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How to Paddle Efficiently: Tips from Malibu Surf Coaches

How to Paddle Efficiently: Malibu Surf Coach Guide to Faster, Easier Surfing

Paddling is the engine of surfing — the skill that determines how fast you get into waves, how long you surf before getting tired, and how confidently you move through the lineup.For beginners learning at Zuma Beach in Malibu, efficient paddling makes the difference between catching 1 wave… and catching 8–12 waves in your first lesson.

This guide breaks down the exact paddling technique Malibu instructors use to help beginners progress faster, stay safer, and enjoy surfing longer.

Why Paddling Is SO Important in Malibu Conditions

Malibu waves are smoother and more beginner-friendly than many SoCal beaches — but they still require:

  • solid momentum

  • proper body positioning

  • correct breathing

  • relaxed efficiency

The better you paddle, the easier everything else becomes.

Step 1 — Body Positioning: The Foundation of Efficient Paddling

At Always Summer Surf School, we teach beginners to start by mastering board position.

Here’s what correct positioning looks like:

  • Head lifted

  • Chest centered over the stringer

  • Toes at the tail

  • Nose of the board 1–2 inches above the surface

This positioning prevents drag and keeps your board gliding smoothly.

Avoid These Mistakes

❌ Too far forward → nose pearls❌ Too far back → board drags, slow paddling❌ Legs hanging over → drag behind you

Correct positioning alone improves paddling speed by 30–40%.

Step 2 — Malibu-Style Paddling Stroke Technique

Forget the “splashy” beginner paddle.

Use the quiet, deep stroke we teach at Zuma Beach:

✔ Deep reach

Hand enters the water clean, fingers first.

✔ Pull through your core

Arm straight-ish, pulling water under the board, not to the sides.

✔ Smooth exit

Hand exits by your hips — not too early.

✔ Long, relaxed strokes

Not fast. Not short.Long + deep = speed + endurance.

Watching experienced surfers at Point Dume or County Line, you’ll notice this exact style.

Step 3 — Breathing & Rhythm (Secret to Long Sessions)

New surfers tense up and burn energy.Malibu instructors teach:

  • inhale during the glide

  • exhale during the pull

  • stay loose in the shoulders

  • find a rhythm, not a sprint

This allows beginners to paddle longer without fatigue.

Step 4 — Paddling Through Whitewash (Malibu Beginner Method)

Zuma Beach whitewash is gentle but steady — perfect for learning this drill.

Use the mini push-up technique:

  1. As whitewash approaches

  2. Lift your chest slightly

  3. Let the board absorb the impact

  4. Keep paddling immediately after

Don’t stop paddling.Momentum = stability.

Step 5 — Paddling for a Wave (Timing Breakdown)

To catch your first wave:

  • Start paddling early

  • Commit with 3–4 strong strokes

  • Feel the wave lift your tail

  • Continue paddling 1–2 more strokes

  • Then pop up

The mistake most beginners make?

Stopping paddling too soon.Let the wave give you that “push.”

Zuma Beach waves are long and forgiving — ideal for perfecting this timing.

Step 6 — Building Endurance the Smart Way

You don’t need gym training.Just practice:

  • swimming

  • light paddling drills

  • breath control

  • efficient technique

Endurance comes naturally after 3–5 surf sessions.

Internal Linking Prompts

Use these inside the article:

 
 
 

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