Improver SUP Surfing
Ready to take your SUP surfing to the next level? This pathway is designed for paddlers who are confidently catching waves and want to improve their technique, develop more advanced manoeuvres and better understand the equipment that supports performance. Follow each section in order to build smoother turns, generate more speed, make smarter equipment choices and become a more confident, capable SUP surfer.
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Section 1: Catching Waves Earlier & Building Your Bottom Turn
Learn to catch waves earlier and set yourself up for success with better timing, trimming and positioning. Build stronger bottom turns on both frontside and backside to create a better foundation for the manoeuvres that follow.
Understand the key manoeuvres that will take your SUP surfing beyond simply riding the wave, and see how positioning, board control and technique begin to open up more of each ride.
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Basic SUP surfing manoeuvres
Understand the key manoeuvres that will take your SUP surfing beyond simply riding the wave, and see how positioning, board control and technique begin to open up more of each ride.
View VideoBuild one of the most important turns in SUP surfing. Learn how a good frontside bottom turn sets up the rest of the wave and puts you in position for your next manoeuvre.
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The frontside bottom turn
Build one of the most important turns in SUP surfing. Learn how a good frontside bottom turn sets up the rest of the wave and puts you in position for your next manoeuvre.
View VideoTake your frontside bottom turn further with additional detail and coaching, helping you refine your positioning, timing and technique to create a stronger setup for the rest of the wave.
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The frontside bottom turn - PRO Extended
Take your frontside bottom turn further with additional detail and coaching, helping you refine your positioning, timing and technique to create a stronger setup for the rest of the wave.
More InfoDevelop your backside surfing by learning how to perform a controlled bottom turn and use it to set yourself up for the next section of the wave.
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The backside bottom turn
Develop your backside surfing by learning how to perform a controlled bottom turn and use it to set yourself up for the next section of the wave.
View VideoGo deeper into the backside bottom turn with additional coaching and detail to help you improve control, positioning and the transition into your next manoeuvre.
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The backside bottom turn - PRO Extended
Go deeper into the backside bottom turn with additional coaching and detail to help you improve control, positioning and the transition into your next manoeuvre.
Preview VideoLearn how better positioning and trimming can help you catch waves earlier, giving you more time, speed and opportunity to make the most of the wave ahead.
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Becoming a ‘Better’ SUP surfer – Catching waves early / Correct trimming
Learn how better positioning and trimming can help you catch waves earlier, giving you more time, speed and opportunity to make the most of the wave ahead.
Preview VideoSECTION 2: DEVELOPING YOUR FRONTSIDE & BACKSIDE TURNS
Take your turning further by developing frontside and backside top turns and introducing the cutback. Learn how better positioning, timing and board control can help you link manoeuvres and make more of each wave.
Progress from your bottom turn into a frontside top turn. Learn the fundamentals of redirecting your board at the top of the wave while maintaining control and flow.
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The frontside top turn
Progress from your bottom turn into a frontside top turn. Learn the fundamentals of redirecting your board at the top of the wave while maintaining control and flow.
View VideoTake a closer look at the frontside top turn with additional coaching to help refine your timing, positioning and board control as you redirect from the top of the wave.
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The frontside top turn - PRO Extended
Take a closer look at the frontside top turn with additional coaching to help refine your timing, positioning and board control as you redirect from the top of the wave.
More InfoLearn how to take your backside surfing higher up the wave and perform a controlled top turn, redirecting the board while maintaining speed and positioning.
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The backside top turn
Learn how to take your backside surfing higher up the wave and perform a controlled top turn, redirecting the board while maintaining speed and positioning.
View VideoDevelop your backside top turn further with additional detail on timing, technique and board control to help make the manoeuvre smoother and more effective.
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The backside top turn - PRO Extended
Develop your backside top turn further with additional detail on timing, technique and board control to help make the manoeuvre smoother and more effective.
