Step-by-Step Breakdown
The Drop & Compression
As you drop down the face of the wave, stay low and compressed. Keep your knees bent and your eyes focused on the bottom of the wave.
Initiate the Turn
At the bottom (trough), lean your weight onto your inside rail (toe-side or heel-side). Rotate your shoulders and hips into the wave face.
Look Up
Turn your head and look up at the lip or the section you want to hit. Where you look is where you will go.
Extension
As you come out of the turn and start climbing the face, extend your legs to generate drive. This projects you up the wave with speed.
Book a surf lesson
A coach can spot what you cannot feel — late takeoffs, stiff stance, or reading the wrong section. One session often fixes weeks of solo practice.
Find surf coachesPro tips
- Don't turn too early (mid-face) or you'll lose speed.
- Hold the turn longer for more vertical projection.
- Use your trailing hand to touch the water for balance (pivot point).
Ready to put this in the water?
Book a lesson with a local coach or surf school, then match your board to your level.