How do I turn while surfing???

[baldie]

I'm a beginner surfer and I notice you can't go straight while riding a wave. I see most surfers make a turn immediately after they stood up. How can I do that??? Any advice???

[Dec]

I thought you were "Big Wave Surfing"? Or is that someone else?!

Any ways, if you ride a lefty and are regular footed then lean a bit back, put some more weight on your back foot and use your front foot to "swivel" the nose. Or just kicking out your back foot and then leaning forward.

[baldie]

I thought you were "Big Wave Surfing"? Or is that someone else?!
.

I'm the one who will eventually like to surf big waves. Now, I'm still a beginner, so mostly surf under 6 foot.

[baldie]

Or just kicking out your back foot and then leaning forward.

What do you mean kick out my back foot? Do you mean step back with my back foot and then lean forward???

[Dec]

imagine standing with you feet slightly apart. Then with you back foot (if you are regualr then its your right) kick straight. like pushing you foot away from you. That puts you off balance, but givs you a quicker, sharper turn.

[baldie]

I tried to put weight on my back foot and turn. But every time I put my weight on my back foot, I loss speed and the wave just passes me. What am I doing wrong???

[Dec]

Its also about transfer of weight. If you stamp on your back foot and keep the weight on it, then you will stal and get creamed!

Once you have out enough weight on to swivel, then push down on your front foot, then eqaulize. A very tricky maneuovour!

Peace out"!

[baldie]

Thanks for the instructions. Where are you from hiphopdec??? How long have you been surfing???

[Dec]

I was born in Oahu, Hawaii (duh). I started surfing wen i was only a lil munchkin and when i was 13 moved to Australia with my parents. I lived there pretty much all my life up to the last year, and now i live in Phuket thailand.

I have been surfing almost 25 years now...still no better than before!


U?


Also I dont want any crap about being local, just cos i was born there I dont call myself a local. I dont call people who have lived there for generations "locals". I call anyone that has the ability to surf the wave, a local to the spot.

"We are all surfers, why separate us over stupid areas to surf?!"


Peace out!

[baldie]

I was raised in Hong Kong. I moved to Hawaii about Ten years ago. I only started surfing about 6 months. It was a disappointment that I started surfing this late. Hawaii has beautiful beaches and famous surfing spots. I should have started surfing when I got here on this island.

I used to hate the beach and hate swimming. I said to myself before,"I don't swim because I'm a land person."

One of my local friend encouraged me to surf 6 months ago. I tried once and I loved it so much... I bought a board immediately and started surfing.

[baldie]

"We are all surfers, why separate us over stupid areas to surf?!"

The locals here are very territorial. If they know you are not local or don't look like a local, they will give you stink look. As long as you show respect and don't drop into their waves. I think you will be fine.. I hope.... because I'm not an experience surfer.

Is it the same for Tailand???

[Dec]

Here in thailand..you have to know where to surf if you dont want those crowded tourist beaches! And secret spots are kept quiet! If you know the spot, then you have to be a local, or if you find it by accident, then they wont let you in the water!

Very territorial!

[Dec]

you said you surfed at diamond head/point, try talking to what seem some locals. become friends with them. if you tell them that you live in Oahu and impres them with your surfing...you wil be surfing in every secret spot!"

[baldie]

Yes, I know several surfers in Diamond Head. We see each other a lot. I think they are my level. I see them everyday. Do they have good waves in Tailand??? I know Hawaii has the best waves in the world.

I think I pop up too late on a board. When do you pop up???

[drowningbitbybit]

I think I pop up too late on a board. When do you pop up???

Earlier

[Dec]

Yeah...in the season thailand, and phuket mainly has some awesome waves. Nothing big, but like the mentawais, long barrels!

I tend to pop up just as i start to slide down the face of the wave..but thats on a shortboard. On a longboard its about feeling when you have enough momentum!

[baldie]

great answer drowningbitbybit...

Yes, I tried to pop up earlier.. But it's so difficult to pop up when you are in a slope. Like at the top of the face of the wave.. How can you pop up in a steep wave???

[baldie]

I took your advice hiphopdec and I'm able to turn a little bit. I put more weight on my back foot when I turn. Just need to learn to keep my balance while turning.. Thanx...