Essential Techniques for SUP Surfing Safety

Ready to hit the waves on your stand-up paddleboard? Start with our Surf SUPs collection for boards built to handle ocean conditions.

Stand-up paddleboarding in surf demands respect for the water. Waves can turn playful sessions into challenges fast. These techniques help you stay safe and in control. They draw from basic ocean knowledge and proven methods used by paddlers everywhere.

Know the Waves Before You Paddle

Waves start when wind pushes on the water surface. The force builds crests and dips. Factors like how fast the wind blows, how long it lasts, and the open water distance it crosses all shape wave size and power.

Three main types exist:

• Wind waves: Small and quick, formed by nearby breezes.
• Swell waves: Bigger and stronger, rolling in from far-off storms.
• Tsunamis: Rare giants triggered by events like quakes under the sea.

Spot these early to pick your spot. Look for steady patterns in the breaks.

Check Conditions and Gear Up Right

Always scan the beach first. Note wave sets, calm spots that might hide rip currents, and any rocks or crowds. Wind shifts, tide levels, and storm signs matter too.

Build your setup with reliable items:

• A strong leash to tether your board close.
• A personal flotation device for extra float if needed.
• A partner to watch your back and share the paddle.

Train your body with steady cardio, core work, and stretch routines. Start lessons in flat water, then move to surf. This builds the stamina to last.

Master Ways to Get Past Breaking Waves

Paddle out takes skill. Time your moves for quiet gaps between sets. Position where the water deepens quick to avoid shallow drags.

Try these approaches based on your board and the swell:

Duck Dive for Speed Under the Crest

Grab speed toward the wall. Press the nose down with both hands. Kick the tail under with one foot. Hold your breath and slide below the foam. Keep a slight push forward to pop up clean on the other side. Works best on narrower boards like the Loco Shred Air inflatable.

Turtle Roll for Wider Boards

As the wave nears, flip belly down on the board. Grip the rails tight. Let the water tumble over while you curl in a ball. Wait for the rush to pass, then right yourself and stroke away. Ideal for stable shapes such as the Loco Guppy hard SUP.

Go Over the Back When Close

If the break looms large, dig your paddle deep. Raise the nose just as it steepens. Climb the face and drop down the rear slope. Resume paddling from there. Suits longer rides on boards like the Loco Longboard SUP.

Practice each in safer zones to make them second nature.

Spot and Slip Out of Rip Currents

Rips pull narrow streams of water back out to sea. They show as darker patches, lines of foam heading offshore, or smooth gaps amid the breakers.

Don't fight the pull head-on. Float or tread water to save strength. Swim sideways along the beach until the current fades. Signal your buddy or shore watchers if it grips tight. Stay level-headed—panic burns energy quick.

Boards like the Loco Switch 4-in-1 offer versatile float for these spots.

Handle Falls and Bounce Back

Wipeouts happen. Hold your breath as you go under. Tuck your head and arms to shield from the board or bottom. Let the leash do its job to reel in your ride.

Surface slow. Use the board's lift or your vest to rise. Spot the next wall coming and pick your exit—dive, roll, or climb over. If the leash stretches far, pull hand-over-hand or stroke to it calm.

Paddle Smart with Basic Strokes

Forward pulls move you straight. Wide sweeps turn the nose. Side braces steady against side chop.

Keep your core tight and gaze ahead. These keep you aligned in the lineup.

Respect the Ocean Around You

Watch for sea creatures—steer clear of stings from rays or jellies. Leave no trash behind. Join local cleanups when you can. Small acts keep spots open for all.

Build Skills Step by Step

No one masters surf on day one. Log time on the water. Mix calm days with mild surf. Lessons from pros fill in gaps fast.

Gear up with options like the Loco Twinny for twin-fin speed, Loco Logger for long glides, Loco El Diablo for sharp turns, Loco Hybrid for all-around use, Loco Amigo for friendly floats, or Loco Surf Pro for pro-level grip.

Safe paddles lead to better days on the sea. What's your go-to escape move? Share in the comments.