This document provides instructions for the basic techniques of surfing, including how to properly paddle out, avoid getting caught in breaking waves ("turtle"), catch an incoming wave, and then safely stand up on the board to ride it. The techniques covered are paddling parallel and close to the board without sliding off, using an S-stroke for efficiency, and planting both feet in the right position to smoothly transition to standing once a wave is caught.

1. How to Catch a Wave
Jonathan Lo

2. The Paddle
• Stay towards the
back of the board
– You don’t want to
“pearl.”
• But you don’t want
to slide off the board
either.
• Long, overhead
strokes parallel to
the board.

3. The Turtle
• Paddle out between
sets.
• If a wave is about to
break right over you,
paddle forward and
“turtle!”
• Find your way to an
area just past where
the waves are
breaking.

4. The Wave
• Now it’s finally time
to catch a wave.
– But also it means
more paddling!
• Wait for the right
wave.
• Stay in front of the
wave.
• Feel the wave catch
you.
• Most frustrating part
of surfing for

5. The Pearl
• Be careful not to be
too far forward on the
board or you will
“pearl.” And it will
probably hurt.

6. S-Stroke Demo
• Volunteers?
• For quicker, more
efficient paddling.
• Lengthens strokes.
• Moves water
toward the fins for
speed.

7. The Plant
• Move quickly to stand
on the board.
• Dominant foot back.
• Other foot on the
middle of the board.