Beginner's Guide to Surfing: Types of Surfing Turns - A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you new to the world of surfing? Do you want to learn the basics of surfing turns before hitting the waves? In this beginner's guide, we'll cover the different types of surfing turns and provide a step-by-step guide on how to execute them. We'll start with an example scenario and take it from there.

Scenario: You're out in the lineup, waiting for your first surf session. A friend gives you some tips on how to improve your pop-up speed and surfing technique. As soon as they mention "turns," you get excited and want to know what happens next. They tell you about the different types of turns and how to execute them.

Types of Surfing Turns:

Surfing turns are a crucial aspect of the sport, allowing you to change direction quickly and efficiently. There are two main types of surfing turns: Cutback and Bottom Turn.

1. Cutback Turn

A cutback turn is when you make a sharp turn to the right, away from your original direction of travel. This type of turn is essential for catching waves that approach you from behind or in shallow water.

How to perform a Cutback Turn:

• As you approach a wave, look for an opportunity to cut back into it.
• Position yourself slightly to the left of the wave's center, with your feet shoulder-width apart.
• Bend your knees and hips, keeping your weight centered over your board.
• As the wave starts to lift you up, quickly shift your weight onto your right foot and pull your left foot off the board.
• Start making a sharp turn to the right, keeping your eyes on the horizon.

Example: You're surfing in a small bay with waves about 2-3 feet high. A strong wave approaches from behind, and you see an opportunity to cut back into it. As the wave starts to lift you up, you quickly shift your weight onto your right foot and pull your left foot off the board.

2. Bottom Turn

A bottom turn is when you make a sharp turn to one side, towards the bottom of the wave. This type of turn is useful for navigating through tight spaces or for catching waves that are difficult to ride.

How to perform a Bottom Turn:

• Position yourself slightly to the right of the wave's center, with your feet shoulder-width apart.
• Look directly at the wave and focus on its face.
• Bend your knees and hips, keeping your weight centered over your board.
• As you approach the bottom of the wave, quickly shift your weight onto your left foot and pull your right foot off the board.
• Start making a sharp turn to the right, keeping your eyes on the horizon.

Example: You're surfing in a large wave with a long, sweeping face. A strong current approaches from underneath, and you see an opportunity to bottom turn into it. As you approach the bottom of the wave, you quickly shift your weight onto your left foot and pull your right foot off the board.

Bottom Turn Speed Control

Speed control is crucial when turning in surfing. You need to be able to adjust your speed smoothly and efficiently as you make a turn. Here are some tips for controlling speed during turns:

• Keep your weight centered over your board, with your knees and hips bent.
• Use your arms to help stabilize the board and maintain speed.
• Practice shifting your weight from side to side, keeping your knees and hips in sync.

Tips for Beginners:

• Start by practicing small turns on flat water or soft waves.
• Focus on maintaining your balance and staying centered over the board.
• Keep your weight relaxed and don't try to power through the turn too quickly.
• Practice turning with both hands and then switch to one hand as you gain more experience.

In conclusion, surfing turns are an essential part of the sport, allowing you to change direction quickly and efficiently. By mastering the cutback and bottom turn techniques, you'll be able to catch waves with confidence and precision. Remember to practice regularly and focus on speed control to become a proficient surfer. Here's a beginner-friendly guide to surfing turns, including an example scenario and step-by-step instructions:

Types of Surfing Turns:

How to Perform a Cutback Turn:

1. As you approach a wave, look for an opportunity to cut back into it.
2. Position yourself slightly to the left of the wave's center, with your feet shoulder-width apart.
3. Bend your knees and hips, keeping your weight centered over your board.
4. Shift your weight onto your right foot and pull your left foot off the board (start making a sharp turn to the right).
5. Keep your eyes on the horizon as you shift your weight.

Example Scenario:

You're surfing in a small bay with waves about 2-3 feet high. A strong wave approaches from behind, and you see an opportunity to cut back into it. As the wave starts to lift you up, you quickly shift your weight onto your right foot and pull your left foot off the board.

How to Perform a Bottom Turn:

1. Position yourself slightly to the right of the wave's center, with your feet shoulder-width apart.
2. Look directly at the wave and focus on its face.
3. Bend your knees and hips, keeping your weight centered over your board.
4. Shift your weight onto your left foot and pull your right foot off the board (start making a sharp turn to the right).
5. Keep your eyes on the horizon as you shift your weight.

Example Scenario:

You're surfing in a large wave with a long, sweeping face. A strong current approaches from underneath, and you see an opportunity to bottom turn into it. As you approach the bottom of the wave, you quickly shift your weight onto your left foot and pull your right foot off the board.

Speed Control Tips for Beginners:

• Keep your weight centered over your board, with your knees and hips bent.
• Use your arms to help stabilize the board and maintain speed.
• Practice shifting your weight from side to side, keeping your knees and hips in sync.

Practice Tips:

• Start by practicing small turns on flat water or soft waves.
• Focus on maintaining your balance and staying centered over the board.
• Keep your weight relaxed and don't try to power through the turn too quickly.
• Practice turning with both hands and then switch to one hand as you gain more experience.

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