THE SWEET SPOT

The sweet spot is a term used to reference the optimal position whilst lying down on your surfboard.

Not too far forward, Not too far back.

That ideal spot where your weight is distributed perfectly over your board.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

Lying down in the correct position on your surfboard will help set the foundation of your entire ride.

Put simply, without the correct balance and positioning to begin with, you’ll create a tonne of resistance and drag making it difficult to catch waves, hard to get to your feet, and tire your arms out unnecessarily.

Find the sweet spot and you'll conserve a bunch of energy, and surf for longer as a result.

BREAKING IT DOWN

Align your body down the stringer (or centre line) of the surfboard, with 50% of your weight on either side.
Shift your weight up or down the surfboard to find the point where your surfboard is as flat as possible on the water.
Not too far forward, not too far back - instead that sweet spot in the middle with minimal resistance.

As a general rule of thumb you'll want to position yourself as far forward on your board as you possibly can....

Without nosediving.

Find that position, and you've found the Sweet Spot.

Note: The angle/height of your shoulders will effect the weight distribution on your board.

With arched back and shoulders you're able to push the sweet spot further up the board.

This is a good thing, and something we'll be covering in detail later in the course, but for now just know that the more you are able to arch your back and shoulders when paddling the better!

COMMON MISTAKES

WEIGHT TOO FAR FORWARD

If you're weight is too far forward you'll nosedive.

WEIGHT TOO FAR BACK

If your weight is too far back you'll create unnecessary drag and you won't catch any waves.

MISS-ALIGNED WEIGHT

If your weight isn't distributed evenly aver the stringer of the board it'll create a tonne of resistance, and make you very unstable.

WRAPPING IT UP

It's easy to overlook the importance of finding the sweet spot on your surfboard.

But get it right, and you'll catch more waves and have more success as a result.

A good, solid paddle foundation will create a sound platform for popping to your feet - and the rest will take care of itself.

SWEET SPOT

YOU MUST BE LOGGED IN TO ACCESS THIS COURSE

BEGINNER

THE START OF SOMETHING NEW...

GOTTA HAVE POP!

SPEED

TURNING

THE SUBTLE ART OF NEGOTIATING WAVES

PADDLING

BOARD DISMOUNT

BOARD MANAGEMENT

CATCHING WHITEWATER WAVES

NEXT STEPS...