Shoulder Pain in relation to board size?

[slideright]

Is it just paddling or is it carrying/transporting, turtle rolling and or other mechanics that make it worse?

Just paddling.
Surfed tiny knee high waves tonite and brought my v bowls
Minimal irritation
Traded boards with a pal and his giant log killed me

 

[kv63]

I have major shoulder pains after a session on my traditional poly 9’0” and minimal pains on my epoxy board build by Jeff Becks from Nine Lights. Its not painful, more like nagging subtle annoyance. For me, its the weight of the board. I am currently having @Bruce Fowler shape me a 8’8” x 23 1/4 x 3 1/4 V8 and having @JeffBeck glass it in his bionic epoxy so that I don’t have to deal with the weight issue. I hope that helps you out. Feel free to contact me if you would like more information @slideright

 

[ridgeline]

Also worth mentioning - paddling out on a big board - and holding on to the board with your arm during a wipe out does put a lot of stress on your shoulder ligaments.

 

[hardyw]

Just paddling.
Surfed tiny knee high waves tonite and brought my v bowls
Minimal irritation
Traded boards with a pal and his giant log killed me

You: Doc it hurts when I do this

Doc: then don't do it

Maybe it's time to stick with the boards that don't aggravate your shoulder. Just a thought..

 

[NJ Longboarder]

Short/fat boards are better for shoulders. Duck diving is easier than wrestling a log on the paddle out. Not to mention carrying to beach and strapping to roof of car.

 

[slideright]

Also worth mentioning - paddling out on a big board - and holding on to the board with your arm during a wipe out does put a lot of stress on your shoulder ligaments.

That’s what injured it in the first place

 

[Unleash My Log]

I tore my supraspinatus ten years ago. Then I became a knee paddler. Takes some practice but it's a game changer.

I knee paddle at least 75% of the time I'm surfing my log. Saves gas which extends sessions.

Hope your shoulder feels better man.

 

[Camel Rock]

I used to have some discomfort on my pig with D fin, due to extra weight drag, etc. I don’t seem to have the same issues with my gliders and speed shapes though.

Hope you find a shape that works and keeps the wave count up.

 

[West81]

I surf a wide range of boards from 6 to 11 footers

I also suffer from impingement and whatnot in my left shoulder. My fysio actually tells me its originating in my back and effecting other parts of my body. What helps for me is not sleeping on that side and doing specific gym exercises like heavy overhead press and external rotation exercises on the wire rack.

What aggravates my shoulder most is the way I paddle. Relaxed easy strokes I can do for hours.

Its those moments that I want to move fast that are causing problems. Getting caught inside and wanting to get out. Trying to make it out back whilst caught in a rip. Or even just paddling back after a very good ride with a strong desire for another wave. Its during these moments that I tense up and relinquish the physical looseness.

Its being mindful of the movement. If I am mindful, everything is fine. As soon as I loose that my shoulder starts to get aggravated

 

[pintail]

That’s what injured it in the first place

And there you have it. Classic logs have their place, like classic woodies, but lighter materials make for a livelier, responsive board. The other thing about short boards that applies, is on a short board, you don't paddle as much to catch a wave, since positioning is the most important aspect of that. I'd recommend using your log only on really small days, where cruising is all you want, and your shoulder will thank you in the long term.