This tutorial with Noel Salas of Surf n Show Reviews begins a series on the backside floater for regular footers. The lesson emphasizes using the floater as a maneuver to maximize speed and projection down the line, focusing heavily on proper arm, shoulder, and hip rotation to maintain an open body position.
Key Takeaways & Tips
Weight Distribution on Approach
When setting up the floater, distribute your weight to be about 60% on your back leg and 40% on your front leg to lift the nose of the board up on top of the lip.
The Trailing Arm Drive
It is imperative to bring your trailing arm forward and have both arms in front of you as you engage the lip. This action opens your shoulders and hips, allowing your body to point down the line.
Floater Weight Shift
You enter the floater at a 60/40 weight distribution (back/front). Once you are up on the lip and floating, you must quickly shift your weight forward to an even 50/50 distribution (or even 60/40 front/back) to maximize speed and projection coming down.
The Landing and Exit
Because your body is open and you have peripheral vision, you can pick a landing spot and immediately transition into a heel-side bottom turn or a speed snap to continue down the line.
Using a Carver Surfskate
The floater can be practiced on a surfskate by driving the back knee into the front knee at the top of the turn to shift weight forward and simulate the required speed and projection.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Surfing with Your Back to the Wave
Intermediate and advanced surfers struggle by keeping their trailing arm back and their back to the wave. This closes the body, limits maneuverability, and prevents speed generation.
Falling Backwards
If you do not shift your weight forward and keep your back to the wave while floating, you will fall backwards because you lack a stable platform and peripheral vision.
Going Around the Lip
Going around a crumbling section instead of over it means the whitewater can clip your board and make it difficult to get back to the open face. Always use the lip to float over.