Catch Any Wave with This Brand New Method: A Simple Fix for Better Positioning and Wave Entry

Ben Considine

Catching waves can be one of the most frustrating parts of surfing.
You paddle hard, line yourself up, and… miss the wave. Again.

The truth is: wave-catching success depends on multiple elements working in sync—positioning on the board, timing your paddle, and meeting the wave at the right moment. If even one of those pieces is off, the wave slips away.

But one of the biggest mistakes I see surfers making—especially when paddling into steeper sections—is this:
They sit too far back on the board.

Why Being Too Far Back Kills Your Wave Entry

Most surfers sit too far back because they’re afraid of nosediving. It’s understandable—no one likes face-planting.

But here’s what happens when you’re too far back on the board:

  • The tail sinks, creating drag

  • Your board struggles to plane across the water

  • You lose paddle efficiency and speed

  • You miss waves that you otherwise had the potential to catch

Many coaches and surf articles tell you to press your chest down to move your weight forward on the board—but that’s not so easy when you’re mid-paddle.

In fact, trying to push your chest down while paddling can:

  • Restrict shoulder movement

  • Reduce paddle power

  • Throw off your balance

So what’s the solution?

Use Your Toes to Catch More Waves

Here’s a method I’ve been using and teaching that completely transforms your board positioning and wave-catching ability:

Tuck your toes into the board and press them into the tail.

Sounds simple, but this move helps you do three key things:

  1. Drive your body weight forward, shifting pressure into your chest

  2. Elevate your hips slightly, allowing your board to flatten out on the water

  3. Maintain full range of motion in your shoulders, so you can paddle powerfully without restriction

By pushing through the toes, you're subtly moving your center of gravity forward without compromising your stroke. This results in:

  • A flatter board that glides better

  • Less drag

  • More wave entries, especially on steeper takeoffs

Why This Works So Well

Surfboards are designed with rocker—meaning they curve slightly from nose to tail. When you’re lying on the board, you want to match that natural curve so the board sits as flat as possible on the water.

Using the toes to press yourself slightly forward helps achieve that planing position without tipping too far forward or losing control.

Plus, it removes the need to "muscle" your way into better positioning using your chest—which, as we’ve mentioned, disrupts your paddle rhythm.

Try This Next Session

Here’s a step-by-step for your next surf:

  1. Lie prone on your board as usual

  2. Tuck your toes into the tail, digging them into the board

  3. As you paddle, gently push off your toes, driving your chest forward

  4. Focus on a smooth, consistent paddle with your shoulders free to move

  5. Watch how much easier your board starts to glide into waves

Final Thoughts: Small Change, Big Impact

Positioning is everything in surfing. You can be strong, fast, and in the right spot on the wave—but if you’re dragging too much tail, you’re fighting an uphill battle.

This simple adjustment—using your toes to shift your weight forward—can make a big difference in how your board moves through the water and how often you catch waves.

Try it, feel it, and let me know how it goes.
If you want more surf-specific technique breakdowns and tips like this, check out our training over at Longboard Sessions.

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