How to Catch More Waves & Waste Less Energy In The Surf | Kale Brock Tutorial
Want to catch more waves and make every session count? In this tutorial video, I’m diving into one of the most critical skills for any surfer: positioning. Aka - the secret sauce to being in the right place at the right time, and while nothing beats time in the water to truly learn the art of wave reading, I’ve got some tips to fast-track your learning curve. Let’s break it down.
Fall in Love with the Ocean
First things first: surfing starts with obsession. Not the kind where you’re checking your board wax every five minutes, but a deep, curious focus on the ocean. Waves are always telling a story—how they roll in, how they break, how they shift with the wind or tide. Start observing this. Notice the patterns in different conditions. That quiet observation? It’s your foundation for reading waves like a pro.
Ditch the Board (Sometimes)
Here’s a game-changer: spend time in the water without your board. Yep, just bob around in the lineup like a curious seal. This low-to-the-water perspective lets you uniquely learn a wave’s attributes, moods, and variety. You’ll feel the energy of the swell and spot details you’d miss while paddling. It’s simple, it’s free, and it’ll level up your wave-reading skills faster than you think (*note: this is obviously only a recommended intervention for great swimmers and in safe conditions!)
Crack the Wave Code: Color and Shape
Waves aren’t just water—they’re a canvas of clues. Here’s what to look for:
Non-Uniform Swell Lines: These are your goldmines. Look for uneven lines in the swell which should indicate gaps between a ‘peak’ and a ‘shoulder’. These will eventuate in the wave faces you’ll want to chase.
The Peak (Apex): This is the heart of the wave, where it’s steepest and most powerful. Scan for darker, richer patches of water—those deep textures scream “peak ” Get here, and you’re tapping into max speed.
The Shoulder: The gentler slope next to the peak. It shows you where the wave’s headed and where you can glide after takeoff. Generally the shoulder will have a lighter colour than the part that’s about to break (the peak).
Learning to spot these features is like learning the alphabet of waves. Practice it, and you’ll soon be reading whole sentences out there.
Paddle Smarter, Not Harder
Your paddling technique can make or break your positioning. Here’s how to nail it:
Face the Wave: Don’t turn your back on the swell completely. Keep it in your sights as long as possible—eye contact with the waves helps you make split-second calls on where to be.
Paddle Sideways or Angled: Slide into the wave at an angle, glancing over your shoulder. It’s easier to track the swell and builds momentum without blindsiding you.
Sit Deeper or Further In: Play with your starting point. Try paddling toward the swell, then pivoting to catch it—think of it as scouting before committing.
Don’t Jump the Gun: Paddling full-throttle toward the beach too early can land you in a sub-optimal spot—or worse, under a crashing lip. Hold off, read the wave, and let it come to you.
Finding the Sweet Spot
The peak is often the dream zone—maximum speed, maximum stoke. But it’s not one-size-fits-all. Centering on the apex gives you a steep, fast takeoff, but if that feels too spicy, try taking off just off the peak for a smoother entry . Every wave’s different, so tweak your spot based on what it’s offering and where you’re at in your surfing journey.
Know What’s Below
The ocean floor shapes the wave, so let it guide your positioning:
Beach Breaks: Sandbars shift, making waves trickier to predict. You’ll need to stay sharp and adapt on the fly, but the upside? Crowds tend to spread out.
Reef Breaks: Consistent bottoms mean predictable breaks. Use landmarks—like a rock or a tree on the beach—to dial in your spot.
Pro tip: Get to know your local break like it’s your best mate. Familiarity is a massive edge for snagging more waves.
Mind the Crowd
Positioning isn’t just about waves—it’s about people, too. Navigating a busy lineup is a whole skill of its own, and I’ve got you covered with a separate video on that (check out this video below).
For now, just stay aware of who’s around you and keep the vibe positive.
The Big Picture
Catching more waves comes down to this: become a student of the ocean. Watch it, feel it, experiment with your positioning, and fine-tune your paddling. Spend time in the water—board or no board—and let the waves teach you their language. It sounds corny and cliche, but remember that every session is a chance to get a little sharper, a little more connected to the rhythm of the sea.
Many of these skills and points are covered in much more detail, with visual help, inside The Surfer’s Roadmap online programs. The Surfer’s Roadmap, with over 10,000 students, is the world’s largest and most effective online surf training program. Check it out here.