Preview VideoLearn how a backside cutback can bring you back towards the more powerful part of the wave, helping you maintain speed and make better use of the available face.
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The backside cutback
Learn how a backside cutback can bring you back towards the more powerful part of the wave, helping you maintain speed and make better use of the available face.
View VideoGo deeper into the backside cutback with additional coaching on positioning, timing and technique to help you link the manoeuvre more smoothly into your surfing.
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The backside cutback - PRO Extended
Go deeper into the backside cutback with additional coaching on positioning, timing and technique to help you link the manoeuvre more smoothly into your surfing.
Preview VideoSECTION 3: UNDERSTANDING WAVES & BOARD CONTROL
Develop a better feel for your board and the waves you’re riding. Explore wave shapes, smaller boards and simple setup and preparation tips that can help you surf with greater control and confidence.
Prepare your body before hitting the water with a simple SUP warm-up routine designed to improve mobility and get you ready for a more demanding surf session.
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Pre-paddle SUP warm up routine
Prepare your body before hitting the water with a simple SUP warm-up routine designed to improve mobility and get you ready for a more demanding surf session.
View VideoDiscover a useful technique for getting your board back under control when it kicks away from you, helping you recover more effectively during a surf session.
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SUP Surf – ‘The Board Kick’
Discover a useful technique for getting your board back under control when it kicks away from you, helping you recover more effectively during a surf session.
View VideoLearn to recognise how different wave shapes affect the way you surf, helping you choose better lines, anticipate what the wave will do and adapt your manoeuvres accordingly.
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Understanding different wave shapes
Learn to recognise how different wave shapes affect the way you surf, helping you choose better lines, anticipate what the wave will do and adapt your manoeuvres accordingly.
More InfoA simple setup tip that makes experimenting with your fin much easier. Mark your preferred position so you can make adjustments and quickly return to a setup you know works.
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SUPboarder quick SUP tip / Pencil mark your fin position
A simple setup tip that makes experimenting with your fin much easier. Mark your preferred position so you can make adjustments and quickly return to a setup you know works.
View VideoSECTION 4: DEVELOPING BETTER SURFING TECHNIQUE
Refine the fundamentals that make a noticeable difference to your surfing. Improve body position, paddle use, speed generation and wave selection to become smoother, more efficient and more adaptable on the wave.
Discover why bending your knees is so important for balance, control and manoeuvrability, and how improving your body position can make an immediate difference to your surfing.
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Becoming a ‘Better’ SUP surfer – Bending your knees
Discover why bending your knees is so important for balance, control and manoeuvrability, and how improving your body position can make an immediate difference to your surfing.
Preview VideoImprove the way you change paddle sides while surfing so the transition becomes quicker, smoother and less disruptive to your balance and flow on the wave.
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Becoming a ‘Better’ SUP surfer – The paddle change
Improve the way you change paddle sides while surfing so the transition becomes quicker, smoother and less disruptive to your balance and flow on the wave.
Preview VideoUnderstand how where you look affects your body position and board control, and learn when focusing on your paddle can help — or hinder — your surfing.
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Becoming a ‘Better’ SUP surfer – To look at my paddle or not?
Understand how where you look affects your body position and board control, and learn when focusing on your paddle can help — or hinder — your surfing.
Preview VideoGood surfing is about more than knowing manoeuvres. Learn to read the wave and choose the right move for the section in front of you.
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Becoming a ‘Better’ SUP surfer – Right moves for the right waves
Good surfing is about more than knowing manoeuvres. Learn to read the wave and choose the right move for the section in front of you.
Preview VideoLearn how pumping can help generate extra speed on the wave, allowing you to maintain momentum, connect sections and create more opportunities for manoeuvres.
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Becoming a ‘Better’ SUP surfer – Generating speed by pumping
Learn how pumping can help generate extra speed on the wave, allowing you to maintain momentum, connect sections and create more opportunities for manoeuvres.
