a result of a 10" board getting thrown around by the swell?
I saw other guys on bigger boards looking pretty straight and of course once I turned around and went with the wind it was a piece of cake. I tried shorter strokes instead of normal ones so I was paddling into each wave which seemed to help a bit but if anyone has advise I will give it a try next time?
It's the board..
Standing a little more forward..
Taking shorter paddle strokes..
Make your paddle slightly shorter (if it's adjustable)
And bending the knees.. All should help.. 
Thanks DJ, i have an adjustable paddle but how does that help, although the wind did blow it around when I had it out of the ware between strokes! I can see why you guys use 14" boards!
Select to expand quoteOldDave said...
Thanks DJ, i have an adjustable paddle but how does that help, although the wind did blow it around when I had it out of the ware between strokes! I can see why you guys use 14" boards!
Bending the knees more is one of the more important things to absorb the bumps and it can make your paddle feel a smidge long adding to the awkwardness..
Select to expand quoteDavidJohn said..OldDave said...
Thanks DJ, i have an adjustable paddle but how does that help, although the wind did blow it around when I had it out of the ware between strokes! I can see why you guys use 14" boards!
Bending the knees more is one of the more important things to absorb the bumps and it can make your paddle feel a smidge long adding to the awkwardness..
Makes sense, thanks.
Keep working at it Dave, the skill level will increase with each outing.
Different conditions will show you the different methods that you need to use.
As DJ said, bend the knees, look at paddle length etc etc
But always have fun.
ET.
It is partly that your Mana is a 10' surf/allrounder but there are a few things you can do. Moving your centre fin right back in the fin box will help a bit with tracking , as will standing a bit forward of the handle (as DJ says). And for just paddling around on the bay I'd take the side fins out. Technique-wise, paying attention to your paddle tracking will also help - keep your paddle vertical and try as much as you can to have it track in a straight line (newbie trap - following the outline of the board through your paddle stroke will push you all over the shop).
I always find it helps to place more weight my foot on the down wind rail (opposite side from the waves)
If the waves are from the left, paddle on the right and put more weight on the right foot.
The wind and waves are trying to turn you to the right.... and your paddle is trying to turn you to the left.
It helps to balance it out.
Supthecreek said:- I always find it helps to place more weight my foot on the down wind rail (opposite side from the waves)
I'm the opposite helps pull the nose into the wind to even strokes on both sides plus it stops the rail from getting lifted and tipping you off. You will quiet often see me standing with one leg straight and the other slightly bent in choppy conditions.
Well guys I had more chop at Mt Martha beach today coming in on a 45 degree angle to the beach and in several directions and I must say most of your suggestions I was able to try out!
Standing more forward of the handle had instant success and I move back when I went with the chop, great tip DJ thanks. Bent my knees more pushed down on one side and went for a few swims but there are so many sand bars out there it was easy! I relaxed my legs more too which helped change direction so much, all in all a successful lesson!
Select to expand quoteOldDave said..
Well guys I had more chop at Mt Martha beach today coming in on a 45 degree angle to the beach and in several directions and I must say most of your suggestions I was able to try out!
Standing more forward of the handle had instant success and I move back when I went with the chop, great tip DJ thanks. Bent my knees more pushed down on one side and went for a few swims but there are so many sand bars out there it was easy! I relaxed my legs more too which helped change direction so much, all in all a successful lesson!
Good to hear old fella.
ET.
Lol
