Paddling

Like any new experience, paddling a bodyboard is a lot harder than it looks. Once you are lying on your board, try to centre your weight so that you feel comfortable and are not floundering about. There are three methods of paddling a bodyboard.

KICK POWER with the aid of a pair of reliable swim fins, begin to kick your feet with an alternating, even flow. This should begin to propel you forward. Try to keep your fins submerged because this will give you more thrust than slapping. Your body should be slightly back with your
waist on the tail and your elbows in a relaxed position with both hands gripping the nose. Try to kick with equal leg power and remember-the harder you kick the faster you will go.

ARM POWER as a means of conserving energy it often pays to alternate between arm and leg paddling. To paddle with your arms it is necessary to slide forward slightly and recentre your bodyweight. Arch your back and, with your arms extended, pull yourself through the water using
both arms. It's important to build up a rhythm-and don't splash with your hands. Don't be surprised if you tire quickly- this will be quite fatiguing if you're not used to it.

KICK AND ARM POWER combining both kick and arm paddling methods will help when you need to paddle out quickly into the lineup. Your body should be in the kick position, slightly back on your board. Instead of arching your back, use your chest to keep the nose of the board down.
Using both means of paddling should be done with rhythm; as you begin to feel fatigued, revert to just one of the paddling methods.