If you surf and feel your progress has stalled, it is rarely a lack of talent. Most of the time you need clarity about what to train and in what order.
- 01. Paddling: every wave starts here
- 02. Speed: stop losing before trying to gain
- 03. Functional stance: use your whole body
- 04. Wave reading: know the path
- 05. Wave line: where you go decides what you can do
Prefer to watch? This video accompanies the article with practical examples.
01. 01. Paddling: every wave starts here
Paddling is the first step into the wave. If it creates drag, moves the board or takes you off axis, you lose your stance and the timing for the manoeuvre. Train a clean paddle in every condition.
02. 02. Speed: stop losing before trying to gain
Most things that take speed away are drag. Watch your videos in slow motion and notice every moment water sprays from the rail. That is a point to adjust.
Your level is a map, not a label. Knowing where you are helps build a better path.Isabela Sousa
03. 03. Functional stance: use your whole body
Your stance is not a frozen position. It is a stance that serves what you want to do. Your hips and legs move the board and distribute weight so the manoeuvre can respond.
04. 04. Wave reading: know the path
Before paddling out, look at where the wave breaks, where the channel is, where the sets form and which sections create a ramp. Reading organises your session before the first paddle.
Your level is a map, not a label. Knowing where you are helps build a better path.Isabela Sousa
05. 05. Wave line: where you go decides what you can do
On the low line you lose speed and move away from the lip. On the high line you keep speed available and shorten the angle of attack.
WAVE READING · BODYBOARD
Learn to read the ocean before you paddle out
Champion’s Checklist brings together the points I look at before every session: forecast, peak, sets, tide, wind, current, bottom and line. Organise your entry, spend less energy paddling and improve your chances of being in the right place when the best wave arrives.
SEE THE CHAMPION’S CHECKLISTA practical guide to making every wave count.
THE NEXT STEP
Want to progress with more direction?
Discover Bodyboard Pro: Flying and learn the complete PRO Protocol: foundation, wave reading, line, fear release, land training and flight.
DISCOVER THE TRAININGFrequently asked questions
What are the basic bodyboarding techniques?
Paddling, speed, functional stance, wave reading and line. They happen in that order on every wave: paddle, enter, position, read and choose your line before the manoeuvre.
Why am I not progressing even though I surf often?
Most of the time the problem happens before the manoeuvre. Focusing only on the 360, roll or ARS usually means ignoring paddling, stance and line.
Do I need big waves to train manoeuvres?
No. Small surf is where you can train projection, roll, 360 and weight control. Technique can be built in every condition.
How long does it take to fly on a bodyboard?
It depends on your level and how much you train out of the water. Treating foundation, line and reading as training creates faster, clearer progress.
ABOUT ISABELA SOUSA · AUTHOR
Isabela Sousa
Isabela Sousa is a five-time bodyboarding world champion. A Brazilian professional athlete, she spent 18 years competing on the world tour before developing the PRO Protocol taught inside Bodyboard Pro: Flying.