Generating speed: pumping and trim

Turning and speed · 4 min read · Board: A shortboard or a mini-mal.

Keeping speed on slow, soft waves. Pumping is the skill that makes small days fun.

A surfboard only goes as fast as the wave pushes it. On weak waves the wave stops pushing, and you have to make your own speed by pumping.

Bend your knees as you go down the face, pushing the board into the water.
As you go up, extend and unweight the board, letting it speed up and slide forward.
Repeat along the face in a smooth wave-like motion: down and extend, up and compress.
Keep your head and eyes along the wave. The pump is in the legs.

Mistakes

Pumping with the arms and the upper body only. It tires you and does nothing for the board.
Pumping too big, which stalls the board. Small, rhythmic movements are faster.
Staying too far from the power zone. Pumping only works where the wave is still pushing.

On a small wave, count the number of pumps you do and see how far the board goes.
Practise on a surfskate: the pumping motion is the same.

A guide is not a coach. If you can, take a lesson or surf with someone better than you.