16/08/2026
Why do we push our clients???
I dont push many clients onto waves anymore. There is a time and a place for assisting a student to help them get the feel of what they need to do.
As most of my clients are low intermediate and up, I am always working with women who already have worked hard on building the skills they already have.
But one skill I notice is a common theme among many women who are learning as adults not as kids is..
The timing of the paddle to master a range of unbroken waves.
This can feel like something you never will get right, or that everyone just says 'paddle harder' or 'paddle faster' and the one i love the most is
You paddles (insert number here) time and you will get the wave 🤦🏼♀️.
The trick to paddling onto any wave is your build up.
What this means is: as you see a wave coming towards you, start to paddle and as the wave gets closer then your paddle needs to get fast until...
Your paddle is at the same speed as the wave!!!
If your in a higher tide then its more of a build up as it takes a while for the wave to form hitting the sand bank, if its a lower tide then its a shorter, faster paddle as the wave hits the sandbank or shallow area quicker.
Understanding your ability to paddle and what speeds you can create is really important for wave selection and also equipment selection.
Being able to show a student the speed they need to create is important. It allows them to get a feel of the momentum they have to feel for to allow the paddle to feel right.
With understanding your skills, your environment and your equipment your able to have a more successful session.