Mastering the Art of Roundhouse Turns: A Guide to Surfing Techniques

Surfing is all about fluid motion, balance, and timing. One of the most exhilarating techniques in surfing is the roundhouse turn, a powerful and dynamic move that can take your skills to the next level. In this blog post, we'll explore the basics of carving and railwork, and show you how to master the roundhouse turn using an example scenario.

Example Scenario: Catching a Clean 360° Turn

Let's say you're surfing a fun wave at a beach break, with the sun shining down on your skin. You're cruising along, feeling the rhythm of the waves, when suddenly you see a monster 360° turn waiting for you. The wave starts to lift you up and throw you onto your board, and as you enter the turnaround, you feel the momentum building.

In this situation, you need to be able to quickly shift your weight and generate power to catch the turn. Here's what you do:

1. Shift your weight: As you're being lifted out of the water, shift your weight onto your back foot, keeping your knees bent and your center of gravity low.
2. Ride the lift: Hold onto the board for a second or two as it lifts you up into the air, using this time to prepare for the turn.
3. Pop up: As you exit the water, quickly pop up to your feet, using your arms to help propel yourself forward.

Carving Techniques:

Now that we've seen how to catch a clean 360° turn, let's talk about some carving techniques that can help you ride these waves more smoothly and efficiently. Carving is all about applying gentle pressure with the edges of your board, which helps to:

1. Reduce friction: By reducing friction between the board and the water, you'll be able to accelerate faster and maintain speed.
2. Improve control: Carving techniques help you develop a sense of control over your board, allowing you to make subtle adjustments to your speed and direction.

Here are some basic carving techniques to try:

1. Flicking: Flick the tail of the board to generate speed and momentum.
2. Riding edges: Ride the edge of the board with a gentle pressure, using your arms to help guide yourself forward.
3. Toe-side edge work: Practice toe-side edge work by applying pressure to the toes of the board, allowing you to steer and control your speed.

Railwork:

Carving is just one part of surfing; railwork is another essential technique that can help you navigate around obstacles and improve your overall surfing ability. Railwork involves:

1. Steering: Use your edges to steer around rocks, reefs, or other underwater features.
2. Speed control: Practice controlling your speed by applying gentle pressure with the edges of the board.

Here are some basic railwork techniques to try:

1. Riding rails: Ride a rail by keeping your centerline aligned and using your edges to steer and control your speed.
2. Popping up from rails: Practice popping up from rails, using your arms to help propel yourself forward.

Mastering the Roundhouse Turn

The roundhouse turn is a powerful technique that requires balance, timing, and practice to master. To catch a clean 360° turn, you need to be able to shift your weight, ride the lift, pop up, and generate power quickly.

Here are some tips for mastering the roundhouse turn:

1. Practice turning: Start by practicing basic turning techniques on flat water or small waves.
2. Focus on balance: Keep your center of gravity low and balanced throughout the turn.
3. Use your edges: Apply gentle pressure with the edges of the board to generate power and control.
4. Stay relaxed: Keep your arms loose and relaxed, using them only as needed.

In conclusion, mastering the roundhouse turn is all about balance, timing, and practice. With these techniques and a little patience, you'll be carving up waves in no time! Mastering the Art of Roundhouse Turns: A Guide to Surfing Techniques

Example Scenario: Catching a Clean 360° Turn

Let's say you're surfing a fun wave at a beach break, with the sun shining down on your skin. You're cruising along, feeling the rhythm of the waves, when suddenly you see a monster 360° turn waiting for you.

1. Shift your weight onto your back foot, keeping your knees bent and center of gravity low.
2. Hold onto the board as it lifts you up into the air, using this time to prepare for the turn.
3. Pop up to your feet, using arms to help propel yourself forward.

Carving Techniques:

1. Flicking: Apply gentle pressure with the tail to generate speed and momentum.
2. Riding edges: Use arms to guide yourself forward by applying pressure to the board's edges.
3. Toe-side edge work: Practice toe-side edge work by applying pressure to the toes of the board.

Railwork Techniques:

1. Steering: Use edges to steer around obstacles, such as rocks or reefs.
2. Speed control: Practice controlling speed by applying gentle pressure with the edges.

Mastering the Roundhouse Turn

The roundhouse turn is a powerful technique that requires balance, timing, and practice to master. To catch a clean 360° turn:

1. Practice turning on flat water or small waves.
2. Focus on balance throughout the turn.
3. Use edges to generate power and control.
4. Stay relaxed.

Tips for Mastering the Roundhouse Turn

1. Practice regularly to develop muscle memory and improve skills.
2. Start with basic techniques and build up to more complex turns.
3. Focus on your center of gravity, keeping it low and balanced throughout the turn.
4. Use your arms only when necessary, relying on edges to generate power.

By following these techniques and tips, you'll be well on your way to mastering the roundhouse turn and taking your surfing skills to the next level!

Join our community on Discord: