Swimming for Surfers: The Real Secret Sauce

Why Swimming Matters

• Safety in wipeouts and currents
• Stamina for long paddles

Total Immersion (Terry Laughlin)

• Relaxation over struggle
• Balance and streamline
• Efficient, long strokes
• See: Total Immersion

Swim Smooth Insights

• Stroke mechanics
• Breathing techniques
• Drills for efficiency

Early Vertical Forearm (EVF)

• Set forearm vertical early; elbow high
• Hand path: shallow entry, fingertips down; stack forearm to a paddle
• Why it matters: propulsion at low effort → lower heart rate
• Practice: sculling, doggy-paddle EVF, fist-swim; short quality reps
• Common mistakes: overreaching, pressing down, slipping the catch

Translation to Surfing

• Lower heart rate = longer breath-holds
• Efficient paddling mechanics from swim drills
• Staying calm under stress

Training Tips

• Pool sets for surfers
• Ocean swims
• Breath-hold training (with safety)

Metrics That Matter (for Surfers)

• Balance stroke rate vs stroke length; find personal efficiency zone
• SWOLF is often misleading for surfers; prioritize sustainable pacing
• Practical metrics: RPE, breath cadence, repeatable pace, calm nasal-breathing
• See also: Stroke Rate vs Stroke Length and Swimming Metrics for Surfers