What is an aerial?

The aerial is one of the most spectacular and complicated maneuvers in modern surfing. It involves “launching” the board into the air while still on the wave, performing a series of movements and rotations before landing back on the surface of the water.

This trick is more than a test of skill because it also involves the “creativity” factor: surfers can customize their aerials with their own styles and maneuvers. From a technical point of view, the aerial requires perfect timing and excellent board control. Speed is essential: the surfer must build up enough momentum to break away from the wave surface and keep the board stable during the flight. Once in the air, body rotation and leg positioning must be such as to ensure a smooth and controlled landing.

The evolution of the aerial has seen the emergence of several variations, each with a different specific level of difficulty: the aerial 360, in which the surfer performs a full rotation; the reverse, which involves landing in the opposite direction; and the rodeo, an acrobatic combination that requires excellent body and board mastery. The aerial has become so central to surfing culture that many consider this maneuver a hallmark of the modern surfer, capable of combining speed, technique, and showmanship in one fluid motion.

It is precisely from a “cultural” perspective that the aerial has revolutionized competitive surfing, becoming a symbol of innovation. Aerial raised the bar for performance, setting new standards for professional surfers. Today, it is not uncommon to see competitions dominated by aerial maneuvers, with surfers trying to push the limits, performing increasingly complex variations such as the Air Reverse or the 360; it has also expanded the surfing audience, attracting spectators fascinated by the spectacularity of aerial stunts.

Read also: Surfing maneuvers to know for beginners and experts alike

How to perform an aerial

To perform an aerial in surfing, one must master the basic techniques: body position, speed and board control. As mentioned, speed is key: without sufficient speed, it is impossible to lift yourself up enough to break away from the surface of the wave. That’s why you need to surf the wave aggressively, trying to take advantage of every available section to accelerate the board. The angle and depth of the bottom turn-the turn the surfer makes at the base of the wave before launching-are equally important: a deeper bottom turn provides a steeper angle, which thus creates a natural ramp from which to take off.

Body position also affects the execution of an aerial. During takeoff, the surfer must keep the weight properly distributed, with the back foot pushing toward the tail of the board to provide the necessary thrust, while the weight must be transferred forward to project the body and board toward the beach. To execute a rotation in the air, the surfer must coordinate the movement of the shoulders with the movement of the board, keeping the focus on the landing point.

The perfect time to perform an aerial cannot be separated from the choice of wave. Not all waves are suitable for this maneuver; ideally, the wave should offer a fairly steep section with a pronounced “lip” that functions as a ramp. A good “aerialist” knows how to identify these sections and make the most of them: ideally, he or she anticipates the exact point at which to perform the maneuver.

Finally, landing is one of the most complex aspects to master. The goal is to land on the softest part of the wave, preferably on foam, to cushion the impact and maintain control of the board, allowing the ride to continue uninterrupted.

The equipment to perform aerials

To perform a good aerial, choosing the right equipment is about as important as the technique. The surfboard, of course, is crucial: those that are best suited are generally shorter and lighter than “traditional” boards, so that the surfer can achieve greater agility and ease of rotation in the air. Boards with a thinner profile and a pronounced rocker are particularly effective for tackling steep and fast sections of the wave, the ideal situation for performing a good aerial.

Experienced surfers know that board configuration is critical to performing an aerial: often, they opt for a trifin or quadfin configuration to improve stability and maneuverability during the aerial. Smaller, more angled fins can make it easier to turn in the air, while larger fins provide more control during landing.

In addition to the board and fins, safety clothing and equipment should not be overlooked. A well-fitting wetsuit, for example, not only protects but also provides excellent freedom of movement, what is needed to perform complex maneuvers such as aerial. The leash, which holds the board attached to the surfer, should be sturdy but not too long, to avoid impeding movement during the aerial. Finally, it is important to use protection such as a helmet, especially when attempting to perform aerial on large waves or in challenging conditions.

How to improve aerial

Improving one’s ability to perform an aerial comes from being aware of typical beginner mistakes and knowing how to How to avoid them.

One of the most common mistakes is lack of speed, what allows takeoff from the surface of the wave. Without enough speed, the aerial will be too low, making it difficult to maintain control during landing. Another mistake is improper body positioning, which can lead to an unstable landing and falling off the board.

To perform a good aerial, “dry” training exercises can be very useful: building strength in the legs, training coordination, and improving balance can make all the difference. For example, practicing on a balance board can help develop the stability needed to maintain control during landing. In addition, practicing explosive jumps and squats can improve the power needed to perform a higher, more controlled aerial. Trying movements without the board is another good exercise

Finally, one must heed the advice of professional surfers, who often suggest not being afraid to experiment and to accept that mistakes are part of the learning process. Watching videos of professionals performing aerials and analyzing their technique can offer valuable insights into how to perfect one’s execution, not to mention the importance of attending workshops or taking lessons from experienced instructors or athletes in the field.

Read also: Improve Your Paddling in Surfing: Techniques and Exercises to Get Power

In conclusion

The aerial in surfing represents more than just an acrobatic maneuver: it is an expression of the perfect synergy of technique, creativity and courage. This maneuver has transformed surfing into a spectacle beyond the wave itself, introducing new standards of competition and expanding the boundaries of imagination. It is fascinating to think about how the aerial, from a simple stylistic variation, has become a symbol of modern surfing, influencing not only professionals but also fans around the world. Who knows what other evolutions the future holds! Perhaps surfing, as we know it, is only at the beginning of a path of continuous innovation.

If you want to learn the acrobatics of surfing, including aerial, enroll in our Fuerteventura surf school: after learning the basics, you will learn the most spectacular maneuvers… gradually and always accompanied by the advice of our instructors!

Takeaways

• Aerial has transformed modern surfing from simply riding the wave into an acrobatic art, introducing a new dimension of creativity and showmanship to the world of competition;
• Mastering the aerial requires a perfect combination of speed, timing and board control, making this maneuver one of the most technically challenging and rewarding to perform;
• Equipment choice is crucial to performing a successful aerial: shorter, lighter boards, along with an optimal fin configuration, improve agility and maneuverability in the air;
• The cultural significance of the aerial has elevated this maneuver to a symbol of innovation in surfing, raising the bar in competition and captivating a wider audience with its awesomeness;
• Improving aerial technique requires constant practice, specific training out of the water, and analysis of the performance of professionals to refine every detail and increase control while performing.

FAQ

What is an aerial in surfing?

Aerial is an acrobatic maneuver in surfing that involves “launching” the board into the air while riding a wave, performing movements and rotations before landing back on the surface of the water.

What equipment is needed to perform an aerial?

To perform an aerial, you should use a short, lightweight surfboard with an accentuated rocker and a trifin or quadfin fin configuration to improve stability and maneuverability.

How can the execution of an aerial be improved?

Improving aerial requires constant practice, specific training out of the water, and studying the techniques of professional surfers to perfect control, speed, and timing.