Side Surfing is the most basic Hole move. It involves sitting sideways in the troth of a hole with all of your weight balanced over your downstream edge.

Make sure you keep your eye’s upstream!

Step One: First you need to get into the hole. Aim to cross the eddy line with some upstream angle and your bow in the troth of the hole. Approach the eddy line with some speed, as you reach it take one last power stroke on the downstream side to pull you boat, and body, across the eddy line and into the hole. This power stroke should be planted at your toes as vertically as possible and pulled through to your hip.

Step Two: Once in the hole you need to slide into a side surf by taking a back sweep on the downstream side. Once in a side surf you should be looking upstream with your upstream edge lifted enough so the current doesn’t catch it but no more.

Step Three: You can use your paddle as a brace when needed but for the most part you should be balanced enough so your paddle is free to take strokes on the downstream side. Also your arms should be held below shoulder level at all times, ideally in low brace position, so your not over extending and putting your shoulders at risk.