Advanced Surfing Techniques: How to Master Green Waves

For more experienced surfers, mastering green waves offers a new challenge. It is an important step in the evolution of your surfing skills. Unlike the white foam waves that beginners often surf, green waves require more technique and timing. Here we provide tips to master this skill.

Green wave surfing in France: what you need to know

Catching a green wave requires precise timing and positioning. Unlike foam waves, which are already broken, green waves are still intact. It therefore takes more experience to read them and properly judge when to paddle. You need to know exactly when to pop-up to stay at the right speed

Surfing locations such as Vieux-Boucau in France offer ideal conditions to practise this technique. The waves here are constant and offer the perfect place for both advanced and expert surfers to hone these skills.

The right technique for catching green waves

Besides timing, your stance on the board is crucial. To catch a green wave, you need to stay lower on your board and distribute your weight properly. This helps you stay stable and gives you more control over your movements.

Perfect timing for the pop-up

The pop-up on a green wave requires speed and precision. Don’t wait for the wave to break completely, but paddle in as soon as it starts to form.

Practise your body position

Make sure you always stay low on your board while riding a green wave. This improves your balance and prevents falls.

Read the waves correctly

Judging a wave correctly is essential for success. Spend time observing the waves before entering the water so you can better anticipate them.