Surfing in a Crowd - 5 Tips to Catch More Waves

In this video, we help you navigate crowded lineups better so you can position yourself better in relation to other surfers.
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00:00 Intro
00:35 Where to sit in the Lineup
01:39 Choose a less crowded peak
02:33 Sitting Outside
04:22 Sitting at the Peak
05:59 Sitting Inside
07:59 Sitting Wide
09:28 Moving Around
10:03 More about us

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[barefoot_surf]

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[keno]

Here's my suggestion to beginner/intermediate surfers: Sit wide and catch all the little waves that no one else wants. At a crowded peak, you will not be able to compete for the good waves, regardless of where you sit. You'll just get in the way of other surfers. When surfing with a crowd, you'll get nothing but frustrated.

Instead, buy an 8' foam board, wax it up, and catch 100 small waves in a session. You'll have fun and improve your surfing skills. Don't discount the junky little waves. It's amazing what a professional surfer can in small surf. A competitive surfer told me, "If you're not surfing, you're not learning. Waiting around in a crowded lineup isn't surfing; it's wasting time. Better to spend your time and energy actually catching waves and practicing technique. Also, you can meet other people who are at your level. Have a good time all the time."

[bonefishboards]

I've scored great waves at a loaded Lower Trestles. Gotta be patient. Gotta sit off the peak and slightly inside. Gotta be agile on your board, going out, going in, going sideways. Gotta pay attention. Gotta be surf fit. Wait and watch for a sub-optimal set. Often times they roll underneath the hot surfers. Gun it for the inside and paddle for the wave where you can catch it. And if you miss it, get ready to take some on the head.

[dissdiamondz]

The voice sounds 100% as flights audios before the take off 🤣🛫

[middleagedshred]

Kool stuff miss Barefoot....it, s getting more and more crowded out there

[justpaulo]

My tip:
- observe the peak you'd like to go and see if there are still a fair amount of waves (even if only inside ones) that go unriden. If that's the case you can go there (skill level dependent of course), but if for every wave there are 3 to 4 surfers paddling, and drop ins happening, then forget it and look for another peak.

[felixcantu]

Love to watch a video on Wipeout technique for small and big waves and boards. You guys rock 🎸

[maaypinaay]

I’m so happy with your videos because you bring so much visualization (I’m a visual learner). Although I just wonder if you have a video how to turn when there’s a wave coming at you? Mostly I’m trying to read the waves with my back at it because I don’t know how to turn efficiently. Thank you!

[ChristofferFlensburg]

Rule of thumb: if you only see surfers above your level catch waves, then find a different spot.

While if you do see surfer at or below your level catch waves, then you should be able to catch waves as well.

I've been tricked so many times by experienced surfers making a wave look easy, and they'll rip up the wave, throwing all kinds of fancy moves. I get excited, wanting to do the same, and go out there only to not catch a single wave all session. What I should be asking is why are there no surfers like me on the waves, just riding and trying to stay on the wave.

[anatta]

come to bali and swim with the sharks lol

[WWEfantasy]

Omg thank you soo much now I understand the different sitting positions in the line up. I’m still a beginner and I’ve been going to Malibu first point and it’s VERY crowded. Since I saw a lot of experienced surfers sitting more out I thought I had to do the same but I’ve gotten zero waves. They all claim the peak as this video is presenting. I also did notice less experience surfers sitting closer to the beach and catching more waves that weren’t the best quality but were having good decent rides. I’m definitely gonna sit closer to catch those waves

[boltup]

Great content. Especially the dangers of sitting inside. Most beginners don't have the awareness or paddle ability to get out of the way. 7:44.

Also you could talk about localism. Most non beginner breaks will have a set social hierachy. If you're new to a break, its usually a bad idea to paddle the front of the peak.

Beach breaks are a better choice than reef or point breaks. The peaks are more spread out.

[martinocarri]

Excuse me where are the surfers in the video? Thank you

[helloitsmehb]

Sit wide and be patient for the bombs on point breaks. Works every time

[michaelcasey]

So on your great advice buy a board and paddle out in to crowd

[kritsanasakharirakpaibool]

keep on producing good works! you guys the best

[Hotwire_RCTrix]

There are no secrets here.
Tip, don't sit next to 10 other people and expect any of them to give you a wave. Tip 2, don't sit where it doesn't break or chase waves to spots that go deep, the futile and frustrated fool. My best advice, if you are crap a working crowded surf spots, buy a PS and stay home.

[pierrekopa]

7:41 surfer is an idiot. He could see the person down below so long ago, but didn't adapt his trajectory and then complain about it.
Great video otherwise, as usual