"Steering Techniques for Catching and Turning as a Surfer"
2024-10-15
Steering Your Way to Safe and Respectful Waves: A Guide to Catching and Turning as a Surfer
As a surfer, there's nothing quite like the thrill of riding the waves and experiencing the rush of speed and power. However, catching and turning can be intimidating, especially for beginners. In this post, we'll explore the basics of steering techniques and provide examples to help you catch and turn your way through the lineup with confidence.
Scenario: You're in the lineup, waiting for a wave to come along
Imagine you're standing at the water's edge, scanning the horizon for a swell that's about to break. As the waves start to form, you see a few of your fellow surfers starting to paddle out and catch a wave. Your turn comes around – it's now or never!
The Wave Approaches: It's Time to Catch and Turn
As the first wave approaches, take note of its size, speed, and direction. If the wave is too small for you to catch without wiping out, don't worry! There are plenty of waves in the lineup that will be suitable for your skill level.
Now it's time to make your move. As the wave begins to lift you up, focus on keeping your eyes on the horizon and your body position relatively horizontal. This is known as "catching" the wave.
Catching the Wave
To catch a wave, try the following:
- Keep your knees bent and your weight centered over your board.
- Engage your core muscles to help stabilize your body.
- As you feel the wave lift you up, start to lean forward slightly and point your nose downwards (towards the beach).
- Use your arms to paddle with, keeping them relaxed and close to your body.
As you catch the wave, keep your eyes on the horizon and look for a spot about 10-15 feet away from the board. This is called " positioning" – it's essential for turning smoothly and safely.
Steering Techniques: Turning Left (Forward) or Right (Backwards)
Now that you're positioned with the wave at waist-high height, it's time to turn! There are two basic steering techniques: left-hand turns (forward) and right-hand turns (backwards).
Left-Hand Turn (Forward):
To turn left, keep your weight centered over the board, then lean forward slightly and point your nose downwards. As you do this, use your arms to paddle with and steer the board left.
Example: Imagine you're paddling out to catch a 4-foot wave, and it starts to lift you up. To catch it and turn left, position yourself at about 10-15 feet away from the board, look for a spot about 2-3 feet in front of you, and lean forward slightly.
Right-Hand Turn (Backwards):
To turn right, keep your weight centered over the board, then lean back slightly and point your nose downwards. As you do this, use your arms to paddle with and steer the board right.
Example: Imagine you're paddling out to catch a 3-foot wave, and it starts to lift you up. To catch it and turn right, position yourself at about 10-15 feet away from the board, look for a spot about 2-3 feet behind you, and lean back slightly.
Tips and Reminders
- Always keep your knees bent and weight centered over your board.
- Engage your core muscles to help stabilize your body.
- Look where you want to go, not at the wave or the ground.
- Practice makes perfect – don't be discouraged if it takes a few tries to catch and turn smoothly.
By following these basic steering techniques and tips, you'll be well on your way to catching and turning like a pro! Remember to stay relaxed, focused, and patient, and always respect the ocean and other surfers. Happy surfing! Steering Your Way to Safe and Respectful Waves: A Guide to Catching and Turning as a Surfer
| Scenario | Wave Size and Speed | Positioning | Catching the Wave | Turning Techniques |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standing at the water's edge, scanning the horizon for a swell that's about to break. | Small waves (2-3 ft) or waves with a lot of foam | Positioning 10-15 feet away from the board | Position yourself and start paddling out. Look for a spot about 2-3 feet in front of you. Lean forward slightly and point your nose downwards. Use arms to paddle with and steer left (forward) or right (backwards). | |
| First wave approaches, taking note of its size, speed, and direction | Medium-sized waves (4-6 ft) with some lift and power | Positioning 10-15 feet away from the board | Position yourself at waist-high height. Look for a spot about 2-3 feet in front of you. Lean forward slightly and point your nose downwards. Use arms to paddle with and steer left (forward) or right (backwards). | |
| Wave starts to lift you up, focusing on keeping your eyes on the horizon and body position relatively horizontal | Medium-sized waves (4-6 ft) with some lift and power | Positioning 10-15 feet away from the board | Keep knees bent and weight centered over the board. Engage core muscles to help stabilize your body. Look for a spot about 2-3 feet in front of you. Lean forward slightly and point your nose downwards. Use arms to paddle with and steer left (forward) or right (backwards). | |
| Positioning 10-15 feet away from the board, looking for a spot about 2-3 feet in front of you | Medium-sized waves (4-6 ft) with some lift and power | Positioning 10-15 feet away from the board | Lean forward slightly and point your nose downwards. Use arms to paddle with and steer left (forward) or right (backwards). | |
| First wave approaches, taking note of its size, speed, and direction | Small waves (2-3 ft) or waves with a lot of foam | Positioning 10-15 feet away from the board | Position yourself and start paddling out. Look for a spot about 2-3 feet in front of you. Lean forward slightly and point your nose downwards. Use arms to paddle with and steer left (forward) or right (backwards). | |
| Wave starts to lift you up, focusing on keeping your eyes on the horizon and body position relatively horizontal | Small waves (2-3 ft) or waves with a lot of foam | Positioning 10-15 feet away from the board | Keep knees bent and weight centered over the board. Engage core muscles to help stabilize your body. Look for a spot about 2-3 feet in front of you. Lean forward slightly and point your nose downwards. Use arms to paddle with and steer left (forward) or right (backwards). |
Scenario: You're in the lineup, waiting for a wave to come along
- Stand at the water's edge, scanning the horizon for waves that are about to break.
- Take note of the wave size, speed, and direction.
- If the wave is too small for you to catch without wiping out, don't worry! There are plenty of waves in the lineup that will be suitable for your skill level.
Catching a Wave
- Keep your knees bent and weight centered over your board.
- Engage your core muscles to help stabilize your body.
- As you feel the wave lift you up, start to lean forward slightly and point your nose downwards (towards the beach).
- Use your arms to paddle with, keeping them relaxed and close to your body.
Turning
- Position yourself at a comfortable distance from the board, about 10-15 feet away.
- Look for a spot about 2-3 feet in front of you.
- Lean forward slightly and point your nose downwards (towards the beach).
- Use arms to paddle with and steer left (forward) or right (backwards).
Tips and Reminders
- Always keep your knees bent and weight centered over your board.
- Engage your core muscles to help stabilize your body.
- Look where you want to go, not at the wave or the ground.
- Practice makes perfect – don't be discouraged if it takes a few tries to catch and turn smoothly.
