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I’m a 20yo girl and have surfed about a year. in total i surf an average 3-6 hours a week.
<div>I surf a minimal 7’2 and an al merrick average joe 5’3

<div>I love these 2 boards but have come across a hump to try progress my surfing. I can ride the minimal pretty well in whitewater and small glass waves. And I like the average joe when the swell isn’t to strong and I have the strength to paddle out the back.

<div>I am having a massive struggle in building up strength to handle bigger waves and paddle further and longer. I seem to be at a dead end. I’m pretty tired of hanging around in the white water when the swell is to strong and would love to progress, yet I’m not sure how.

<div>I study full time so my surfing hours are limited :(

<div>any tips/suggestions to get fitter to combat waves would be great!

<div>or is there a suitable type of board thats duckdiveable yet rideable like a minimal?

<div>thanks!

Not really, just gotta build your paddle strength and stamina. Swim before or after uni if you can't surf.
You could go somewhere in between those two boards as well if the average joe is too small. 5'8" katana skud or such would do and the eps will float you better too.

If your goal is to build up strength/endurance to surf big waves then you should be looking at ways to improve your functional strength. Especially if your time in the water is limited
Think push ups, chin ups, swimming etc that will increase your surfing based strength
Google Chris mills or any other surf strength coach that specialises in surf based gym training.
No excuses with the internet giving you so many options
As for other tips. Don't forget to get good at duck diving not board bailing

+1 for swimming. Good for arm strength and stamina. Also work on your paddling technique to be sure you are getting the most out of your effort - body position on the board makes a huge difference. Also learn to read the ocean/waves so that you can pick the easiest path out the back. Good luck!

You need a good surf coach ? Go to Maldives Russian surf school..ask for Sergej, tell him Dmitri sent you

+1 for swim training.

I was never even close to being the best in the lineup but I was usually the strongest paddler. Who do you think got more waves?

Start really focusing on reading the water. Timing and smarts gets you out the back just as quick as a strong upper body. Read the rips..time the sets. Learn to duckdive while minimizing how much ground you lose.