**Cutback Surfing Techniques Guide**

Re-entering the Water: A Guide to Surfing Techniques for Cutting Backs and Returning to the Board

As a surfer, you've probably experienced the thrill of catching your first wave, only to struggle with re-entering the water after getting caught in a riptide or wiping out. If you're like many surfers, you may have found yourself staring at the ocean floor, wondering how to safely and efficiently get back on your board.

In this post, we'll explore two essential techniques for surfing: cutbacks and re-entries, which can help you navigate challenging situations and increase your overall surfing experience. We'll also provide a scenario-based example of how these techniques can come in handy.

What is a Cutback?

A cutback is an alternative entry technique used when it's difficult to swim back to the surface after getting caught in a riptide or wiping out. By using a cutback, you can conserve energy and reduce your risk of exhaustion. Here's how to perform a cutback:

1. As soon as possible, start swimming parallel to the shore at an angle, about 12-18 inches from the breaking wave.
2. Keep your head above water and use your arms to help push yourself back towards the surface.
3. If you're unable to swim straight back up to the surface, try using a cutback by paddling with one arm while holding onto something for support (such as a buoy or a piece of driftwood).
4. Continue swimming until you reach shallow water and regain your footing on the beach.

What is a Re-entry?

A re-entry is an entry technique used when trying to catch a wave at an angle, such as when surfing a point break. The goal is to enter the wave with your body facing downhill, which can help you maintain speed and momentum. Here's how to perform a re-entry:

1. Stand in front of the wave and wait for it to lift you up.
2. Position yourself so that your hips are pointing downhill, with your feet shoulder-width apart.
3. Keep your knees bent and your weight centered over your board, ready to absorb the impact of the wave when it hits.
4. As the wave starts to lift you up, quickly paddle back down to a position where you can catch it at an angle.

Choosing the Right Re-entry Technique

When deciding which re-entry technique to use, consider the following factors:

• The height and speed of the wave: If the wave is too fast or high, you may want to try a more aggressive re-entry. For slower waves, a more cautious approach may be better.
• Your fitness level and surfing experience: If you're a beginner or less experienced surfer, it's often best to stick with a safer, more controlled re-entry technique.
• The type of wave: For longboards, a cutback may be more effective. For shortboards, a faster re-entry technique like the "pop-up" entry might be better.

Scenario-Based Example

Let's say you're surfing at a point break and get caught in a riptide while trying to catch a smaller wave. As you struggle to swim back to the surface, you remember a surf instructor you met earlier that day who specializes in re-entry techniques.

The instructor suggests using a cutback to conserve energy and increase your chances of survival. You quickly start swimming parallel to the shore at an angle, using your arms to help push yourself back towards the surface.

As you swim, the instructor provides verbal cues and encouragement, reminding you to keep your head above water and use your body position to maintain speed. After a few minutes of swimming, you reach shallow water and regain your footing on the beach.

Your instructor praises your efforts and suggests that you try re-entering the wave using a more aggressive technique next time. You take their advice to heart and practice different re-entry techniques in the future, always prioritizing your safety and well-being as a surfer.

Conclusion

Cutbacks and re-entries are essential techniques for surfing, particularly when dealing with challenging situations like riptides or wipeouts. By understanding how to perform these techniques safely and efficiently, you can reduce your risk of exhaustion and increase your overall surfing experience. Remember to always prioritize your safety and well-being as a surfer, and don't be afraid to seek advice from experienced surfers and instructors when needed. Here is the information in a table format for comparison:

Cutback Techniques

Step	Description
1. Start swimming parallel to the shore at an angle (12-18 inches from the breaking wave)	As soon as possible, start swimming parallel to the shore at an angle, about 12-18 inches from the breaking wave.
2. Use your arms to help push yourself back towards the surface	Keep your head above water and use your arms to help push yourself back towards the surface.
3. Continue swimming until you reach shallow water and regain your footing on the beach (if unable to swim straight back up)	If you're unable to swim straight back up to the surface, try using a cutback by paddling with one arm while holding onto something for support.

Re-entry Techniques

Step	Description
1. Stand in front of the wave and wait for it to lift you up	Stand in front of the wave and wait for it to lift you up.
2. Position yourself so that your hips are pointing downhill, with your feet shoulder-width apart (for a point break re-entry)	Position yourself so that your hips are pointing downhill, with your feet shoulder-width apart.
3. Keep your knees bent and your weight centered over your board while the wave lifts you up (for a point break re-entry)	Keep your knees bent and your weight centered over your board, ready to absorb the impact of the wave when it hits.
4. Quickly paddle back down to a position where you can catch the wave at an angle (for a point break re-entry)	As the wave starts to lift you up, quickly paddle back down to a position where you can catch it at an angle.

Choosing the Right Re-entry Technique

Factor	Cutback Recommended for	Re-entry Recommended for
Wave height and speed	Slower waves or less experienced surfers	Faster waves or more experienced surfers
Fitness level and surfing experience	Beginners or less experienced surfers	More experienced surfers or faster learners

Scenario-Based Example

Situation	Cutback Techniques	Re-entry Techniques
Getting caught in a riptide while trying to catch a smaller wave	Start swimming parallel to the shore at an angle (step 1)	Stand in front of the wave and wait for it to lift you up (step 1), position yourself so that your hips are pointing downhill, with your feet shoulder-width apart (steps 2-3), and quickly paddle back down to a position where you can catch the wave at an angle (step 4)

I hope this table helps you compare the two techniques!