Cutback Turns and Bottom Turns Basics

Beginner's Guide to Surfing: Types of Surfing Turns - Cutting Back and Bottom Turns

When it comes to surfing, mastering the art of turns is crucial for building confidence and improving your overall riding skills. In this beginner's guide, we'll delve into two essential types of surfing turns: Cutback and Bottom Turn. By understanding these fundamental techniques, you'll be well on your way to dominating the surfboard and catching more waves.

Scenario Example: Catching a Wave at a Beginner-Friendly Break

Imagine you're out in the lineup, waiting for a gnarly wave to break. You spot a 5-foot-high wave starting to lift its face off the water, and with a burst of speed, you paddle out to catch it. As the wave begins to slow down, you feel the urge to turn, but you're not sure which direction to go or how to make the most of this opportunity.

That's when you realize that making a Cutback Turn is essential for maintaining control and speed as you exit the tube. A Cutback Turn involves leaning into the pop-up (paddling back) and quickly moving your feet away from the wave, allowing you to stay centered and avoid getting caught in a riptide.

Cutback Turns

A Cutback Turn works like this:

1. As the wave starts to lift off the water, start paddling with your hands, keeping your arms straight.
2. As the wave begins to slow down, quickly lean back into it (pop-up) and paddle away from the wave.
3. Keep your eyes on the horizon and focus on maintaining control of the board.
4. As you exit the tube, quickly re-orient yourself with the wave face.

Bottom Turn

A Bottom Turn, also known as a Cutback or Reverse Turn, involves flipping the board onto its back and then turning it upright to catch more waves. This turn is crucial for learning how to navigate different wave types and conditions.

To perform a Bottom Turn:

1. As you approach the whitewater (the churning, turbulent water at the top of the wave), start paddling with your hands to stay centered.
2. At the crest of the wave, quickly shift your weight onto your toes (paddling back) and then quickly turn the board 180 degrees to face downwind.
3. Keep your eyes on the horizon and focus on maintaining control of the board.

Bottom Turn Tips

• Practice Bottom Turns in calm waters before attempting them in more challenging conditions.
• Start with a small wave (2-3 feet high) and gradually move to bigger waves as you build confidence.
• Focus on quick, smooth turns to avoid getting caught in riptides or losing momentum.
• Remember to stay centered and balanced throughout the entire turn.

Conclusion

Mastering Cutback and Bottom Turns is essential for improving your surfing skills and catching more waves. By understanding how these fundamental techniques work, you'll be well on your way to becoming a confident surfer. Remember to practice patience and persistence, as turning and riding waves takes time and effort to develop.

So, the next time you're out in the lineup, keep an eye on the horizon and watch for opportunities to make those elusive Cutback Turns or Bottom Turn maneuvers. With dedication and practice, you'll be riding like a pro in no time! Here's a beginner's guide to surfing, focusing specifically on types of surfing turns: Cutting Back and Bottom Turns.

Types of Surfing Turns

Turn Type	Description
Cutback Turn	A lean-out turn that involves paddling back and quickly turning the board away from the wave.
Bottom Turn (Cutback or Reverse Turn)	A flip-of-the-board turn that involves flipping the board onto its back and then turning it upright to catch more waves.

Cutting Back Turn Example

As you approach the whitewater, start paddling with your hands to stay centered. At the crest of the wave, quickly shift your weight onto your toes (paddling back) and then quickly turn the board 180 degrees to face downwind.

Bottom Turn Tips

• Practice Bottom Turns in calm waters before attempting them in more challenging conditions.
• Start with a small wave (2-3 feet high) and gradually move to bigger waves as you build confidence.
• Focus on quick, smooth turns to avoid getting caught in riptides or losing momentum.