Although we surf in the waves, there is a huge advantage in mastering various techniques in an environment minimising variables and external factors that can negatively impact on your ability to learn and practice something new. We accomplish this by moving to the Bay across the road.

Here the instructors will begin by talking about positioning on the board and the correct way to push the board through the water using special control techniques. Paddling techniques are then explained and practiced. These include paddling the board in trim, turning the board using only paddling and adjusting body positions on the board.

Once everyone is paddling well, students are shown how to sit up on the board correctly and then maneuver the board while sitting using legs and also paddling. Our next technique we work on is to lie back down on the board from a seated position. Here we teach a rocking movement so the board is given momentum in the movement. This aids catching waves as the board is already moving forward before paddling is commenced, so board speed is achieved faster.

All these components are then combined so students practice everything in order. Not only is each movement demonstrated and technically explained, but its relevance and importance for surfing is also clarified.

Our final section of the Stillwater session is to practice the stand up movement on our big boards.

The feedback we have had from all our students is how beneficial and helpful these sessions are. It is extremely important to be able to handle a board with confidence making surfing much easier. By being able to learn and practice on flat water without the added pressure of being knocked around by waves makes it an extremely worthwhile and important session. The learning process is sped up and benefits immediately noticed when students get back out into the surf – the results speak for themselves.

Students improve dramatically once the flow and understanding of board control, prior to actually catching a green wave, is grasped and practiced.

Techniques covered in a Stillwater Session
- Push and maneuver a board through the water correctly
- Mounting and correct positioning on a board
- Paddling in trim
- Turning a board while prone
- Sitting up on a board
- Turning a board while seated
- Lying back down on a board
- Combining all techniques into a sequential pattern
- Correct stand up technique