As I surfed to sunset ,being a perfect day with nice left handers .
Heaps of people where BBQ ing and getting drunk .
A group of them where watching me and wanted to ...chat .
one ask me how come you catch more waves than the surfers ?
I didn't have time to think ,but said I have more foam in my board and
I have a 10 -15 foot RADIUS where I can pick the waves up
where a surfer can't paddle as fast and maybe has a 8-10 foot radius
I also can see 3 waves coming and often will pick the second wave .
I think I was talking a lot of bull **** .
but what do you reckon .the radius is that we can pick up a wave .
I had been out in the morning on my 8.10 ,but I had my 9,6 in the arvo ,cause I was a bit spent .
The 9.6 can pick up swell so easy .but less tricks.

Much much more than that

I think it is really the volume plus the added visibility.

Just have them try a prone longboard with as much volume as a SUP (you know the ones people can knee-paddle while the deck is above the water), you will see that they will actually paddle faster than a SUP, and even take off earlier.

Also, it is definitively being able to see the sets from father away, and also better reading the spot as we have a better view of it, we understand better how the waves and rips behave on it. I guess that we have a larger radius, as you say, but due more to the fact that we paddle earlier because we see the sets earlier, than mere paddling speed.

And this may explain why some people are so attracted to SUPing vs prone surfing. For instance I love understanding things (I am more "cerebral" than "instinctive", if you want), and the fact that standing up on a board makes me able to better understand what is going on is a big plus for me. Other would prefer the intimate, visceral "being part of the wave" of a prone take off, and the lower volume, I guess.

I agree Colas the greater vision makes a huge difference. The hardest is part is resisting the urge to capitalize on the advantage continually if you're sharing the lineup. You have to share the love after all