Surfing skills?

Question

I have trouble when I surf towards a wave and turn. I can't get myself high enough to turn and then I fall backwards. Any pointers?

Answer 1

I don't exactly understand what you mean when you say you can't get high enough to turn.  However, if you're having trouble turning, try moving towards the tail more and turn by leaning in the direction of the turn.  This will put more weight over your fins which allows you to turn your board easier.

If you currently riding a longboard and have no problems catching waves, you might try a shorter board like a fish.  Fishes are typically shorter in length (making it easier to turn since you have a smaller turning radius).  At the same time, they're thick and wide which makes it easier to catch waves.  Take a look at 9:Fish Surfboards (9fishsurf.com).  They have a pretty extensive line of fishes.  I bought one of their boards and they were really helpful in helping me choose the right size.

Answer 2

I agree that your positioning may be off but it's probably due to a lack of speed.  NO SPEED = no turns.  You need speed to carry you through the turn.  If you don't have this, you'll just start to dig rail and then fall.  Before working on your turns, work on your bottom turn.  It's the single most important element to surfing.  Good bottom turn = speed.

Answer 3

It could be your stance. Try moving your back foot farther back on your board. This will allow you to make "sharper" turns.

If I understand you correctly, you are trying to "hit the lip". When pulling off this maneuver you need to understand that your momentum starts with a sharp bottom turn. Once you turn upward on the face of the wave, you need to start turning back down before before you get to the top. Common mistake is that people think that they need to get to the top of the wave before you start your snap back down towards the bottom. Remember that the wave is moving towards you at the same time you are turning into the wave. Use the force of the wave coming towards you to power your turn back. At first star with small turns off the face of the wave. As you get a feel of the turn, you can gradually maneuver  higher up the face of the wave to initiate your turn.

Good luck

Answer 4

Not sure what you mean by high enough.  

When you want to turn, put your weight on your back foot and lean in the direction you want to go.  It helps to turn your upper body the way you want to go as well, and the rest will follow.

Are you ok popping up and everything?

Answer 5

The problem is in ur weight distribution.  I'm guessing also that you're on a longboard, or atleast a longer funboard kinda thing.  In order to get a board like that to make a good bottom turn you have to really shift your weight back.  You should be on the back 1/4 of the board to make your turn, then set your line and move forward to hit the gas pedal.  If you are falling over the rail of the board it is because it is not turning as quickly as you would like.  The way to make that turn quicker is to put more weight on the fin and tail; where hard turns are initiated.