The bottom turn is a crucial maneuver in surfing that allows you to set up for more advanced moves and ride the face of the wave with style and precision. Whether you’re riding small waves or tackling bigger swells, this article and tutorial will help you master the art of the bottom turn and enhance your overall surfing performance.
Step 1: Understanding the Basics of the Bottom Turn
Before diving into the technique, it’s important to grasp the fundamentals of the bottom turn. The bottom turn involves leaning your body and using your arms to generate momentum and drive up the wave face. The key is to compress your knees, drop your butt down, and lean forward, maintaining a low center of gravity throughout the maneuver.
Step 2: Executing the Small Wave Bottom Turn
For smaller waves, where space and speed are limited, start by compressing your body, leaning over the board, and getting your knees over your toes. Focus on using your upper body to initiate the turn. As you drop down, let your back arm swing around behind you, acting as a pivot to lift you onto your toes and up into the lip of the wave. Remember to keep your front arm quiet and your eyes fixed on the section of the wave where you want to go.
Step 3: Enhancing Technique on Larger Waves
When riding larger waves with more speed, the technique for the bottom turn adjusts slightly. As you approach the bottom of the wave, continue to compress your body and lean over the front. However, you don’t need to swing your back arm as much. Instead, focus on letting the lean and the wave’s energy carry you up the face. This technique ensures that you maintain momentum and acceleration, preventing you from getting caught in the lip and falling off the back.
Step 4: Pay Attention to Body Positioning
Regardless of wave size, it’s important to pay attention to your body positioning throughout the bottom turn. Keep your front arm steady and quiet, avoiding unnecessary swinging. Maintain your gaze on the intended target area of the wave face, which will vary depending on the maneuver you plan to perform next. This focus will guide your body and board towards the desired trajectory.
Step 5: Utilizing Weight Distribution
An effective bottom turn requires proper weight distribution. As you initiate the turn, shift your weight onto your rear toes, ensuring that the majority of your weight is on the front foot. This shift in weight creates pressure on the board, allowing you to drive up the wave face and produce a spray as you ascend towards the lip.
Step 6: Practice and Experiment
Remember that mastering the bottom turn takes practice and experimentation. Each wave and surfboard may require slight adjustments to the technique. Take the time to understand the dynamics of the waves you’re surfing and adapt your approach accordingly. Consistent practice, along with a willingness to try different variations, will help you refine your bottom turn and become a more efficient and skilled surfer.
The bottom turn is a vital skill for any surfer looking to maximize their wave riding potential. By following the step-by-step instructions in this guide, accompanied by expert insights from professional surfer Josh Kerr, you can enhance your bottom turn technique and take your surfing to the next level. Remember to focus on body positioning, weight distribution, and maintaining a calm upper body during the maneuver. With dedicated practice and a sense of adventure, you’ll soon be executing powerful and stylish bottom turns, setting yourself up for exhilarating surf sessions. Enjoy the journey, and have a fantastic time mastering the art of the bottom turn!
More Carves To Learn. Watch These How To Surf Videos:
- Backside Carve
- Layback Snap
- Cutback: Frontside
- Cutback: Backside
- Re-Entry: Frontside
- Re-Entry: Backside
- Floater: Frontside
- Floater: Backside
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a bottom turn in surfing?
A bottom turn is a fundamental maneuver in surfing that involves transitioning from the face of the wave to generate speed and set up for more advanced moves. It is a technique where the surfer leans their body and uses their arms to initiate a turn at the bottom of the wave, redirecting their momentum back up the wave face.
How do I execute a bottom turn in surfing?
To execute a bottom turn in surfing, follow these 10 steps:
- Choose the right wave and position yourself for the maneuver.
- Paddle with strong strokes to match the wave’s speed and catch it.
- As the wave lifts your board, transition from a prone position to a standing stance.
- Compress your knees, drop your butt down, and lean forward, maintaining a low center of gravity.
- Initiate the turn by shifting your weight to your toes and leaning towards the inside of the wave.
- Engage the rail of your surfboard by applying pressure on the inside edge, allowing for a smooth and controlled turn.
- As you reach the apex of the turn, rotate your hips and shoulders to face the direction you want to go.
- Keep your eyes focused on the intended target area on the wave face.
- Transition your weight back to your front foot, completing the turn.
- Prepare for further maneuvers or continue riding the wave.
What are some tips for performing a bottom turn in small waves?
In small waves, consider the following tips for a successful bottom turn:
- Compress your body and drop your butt down to generate more power.
- Lean over the board and get your knees over your toes.
- Utilize your upper body by swinging your back arm behind you to initiate the turn.
- Keep your front arm quiet and use it for balance and stability.
- Focus your eyes on the section of the wave where you want to go.
- Transition your weight onto your toes to maintain control and generate speed.
- As you come up into the lip, use the swinging motion of your back arm to assist in the turn.
How should I approach a bottom turn on larger waves?
When dealing with larger waves, it’s important to adapt your technique. Here are some tips for a bottom turn on bigger waves:
- Continue compressing your body and leaning over the front of your board.
- Use the lean and the wave’s energy to carry you up the face, rather than swinging your back arm extensively.
- Keep your front arm steady and quiet, focusing on maintaining balance and control.
- Ensure that your weight distribution allows for acceleration and prevents you from losing momentum as you approach the top of the wave.
How can I improve my bottom turn in surfing?
To improve your bottom turn in surfing, consider the following:
- Practice regularly and spend time in the water to develop muscle memory and gain confidence.
- Seek guidance from experienced surfers or take lessons to receive personalized feedback.
- Analyze your technique by watching instructional videos or recording your own sessions.
- Experiment with different approaches, adjusting your body positioning, weight distribution, and arm movements to find what works best for you.
- Learn to read the waves and understand their dynamics to anticipate and adapt your bottom turn accordingly.
- Stay patient and persistent, as mastering the bottom turn takes time and dedication.
Remember, mastering the bottom turn is a crucial skill that forms the foundation for more advanced maneuvers in surfing. By implementing these tips and putting in consistent effort, you’ll progress in your surfing journey and enjoy the thrill of riding waves with style and control.
Don’t miss another headline from SURFER! Subscribe to our newsletter and stay connected with the latest happenings in the world of surfing.
We’re always on the lookout for amusing, interesting and engaging surf-related videos to feature on our channels. Whether you’re a professional surfer or just an amateur, we want to see your best footage and help you share it with the world. Submit your video for a chance to be featured on SURFER and our social channels. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch high-quality surf videos.