Tips for getting through whitewater during a BOP
Check out this aerial footage of the Punta Sayulita Elite Race earlier this month. The camera crew used two drones over the surf in conjunction with a couple of cameras on the ground to make this spectacular video, which shows exactly what happens during a BOP style race.
But one of the most interesting points is the first beginning, where it shows just how far behind you can end up if that first breaker takes you out off the start line. Watch as the front two paddlers make it over that first wave, and get out through the second and third without incident. Meanwhile, anyone who lost it off the first wave, got pummeled by the next one, and some of them even went down a third time before getting to that first marker.
So what can you do to prevent such embarrassing moments? Here’s some basic tips on how to avoid that first wave embarrassment.
Take a step back: One step back, lift the nose, keep paddling. Clearing the nose is part of the battle.
Go straight: with 12’6 boards, even the slightest approach angle to a breaker will cause the nose to swing, and you to fall. Hit the waves perfectly straight.
Keep paddling: having that paddle in the water is like having another leg to stand on. Take a stroke as you go over the wave and it might just keep you on your feet.
Never stop: Every meter you get off the beach, is closer to ‘out the back’ where the waves aren’t breaking. Unbroken waves are a piece of cake (at least until you turn around)
Watch out for flying boards: They say pigs can't fly, but they've never tried to paddle a 12'6 SUP out through waves, those pigs certainly can! You might not fall off, but if the guy or girl next to you does, watch out for their board.
Keep practicing: If your home spot is dead calm, that’s not going to help! Go somewhere with waves and practice getting over those suckers. Practice makes perfect, so get paddling!
Merewether, NSW
