Mastering the Paddle Out

One of the biggest challenges for progressing surfers is learning how to paddle out beyond the white water and into the lineup with confidence. It’s not just about strength, it’s about technique, timing, and understanding the ocean.

At Blue Barrel Surf School, we work with intermediate surfers who are ready to move past the basics and start catching unbroken waves. A key part of that journey is mastering the paddle out.

If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in the impact zone, endlessly fighting through wave after wave, you're not alone. Paddling out back can be exhausting and frustrating without the right technique or an understanding of how the surf works. That’s where we come in.

In our intermediate surf lessons, we break down everything you need to know to make the paddle out more efficient, effective, and safe. Our experienced instructors will teach you how to:

• Read the surf conditions and identify the easiest entry points using channels or rip currents

• Time your paddle-outs to avoid sets and reduce resistance

• Improve your paddling technique for better speed and stamina

• Maintain proper body position on your board to glide through the water with less effort

• Use turtle rolls or duck dives (depending on your board) to navigate breaking waves

We also cover how to use your equipment to your advantage. With access to a range of minimal and mid-length surfboards, we help you choose the right board for your current ability and goals and show you how to handle it properly in dynamic conditions.

If you're ready to move beyond the white water and take your surfing to the next level, book an intermediate private surf lesson with Blue Barrel Surf School in Cornwall today. We’ll help you make the paddle out feel like progress, not punishment.