Preview VideoRefine how and when you switch your paddle while surfing, helping you maintain balance, control and flow as you move through different parts of the wave.
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Becoming a ‘Better’ SUP surfer – How To Switch Your Paddle
Refine how and when you switch your paddle while surfing, helping you maintain balance, control and flow as you move through different parts of the wave.
Preview VideoYour paddle is much more than a way to catch the wave. Learn how to use it effectively for support, control and improved manoeuvrability while surfing.
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Becoming a ‘Better’ SUP surfer – Effective use of your paddle
Your paddle is much more than a way to catch the wave. Learn how to use it effectively for support, control and improved manoeuvrability while surfing.
Preview VideoDevelop a better understanding of how your own board responds beneath your feet and why knowing its characteristics can help you surf with greater confidence and control.
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Becoming a ‘Better’ SUP surfer – Knowing your board
Develop a better understanding of how your own board responds beneath your feet and why knowing its characteristics can help you surf with greater confidence and control.
More InfoSECTION 5: TRAINING & HIGHER LEVEL SURF SKILLS
Take your skills beyond the basics with practical drills and more advanced techniques. Work on body position, board control, turning and re-entries, with training ideas you can practise both on and off the water.
Learn how to use the brace to maintain balance and recover control on a smaller surf SUP, turning your paddle into an important tool when the board becomes unstable.
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SUP Surf – ‘The Brace Technique’
Learn how to use the brace to maintain balance and recover control on a smaller surf SUP, turning your paddle into an important tool when the board becomes unstable.
View VideoYou don’t need waves to improve your surfing. Practise key SUP surf skills on flat water so your balance, footwork and board control are ready when the surf arrives.
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SUP surfing skills on flat water / Get ready for the waves!
You don’t need waves to improve your surfing. Practise key SUP surf skills on flat water so your balance, footwork and board control are ready when the surf arrives.
Preview VideoImprove your surfing away from the water with simple dry-land drills that help develop better body position and reinforce the movements you’ll need on your board.
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SUP surfing body position with dry land drills
Improve your surfing away from the water with simple dry-land drills that help develop better body position and reinforce the movements you’ll need on your board.
Preview VideoUnderstand the difference between sliding and carving a SUP through a turn, and how your technique changes the way the board redirects on the wave.
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Sliding vs Carving Turn SUP Surfing
Understand the difference between sliding and carving a SUP through a turn, and how your technique changes the way the board redirects on the wave.
View VideoTake your surfing higher up the wave with practical tips for performing a re-entry, from approaching the lip to redirecting the board and setting up your recovery.
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Top tips to making a SUP surfing re-entry
Take your surfing higher up the wave with practical tips for performing a re-entry, from approaching the lip to redirecting the board and setting up your recovery.
Preview VideoSECTION 6: UNDERSTANDING SURF SUP DESIGN
Discover how surf SUP design influences the way a board performs. Explore rocker, rails, bottom and tail shapes to better understand why different boards turn, glide and respond differently on a wave.
Go deeper into surf SUP design and learn how different board characteristics influence performance, helping you understand whether your current board is really supporting the surfing you want to achieve.
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Are You On The Right Board? Deep Dive Into Surf SUP Design For Performance / SUPboarder PRO
Go deeper into surf SUP design and learn how different board characteristics influence performance, helping you understand whether your current board is really supporting the surfing you want to achieve.
Preview VideoLook beneath the board and explore how different bottom contours influence speed, stability, turning and control, building a deeper understanding of surf SUP design.
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SUP Shapes Explained / SUP bottom shapes
Look beneath the board and explore how different bottom contours influence speed, stability, turning and control, building a deeper understanding of surf SUP design.
Preview VideoComplete your look at surf SUP design by exploring different tail shapes and how they influence turning, control, water release and the overall feel of a board.
