Beginners often look at paddling and assume the most important aspect is your shoulder and back strength. While this can be a factor in at certain moments of surfing, it’s hardly the difference maker and it’s the reason why children and dainty little surfer ladies can still be excellent and fast paddlers. Yes, your stroke is a physical task, but perhaps more so a mental one. Like the steps you take on the way to a mountain peak, you must be willing to do one more forever. Endurance, and the ability to hold good form are more important characteristics than strength. Think of your strokes as the breath of your surfing. You can do it laboriously and controlled by whatever state-of-mind you’re in, or calmly, long, slow and drawn out, with intention on maintaining a consistent and balanced rhythm.