How to Bodysurf Using a Handplane
Insert your dominant hand (right if you are right handed, left if you are left handed) into the adjustable hand strap., Wade out to waist deep water, facing the horizon. , Lower yourself into the water and put your hand with the handboard...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Insert your dominant hand (right if you are right handed
Ensure that your palm is facing down and flat and that the strap fits snug (essentially giving your handboard a high five). -
Step 2: left if you are left handed) into the adjustable hand strap.
, Take the other hand and place over the hand in the strap.
With your body outstretched, kick and you will move forward quickly out past the breaking waves. , Getting out to the break is a lot easier with a handplane.
By placing the board out in front of you and kicking, the board keeps you buoyant and the kicking moves you forward.
As the wave comes toward you, simply kick forward under the water and the wave with flow over you. ,, Once you get used to it you will find you will use the freestyle stroke less and less as you learn to judge the waves better.
The secret to this part is timing.
Too fast and you are out in front of the wave.
Too slow and the wave rolls over you. , The forward momentum of the wave will pick you up and carry you with it. , Go for it! Stop stroking.
Streamline your body and keep kicking down to a minimum.
Become a human surfboard.
Your fins are now your rudder and the board is the bow of your ship. , At this point there are various options for the free arm.
Leave it out to hang free, or bring it over to lay on top of the hand in the strap. -
Step 3: Wade out to waist deep water
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Step 4: facing the horizon.
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Step 5: Lower yourself into the water and put your hand with the handboard outstretched in front of you.
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Step 6: Once you are in position where the waves are breaking
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Step 7: turn around and face the shore
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Step 8: while keeping your attention on the approaching waves.
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Step 9: Position the arm with the handplane outstretched in front of you.
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Step 10: As the wave rolls towards you
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Step 11: kick hard and use your free arm in a freestyle swim stoke for that extra push.
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Step 12: Pick right or left
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Step 13: depending on which way the wave is breaking and you will get a much longer pitted ride.
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Step 14: At this point you've picked your line
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Step 15: and now it’s the point of no return so don't hesitate.
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Step 16: Angle your handboard across face of the wave to allow for longer surfing time.
Detailed Guide
Ensure that your palm is facing down and flat and that the strap fits snug (essentially giving your handboard a high five).
, Take the other hand and place over the hand in the strap.
With your body outstretched, kick and you will move forward quickly out past the breaking waves. , Getting out to the break is a lot easier with a handplane.
By placing the board out in front of you and kicking, the board keeps you buoyant and the kicking moves you forward.
As the wave comes toward you, simply kick forward under the water and the wave with flow over you. ,, Once you get used to it you will find you will use the freestyle stroke less and less as you learn to judge the waves better.
The secret to this part is timing.
Too fast and you are out in front of the wave.
Too slow and the wave rolls over you. , The forward momentum of the wave will pick you up and carry you with it. , Go for it! Stop stroking.
Streamline your body and keep kicking down to a minimum.
Become a human surfboard.
Your fins are now your rudder and the board is the bow of your ship. , At this point there are various options for the free arm.
Leave it out to hang free, or bring it over to lay on top of the hand in the strap.
About the Author
Claire Jordan
Brings years of experience writing about crafts and related subjects.
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