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SUP Shapes Explained / SUP tail shapes
Complete your look at surf SUP design by exploring different tail shapes and how they influence turning, control, water release and the overall feel of a board.
Preview VideoDiscover how different rail shapes interact with the water and understand why rail design has such an important influence on grip, turning and overall surf performance.
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SUP SHAPES EXPLAINED / SUP RAIL SHAPES
Discover how different rail shapes interact with the water and understand why rail design has such an important influence on grip, turning and overall surf performance.
Preview VideoLook at surf SUP design by exploring different tail shapes and how they influence turning, control, water release and the overall feel of a board.
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SUP Rail thickness at the tail / Design & Performance
Look at surf SUP design by exploring different tail shapes and how they influence turning, control, water release and the overall feel of a board.
Preview VideoUnderstand what rocker is and how different rocker lines influence speed, turning and handling, helping you recognise why surf SUPs can behave so differently on the wave.
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SUP rocker-lines explained
Understand what rocker is and how different rocker lines influence speed, turning and handling, helping you recognise why surf SUPs can behave so differently on the wave.
More InfoSECTION 7: FINS, FOOTWORK & BOARD CONTROL
Explore some of the smaller details that can make a big difference to your surfing. Understand how fins, foot position and simple setup choices can improve control and help you get more from your board.
Understand the basics of surf SUP fins, what they do and how different setups can influence stability, turning, drive and the way your board feels on the wave.
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SUP surf fins explained
Understand the basics of surf SUP fins, what they do and how different setups can influence stability, turning, drive and the way your board feels on the wave.
View VideoA small setup detail with important consequences. Learn how to set your leash string to the correct length for a cleaner and safer connection to your board.
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SUPboarder quick SUP tip / Get your SUP leash string the correct length
A small setup detail with important consequences. Learn how to set your leash string to the correct length for a cleaner and safer connection to your board.
View VideoDiscover two key foot positions that can transform the way you control your surf SUP, helping you understand when and where to move your feet on the board.
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2 important foot positions to get you SUP surfing better
Discover two key foot positions that can transform the way you control your surf SUP, helping you understand when and where to move your feet on the board.
Preview VideoSECTION 8: GETTING MORE FROM EVERY SURF SESSION
Make every session count with practical tips for preparation, equipment and time on the water. Learn how small changes and better habits can help you surf more effectively, enjoy the lineup and keep progressing.
See how paddle length can affect your stance, technique and control in the surf, and understand why a shorter setup may help you become more effective on the wave.
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Dude… your paddle’s too long! / Why paddle height is important when SUP surfing
See how paddle length can affect your stance, technique and control in the surf, and understand why a shorter setup may help you become more effective on the wave.
Preview VideoPrepare yourself and your equipment before the surf season gets going, with practical ideas to help you arrive at your first sessions ready to make the most of them.
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Getting Ready For The Surf Season
Prepare yourself and your equipment before the surf season gets going, with practical ideas to help you arrive at your first sessions ready to make the most of them.
View VideoWhen a wave catches you out, knowing how to react matters. Explore your options for getting clear safely and understand when to paddle, kick or abandon the attempt.
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Getting out in surf – Paddle, kick or bail? / How to video
When a wave catches you out, knowing how to react matters. Explore your options for getting clear safely and understand when to paddle, kick or abandon the attempt.
Preview VideoMake your next session more productive with five practical areas to focus on, helping you turn time on the water into purposeful practice rather than simply catching more waves.
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5 tips to improve your SUP surfing in one session
Make your next session more productive with five practical areas to focus on, helping you turn time on the water into purposeful practice rather than simply catching more waves.
More InfoA quick and simple wetsuit tip that can make paddling more comfortable by helping reduce the restriction around your arms during a surf session.
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SUPboarder quick SUP tip / Snack down your wetsuit sleeve!
A quick and simple wetsuit tip that can make paddling more comfortable by helping reduce the restriction around your arms during a surf session.
