How do you turn on a long board?

Question

i feel like such an idiot cuz i can only surf in a straight line. this not only makes me feel lame while surfing, but limits the amount of waves i can catch because i cant move to avoid hitting fellow surfers/boogieboarders. to sum it all up: how do you turn on a 7'2 board?

Answer 1

I agree with Rachel.  If riding the face of the wave it's much easier.  Take off at an angle, back foot pressure combined with front foot steering.  PLUS if you do not take off at an angle, and the wave is big, the nose of your long board has a tendency to pierce the surface of the water and send you forward.

If riding white wash, there's only so much you can do, thus you kinda move in a straight line, and have to paddle all the way back out when done.

Answer 2

IF U CAN TAKE LESSONS, GO TO HUNTINGTON PIER,

IM SURE THERE'S A SCHOOL THERE. MAKE IT SAFE

FOR U AND ME .....AND EVERBODY IN FRONT OF U...

Answer 3

Press down hard on your back foot and use your front foot to shift the nose into the direction you want to go in.

Answer 4

Are you riding whitewash or the face of the wave?

Its much easier to turn on the face of the wave. What can give you a good start is when your paddling, slightly angle your board in the direction you plan to turn and once you take off, make sure your knees are bent, shift most of your weight onto your back foot, and lean to where you'd like to turn. Make sure youre looking where you want to go.

I hope I helped. Its sorta hard to explain.

Don't feel lame while youre out there, everyone started in the same place you did so there's no need for embarassment!

Answer 5

Strongly recommend getting the book Beginners Guide To Longboarding.  In order to turn on the board, move to the back of the board to release more of the forward rail from the water.  Turn you upper body in the direction you want to turn and use your toes or heels to press in the direction you want to turn.  Oversimplified, but there is a bit more too it. Snowski?  Same concept - keep the downhill (beach side) of the board out of the water to keep from tripping on the rail.

Answer 6

All in the back foot here"!! you really need some good power and then apply it to the back of the board whilst leaning. Also try not to lean back to much as you will spin the board out of control and no doubt nail someone! hope that helps.