If youre lucky enough to have a volunteer videographer, get him/her to video your waves. Nothing like the cold reality of video footage to help you see how your moves are coming on (or in my case, not)
Wipe-outs also give your kids something to laugh at
Hi There SA Newbie, I think I am at a similar skill level to you, with the basics under control (sort of) but trying to get better and get more fun out each wave. There was an article on Stan Kofoed's Kneeboard Surfing Journal which helped me heaps with cutbacks, as well as the vids at legless.tv. So thanks to Stan Kofoed, the guys at legless and everyone posts kneeboarding stuff here and anywhere else on the net! I know I do not read the wave very well but I think that requires time in the water. Everyone learns a little differently, but I have found riding different boards brings new lessons and improved skills. It is a little counter intuitive but one thing about trying different boards, is that it makes me focus on the basics, I still need to get the body and knee positions right. Then you can get a feel for how the board works. Not everyone can have a big quiver (I only have two boards) but if you get the chance, ride a different board and see what it can teach you. Have fun, Phil.
Some great advice has already been posted ,something i was told many years ago ,every break is different often from day to day hour to hour.
Take your time before paddling out to VISUALISE whats possible and whats not ,only the elite do whats not, they adapt faster in time you will too
Speed and Timing come in proportion to watertime surf anything technique follows ,its already been said but watch any and every kneeboard video you can some turns can be delayed example the bottom turn fade or double pump some earlier example under the lip cutback slash
I maybe wrong but im sure Chayno and Troys skills rose exponentially studying Simons videos just as young Tom Novakov is influenced by Chaynes video exploits not to mention his Dad and the competitive cauldron that he surfs in daily
Be patient only the initial stages of kneeboard surfing are easier as you progress towards more high performance surfing it gets harder for a variety of factors ,go for it enjoy and push the boundaries there is no limit if your commited
