From take off to bottom turn, learn how to master essential and advanced surfing techniques and have fun on the board

If you have always dreamed of riding the waves like a real surfer, now is the time to discover the maneuvers that will lead you to dominate the sea. From the first lessons to the most advanced maneuvers, we will explore together the fundamental techniques that every surfer needs to know.

Get ready to dive into a world of adrenaline and beauty, where every wave is an opportunity for spectacular maneuvers and every session is an adventure!

Are you a beginner? Here are the basic maneuvers

The take off is the first and fundamental maneuver to learn: it is in fact the transition from lying down on the board to standing up, the starting point for any other maneuver. To stand up on the board, the surfer must paddle with some energy to pick up the speed needed to get over the critical point of the wave. When he or she feels that the wave has “caught” the board, it is time to rise up by placing the hands at the sides of the board, at chest height. The movement should be fluid and decisive: first lift your chest and shoulders, then, with a quick and controlled jump, bring your feet up on the board, one in front and one behind, assuming a stable and balanced position.

The bottom turn is another of the fundamental maneuvers that every surfer must master-it is in fact “the base” on which to set up all other maneuvers on the wave face. To perform the bottom turn, the surfer must first gain speed while descending the wave face. Once the lowest point is reached, it is necessary to compress the body by lowering onto the knees, but maintaining a stable position with the feet centered on the board. Weight should be shifted to the feet, distributing it evenly, to maintain control of the board.

The next movement is to tilt the body toward the inside of the turn, using the front shoulder as a guide to direct the movement. The board should be tilted on the inside rail to allow a smooth, controlled turn. During this phase, it is important to look in the direction you want to go while maintaining a balanced position.

Trim is an essential technique for maintaining speed and position on the “face” of the wave. To perform trim, the surfer must shift his or her body weight slightly forward or backward to speed up or slow down: light pressure on the front foot helps gain speed, while pressure on the back foot helps slow down.

The Turtle Roll, also known as the Eskimo Roll, is an important one for beginners using longboards or soft boards, which cannot be easily submerged underwater as in duck dives.The maneuver is used to overcome white foam waves without being pushed back toward shore. To perform a Turtle Roll, one must face the wave directly. When the wave approaches, you grab the edges of the board at chest height and flip the board over in a quick motion, ending up underwater with the board upside down.

Read also: Goofy or regular surfing? Discover your ideal position on the board

Maneuvers for intermediate and advanced surfers: from cutback to aerial

The cutback is a maneuver necessary to maintain speed and position in the most powerful part of the wave. To perform a cutback, one must have picked up enough speed before starting the maneuver. This is achieved by a slight bottom turn that gives the surfer the angle needed to get on the shoulder of the wave.

Once thesurfer reaches the highest point of the wave,the surfer must compress the body, shifting weight to the back foot to turn the board toward the breaking part of the wave. During this phase, it is important to use the shoulders and arms to guide the board through the turn.

The floater is a technique of going over the section of a wave that is “breaking.” To perform a floater, it is first necessary to pick up speed, just as with the cutback, with a shallow bottom turn that brings the surfer closer to the top of the wave. Upon reaching the crest of the wave, the weight should be shifted to the back foot to raise the nose of the board above the foam.

Off the lip is a spectacular maneuver that consistsen of riding up the “face” of the wave and turning abruptly on top.This is a technique of extreme difficulty, requiring precision in timing and perfect coordination between body and board. Common mistakes include losing balance or performing the maneuver too late, resulting in a fall.

Finally, let’s talk about theaerial, one of the most difficult and impressive maneuvers. This movement consists, in essence, of “taking flight”: the board comes off the surface of the water for a short time and then lands back on the wave. Performing an aerial requires not only technical skill, but also courage and knowledge of wave dynamics. Success depends on accumulated speed, takeoff angle, and the ability to land with control.

“Transition” maneuvers: here are the ones to know about

The snap is a maneuver to change direction quickly and decisively by harnessing the energy of the wave. To perform an effective snap, the surfer must pick up speed with a well-executed bottom turn. Approaching the lip of the wave, the surfer can use the back foot to pivot the board and initiate the turn. Pressure on the inside rail helps maintain stability during the maneuver, while the weight should be distributed in a way that releases the fins, allowing the board to turn quickly. Eyes should always be pointed in the desired direction to maintain balance.

The swallow, or roundhouse cutback, is a very high difficulty coefficient maneuver that allows the surfer to return toward the breaking point of the wave in an arc of 180° or more. To perform a swallow, you need to generate, and maintain, good speed.

Once the surfer reaches the top of the wave, he or she must compress the body and transfer weight to the back foot to start the turn. The inside hand can be used as a foothold on the surface of the wave to help with the rotation.

Read also: How much does a surf lesson cost and how to choose the ideal school

In conclusion

Surfing is a continuous journey of learning and challenge. Every maneuver, from take offs to take offs, requires technique and coordination. Perhaps this is what makes surfing so irresistible: the constant quest for improvement, the desire to push one’s limits, the unique connection to the sea. Every stunt, every technique learned is a step forward in surfing knowledge: and who knows, what new evolutions the future holds for us on the waves! The next revolutionary movement may be just around the corner.

If you want to learn how to ride a board, join our Fuerteventura surf school: from take-offs to the most spectacular stunts, our certified instructors will guide you, lesson after lesson, to discover all the maneuvers of the sport.

Takeaways

• The take off is the basic fundamental maneuver for any surfer. It is the transition from lying on the board to standing and requires perfect coordination and timing to initiate any other maneuver;
• The bottom turn is crucial for setting up all other maneuvers on the face of the wave. It requires speed, stability and the ability to tilt the body and board just right for a smooth, controlled turn;
• Trim is essential for maintaining speed and position on the face of the wave. The surfer must balance the weight of the body back and forth to speed up or slow down, allowing constant control during the surf;
• To get over white foam waves, especially with longboards or soft boards, the Turtle Roll is essential. This maneuver allows the board to flip over and go under the wave without being pushed back toward shore;
• The aerial is one of the most difficult and spectacular maneuvers in surfing, involving “flying” the board over the wave. It requires technical skill, speed and courage, demonstrating the advanced level of the surfer who can perform it successfully.

FAQ

What is the first fundamental maneuver to learn in surfing?

The first and fundamental maneuver to learn is the take off. This consists of the transition from lying on the board to standing, the starting point for any other maneuver. Perfect coordination and timing is essential to perform this maneuver.

What is the essential technique for maintaining speed and position on the wave face?

The essential technique for maintaining speed and position on the wave face is trim. The surfer must balance the weight of the body back and forth to speed up or slow down, allowing constant control during the surf.

What is one of the most difficult and spectacular maneuvers in surfing?

One of the most difficult and spectacular maneuvers in surfing is the aerial. This movement involves “flying” the board over the wave. It requires technical skill, speed and courage, demonstrating the advanced level of the surfer who can perform it successfully.