When the cold arrives and the waves gain strength, the best season begins for paddling in winter waves and enjoying surfing in its purest state.
At Fly, we believe that good paddling is the key to enjoying surfing all year round, especially when the sea gets serious. Here are some tips for paddling effectively in autumn and winter waves, saving energy, and surfing with confidence.
1. How to adjust your paddling to paddle in winter waves more effectively
In autumn and winter, waves are usually faster and have a greater volume of water. This requires more powerful and deeper paddling, but also a more strategic approach:
- Avoid paddling aimlessly: Analyze the peak before launching yourself, position yourself at the exact spot where the waves break consistently.
- Adapt your rhythm: Cold and heavy waves require explosiveness at the end of the paddle, not so much quantity but intensity at the right moment.
- Take advantage of channels: At this time of year, more defined channels usually form; use them to enter with less effort and avoid the impact zone.
2. Correct your body position with the wetsuit on
The wetsuit changes your buoyancy and posture on the board. Many surfers don't take this into account and sink the tail or chest too much when paddling.
Fly Tips:
- Adjust your position a few inches further forward than usual.
- Keep your chest high, gaze forward, and neck relaxed.
- Avoid spreading your legs too wide: with the wetsuit, every extra movement expends more energy.
Pro tip: before getting into the water, do 1-2 minutes of dry paddling or on the board in the sand. It will help you adjust your balance with the wetsuit.
3. Strengthen your paddling out of the water
In winter, you will surf fewer days, so maintaining physical fitness is essential. Dedicate a few minutes each week to strength and mobility exercises focused on paddling:
- Pull-ups → strengthens the lats, key for traction.
- Plank and torso rotations → improve stability and reduce shoulder injuries.
- Swimming or indoor rowing → simulate water resistance and improve cardiovascular endurance.
A prepared body performs better, but above all, it tires less when the sea demands more.
4. Manage energy and cold
Cold not only numbs muscles, but also reduces paddling efficiency. Therefore, always warm up before getting in: activate your arms, neck, and shoulders.
In the water:
- Keep moving gently when waiting for a wave; don't stay still.
- Avoid long and unnecessary paddles: observe, choose your moment, and enter decisively.
- If the current pulls you, use diagonal paddles and rely on the bottom line as a visual reference.
5. Keep a cool head (even if the water is freezing)
Paddling effectively is not just about technique, but about mental attitude. Winter conditions can be intimidating, but every paddle is an opportunity to connect with the sea in its most authentic state.
Focus on your breathing, feel the rhythm of the water under the board, and remember: calm is also part of surfing.
In summary
Paddling well in autumn and winter means:
- Adapting your technique to harsher conditions,
- Making better use of energy,
- And keeping a cool head to enjoy every session.
With your Fly board, a bit of technique, and a good dose of motivation, paddling in winter waves will become your best training for the whole year. Our blog.
