More Speed, Less Wasted Effort

Generating speed in surfing isn’t about “pumping harder.” It’s about understanding how the wave works and how to move your body at the exact right moment. Many surfers fall into the same traps: poor timing, unnecessary movements, and lines that take them away from the wave’s power.

Here are five essential principles to master how to generate speed in surfing, just like skilled riders do.

1. Use the Full Face of the Wave

Surfers who know how to accelerate move through the upper part of the wave—not the flats.

Riding too low kills your momentum instantly. Stay in the upper and middle third, where the wave actually carries energy and returns speed with every movement.

2. Stay Close to the Pocket

The pocket is the steepest, most powerful, and most energetic part of the wave.

If you’re pumping out on the shoulder, you’ll waste tons of effort for very little speed. Stay connected to the pocket—that’s where the wave lifts, pushes, and accelerates you.

3. Extend at the Right Time

Speed doesn’t come from moving more—it comes from moving on time.

Your extension should happen as you rise up the wave. This brings your center of mass closer to the curve’s axis, increasing angular velocity (pure physics applied to surfing).

4. Compress on the Drop

bending on the drop maximizes the pull of gravity.

Chest down, knees bent—let the wave release you downward. Then extend with purpose to turn that drop into forward acceleration.

5. Don’t “Wiggle”—Engage the Rail

Little mid-face wiggles don’t create real speed.

You need committed rail engagement, full-body movement, and clear line reading. Even slight hesitation can stall your momentum and flatten your line.

Speed generation is all about timing, weight shifts, line choice, and subtle adjustments that are hard to feel while riding.