The most overlooked element in surfing according to Dan Mann

When surfers talk about improving their performance, they often focus on maneuvers, wave selection, or board design. But one of the most important—and frequently overlooked—aspects of surfing is paddle power. Without strong paddling, even the best surfers will struggle to catch waves, stay in position, and get the most out of their sessions.

To explain why this is so important and how to improve it, I’m breaking down a clip from pro shaper Dan Mann, who shares valuable insights in a video where he talks about designing the Mashup.

How Paddle Power Impacts Your Surfing

Dan explains it perfectly:

“If you're not paddling fast you're going to be missing waves, you're going to be out of position, and you're going to be giving up waves to other people.”

Paddle power is the foundation of great surfing. It’s the key to catching more waves, surfing for longer and maximizing every session.

How to Improve Your Paddle Power:

• Train with the Basis Paddle Trainer: build paddle power for small waves with interval sprint reps and long endurance so you can handle long sessions. Check it out at www.surfbasis.com
• Commit to Your Paddle: Don’t hesitate or slow down—paddle aggressively and stay focused on creating forward momentum.
• Use Proper Technique: Keep your head up, chest lifted, and reach fully with each stroke to maximize efficiency.
• Practice Often: Spend time in smaller surf to master the rhythm and timing of fast, powerful paddling. 

Struggle with paddle power?

I've gone months without surfing and rolled up to pumping swell and surfed 3 hr sessions, multiple times a day, day after day after day, by using the Basis Paddle Trainer.

Train anytime, anywhere, so you can catch more waves and have more fun.

Check it out at www.surfbasis.com

View the full video with Dan Mann here:
Full Mashup Breakdown feat. Rob Machado, Kelly Slater, Kevin Schulz, Timmy Reyes, and more.