Punch-through helps you get through small-to-medium whitewater without stopping. It uses timing, speed, and a low profile.
When to use it
- The wave has already broken and is mostly foam
- Water is too shallow to dive, or your board does not dive well
- You want to keep momentum between sets
If the wave is steep and powerful on a shortboard, use duck-dive. On longboards, prefer turtle-roll.
Steps
- Read the foam and choose a small lull
- Accelerate for 2-4 strong strokes (see paddling-efficiency)
- Just before contact, lower your chest and squeeze the rails lightly
- As the foam meets you, give a small nose lift so the board pierces
- Keep feet quiet and head neutral; let rocker carry you through
- As turbulence passes, resume long strokes immediately
Common mistakes
- Stopping paddling right before impact
- Leaning too far forward and pearling the nose
- Locking elbows straight and straining shoulders
- Looking down instead of slightly forward
Quick drills
- Foam ladder: meet 10-15 foam piles in a row, staying relaxed
- Low-profile reps: practice lowering chest without sinking the nose
- Breath reset: exhale on impact, inhale as you clear (see breath-and-relaxation)
Board notes
- Short or fish: sharper punch with tiny nose lift
- Mid: emphasize low chest and steady glide
- Longboard: small nose lift and rail squeeze; if foam is chest-high, turtle-roll