Want To Catch More Waves? This Simple Device Can Help

Some of you may recognize founder, Van Vu, for his dozens of interviews with top surfers, shapers, coaches for his podcast, Basis Surf. Even if a surf-specific fitness device isn’t for you, the podcast is bound to have lots of nuggets that’ll fill your proverbial cup. In an episode on, “Paddling: Your Cheatcode to Surf Progression”, Van says, “The more waves you catch, the more reps you get, the faster you learn. That’s the big multiplier, the sheer volume…you could have the worst technique but, if you catch enough waves, you’re going to eventually figure it out.” 

That’s the root of it, plain and simple. The advice is a clear nod to the old days when that was the only way, time in the ocean spent honing your skills–which only improved once you built up enough strength and stamina to catch tons of waves. If that's what you’re after, but you can’t get in the water most days, then the Basis Trainer will certainly help. Because the only person I know who wasn’t a regular surfer, and could withstand hours of paddling, was a semi-professional rock climber–not exactly your average Joe. 

As for the proof, well, there’s plenty of results stacking up in the Basis community, with determined users doubling their wave count within 1-2 months of training 10-20 minutes a day, a couple times a week. The trainer is unique because it was designed to simulate the biomechanics of the paddle stroke and mimics the resistance of water (pretty sure they don’t have anything like that at Equinox). Not only that, there are intensive courses and community access included with the purchase. 

Personally, I enjoyed using the trainer and can certainly see how it would quickly translate into increased strength, stamina, and wave count. The only thing is that I’m one of the lucky ones who’s been in the water multiple times a week for years and years. Another factor, which Van discusses in several podcasts and courses, is choosing the right equipment. 

If I was determined to only ride shortboards, I wouldn’t catch nearly as many waves, no matter how much I trained. San Diego has good waves but, if you want to make the most of it, you need some extra foam in your quiver. If you’ve got the right board for small waves, and plenty of strength, you have to be mindful to not catch too many waves, that’s to say, be mindful of the rotation. 

The really cool thing about the Basis offerings, and how Van has curated his platform, is that there is something for everyone. Whether it’s breaking down style with Victor Bernardo, discussing the finer points of mid-length surfing with Devon Howard, diving into the future of surfboard design with Daniel “Tomo” Thomson, he’s got it all. 

Huge bonus points to the fact that he includes local legends from around the world like a guide to beach break barrels with Mateo “Nica Time”, how to score in Salina Cruz with ISurfMex, or in Indo with Tai Buddha. Although my personal favorite has to be the one on surfing as a journey of self-discovery, with the stoke bloke himself, Barton Lynch.