This morning I ventured out into the Noosa bays for an ocean paddle. I intended to paddle from the river mouth to A-Bay or Granite. As I passed Little Cove there was a nice 2' to 3' wave coming through and there was only one girl out on a Mal. True. I know that lots of you guys surf BOP boards so I thought I would give it a shot. I normally distance paddle the Fly and haven't bothered to surf it. I had around 10 waves, some nice some not so nice. I bombed 6 or so times but did have a few nice glides.
As I normally SUPsurf a 9'6" I had trouble getting the right position quickly. I would appreciate any tips you seasoned guys could put out there as I am sure I was doing a few things wrong and that to get it right should be great fun.
Thanks in advance.
ET.

Have a look at the 2 vids posted this week on the MS Paddle. There were alot of waves ridden on the 12'6" Fanatics. The conditions were extreme but the wave riding principles all the same.

All of the riders were on 12'6"s so worth a look.

Thanks guys. I will look at the videos later tonight.
TT yes I worked out the squatting and transfer of weight but I think you are right I need to get further back. Not used to the extra length.
Hopefully might give it a try tomorrow.
ta.
ET.

I made this quick one yesterday;

"Anyone got any tips on surfing a 12'6" Fanatic Fly"

Do yourself a favour like supanimal and buy a 12' 6 " Falcon, they surf bloody great with the rocker they have, just step forward or back one step and sweet as.

E T said...
Well John I just watched those videos you recommended. Thanks for that. Whilst the conditions were extreme as you said, I did note a few things. Broad stance, stand well back and crouch when the white water catches up to you.
About the only thing I have in common with those guys is that I am male and I paddle a 12'6". Most of them would be half my age and twice as capable.
Bloody hell they're skilled aren't they?
Anyway gives me heaps to think about.
Are you related to Joe Engel by any chance.
cheers. ET.

Not Joe Engel who won 2 Pro Juniors in the 80s but Joey Engel who worked for Quiksilver and Oakley.

Just don't do what I did at the BOP race last year and you should be fine:






Keep your weight on your back foot!!

cheers,

Rob

I was surfing my 9'5" Naish Mana at Tuross Head NSW today, I was the only person out in small waves, wishing I had ANY sort of 12'6" BOP board to play around on.

I now know the sort of thing I want for board #3 anyway, some sort of 12.6, and after board #1 & #2 in the quiver the budget will be limited!