I don't think this has been posted here... this guy does some great footwork and paddlework. It would be nice to be that nimble



the facebook link if you watch on youtube has some info and there is a thread on another forum: www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php?topic=22848

and his board build: www.standupzone.com/forum/index.php?topic=22474.0

Hey foamballer, I was checking out your other video and noticed that you were making the same mistake that I was when I first started, which is not moving around on the board enough, I think though that you have probably realised this after watching mr nimble in this posted video.

I found that the thing that helped me the most in getting used to moving around on the board was to actually take it out in small surf and surf waves on it, yes it is hard on a 14' but you get to feel where the sweet spot is on the board and how to stand so that you do not catch the rail and have it bear away from you and you fall in.

Yeah definitely... I think my old glide was just a little narrow for me and I sort of lock into a solid stance and don't move. I think a narrower stance will help with moving back and forth a lot more fluidly and will ultimately keep me on the board better anyway. Number 1 priority for me.

Jeremy Riggs is another guy who has some amazing footwork.

I'm happy enough once I'm planing, it's the slow stuff that catches me out. This was a little vid I did surfing tiny waves on the old glide, which I should do more of as you suggest.

I'm just learning that moving around on the board is so much easier when not in parallel or even a staggered stance..

Keeping your feet close to.. or right on the centre line seems to be the trick.. It looks easy.. but it's not.

It's something you can practice in flat water.

See what you did around the 3:43 mark that little step over, that is what will help if you get better at it, if you watch skilled longboarders that nose ride they do the same thing, that will help you to move up and down the board quickly.

The reason that this was so obvious to me is that I had knee surgery and was not confident to move around on the board like I used to. So I was having the same issues that you are. Now that I am moving more I am doing so much better.

As a example, even when I was riding my 8'10" in the surf I would still be moving around on the board.

If you are having issues where you are digging a rail and the board is moving away from you, try to stand just a little further back and see if that helps, I found that it helped to make the front of the board "skid" sideways rather than dig and swerve away.

Hi guys this is actually one of my vids i made last week on a short local run that goes 3.6mile inland up a harbour estuary.
Being able to walk the board comfortably is something i try and teach people right from the start as i find it super important especially on sup boards. Playing around on a big old fun board in the shallows is a great way to improve your skills.

practice doing simple on the spot spins that require you to shift your weight on the board and always remember you will be more stable with the paddle in or at least touching the water Notice in the video how even when i am gliding the paddle is close if not touching the water.

Other great ways to practice are on a indo board by getting used to releasing your rear foot doing a little cross step style tap. The other great one is using two indo board Gigante's under your board in the garden or anything similar for that matter and practice there were you can lean fast were or were not you should be steeping to keep in balance.

Once you are comfortable with walking back it allows you to release the front half of the board once you are on the plane and really surf and play with the swells.
The board i am using here is one of my own, it has a increased amount of tail rocker with reduced overall thickness and reduced volume and weight in the nose that also helps to make the board a lot more nimble and fun to play with down wind.

feel free to say hi on my Facebook page were i regularly post pictures and vid's. I have my fingers crossed for another run here on monday and will try putting the GoPro on a higher resolution.

Best regards and seasons wishes

Charlie

Hey Charlie, some good tips there - and great video. thanks