Use this ‘roll technique’ to negotiate medium and larger waves.
Use both hands to grab the straps towards the nose of the board just before the wave or white water hits the front of your board.
Roll the board upside down while:
- holding the straps firmly
- hanging beneath the board
- keeping the board nose pulled down
- pulling your bent arms towards your torso, which will absorb the energy of the wave.
- Roll the board back over when the turbulence has passed.
- Remount the board.
- Check the conditions ahead and trim the board.
- Continue paddling out to sea as quickly as possible to limit the wave pushing you backwards.
Note: The sooner you recommence paddling, the faster you will move through the break zone and the more energy you will conserve.