View VideoGood surfing also means being a positive part of the lineup. Learn how awareness, communication and respect can make sessions safer and more enjoyable for everyone.
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Making friends in the line up
Good surfing also means being a positive part of the lineup. Learn how awareness, communication and respect can make sessions safer and more enjoyable for everyone.
More InfoSECTION 9: FINE-TUNING YOUR SURFING & EQUIPMENT
Go deeper into the relationship between technique and equipment. Explore fins, paddle setup, board choice and real-world surfing analysis to identify adjustments that can help improve your performance.
Explore the board-design considerations that can be particularly important for heavier or larger paddlers, helping you make more informed choices about volume, dimensions and performance.
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Surf SUP Insight for Heavier Riders
Explore the board-design considerations that can be particularly important for heavier or larger paddlers, helping you make more informed choices about volume, dimensions and performance.
More InfoSee how changing your fin setup can alter the way your board performs, and learn how experimenting with fins can help you tune your SUP to your surfing.
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How to get the most out of your surf SUP with fins
See how changing your fin setup can alter the way your board performs, and learn how experimenting with fins can help you tune your SUP to your surfing.
View VideoUse a real rider’s surfing to explore what it takes to make turns more vertical, identifying technique, positioning and equipment considerations that can help improve performance.
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Readers Video Breakdown ‘Getting more vertical’
Use a real rider’s surfing to explore what it takes to make turns more vertical, identifying technique, positioning and equipment considerations that can help improve performance.
Preview VideoUnderstand how paddle blade size and shape affect your surfing, and why choosing a blade that suits your strength, technique and style can improve control and efficiency.
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SUP surfing paddle blade sizes & shapes
Understand how paddle blade size and shape affect your surfing, and why choosing a blade that suits your strength, technique and style can improve control and efficiency.
More InfoFine-tune your paddle setup by understanding how shaft length affects your stance and technique, helping you find a paddle height that works better for your surfing.
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SUP surfing paddle height
Fine-tune your paddle setup by understanding how shaft length affects your stance and technique, helping you find a paddle height that works better for your surfing.
More InfoSECTION 10: FINE-TUNING YOUR PERFORMANCE
Bring everything together by refining your equipment, training and board choices. Explore grip, fin tuning, land-based practice and different surf SUP styles to find the setup that best supports your surfing.
Explore the differences between surfing in wetsuit boots and barefoot, and how each option can affect grip, board feel, comfort and control beneath your feet.
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Getting the most grip & control / Wetsuit boots or barefoot?
Explore the differences between surfing in wetsuit boots and barefoot, and how each option can affect grip, board feel, comfort and control beneath your feet.
Preview VideoGo deeper into your thruster setup and learn how adjusting your fins can change the way your board turns, grips and drives through the wave.
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Tuning your thruster fin setup
Go deeper into your thruster setup and learn how adjusting your fins can change the way your board turns, grips and drives through the wave.
More InfoExplore ways to train away from the water using land-based aids, helping you develop movements, balance and physical skills that can transfer back into your paddling and surfing.
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Using Land Training Aids for SUP / The Best Way To Improve Your Stand Up Paddling Off The Water
Explore ways to train away from the water using land-based aids, helping you develop movements, balance and physical skills that can transfer back into your paddling and surfing.
View VideoThere’s no single perfect surf SUP. Explore the characteristics that make a board perform well and learn why the best choice ultimately depends on the rider, waves and style of surfing.
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What makes the best surf iSUP?
There’s no single perfect surf SUP. Explore the characteristics that make a board perform well and learn why the best choice ultimately depends on the rider, waves and style of surfing.
View VideoCompare longboard, traditional and stubby surf SUP shapes to understand how each style behaves differently and which type could best suit the way you want to surf.
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Which surf SUP? Longboard, traditional or stubby
Compare longboard, traditional and stubby surf SUP shapes to understand how each style behaves differently and which type could best suit the way you want to surf.
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