This tutorial, Episode 1 of the “How to Surf Better” Snaps series, breaks down the crucial **Speed Snap**, a maneuver used to maximize speed and set up multiple turns on fast-breaking waves. The key technique involves coiling the back arm during a shallow bottom turn and uncoiling it at the lip to create whip and projection.
Key Takeaways & Tips
Turn Goal
The snap is an explosive off the lip maneuver. The surfer reaches the lip at an angle between 50 and 90 degrees, then rotates the upper body with the core engaged to sharply change the direction of travel, setting up the next maneuver down the line.
Shallow Bottom Turn Entry
For a speed snap, use a **shallow bottom turn** by approaching the bullseye diagonally, not vertically. This allows you to hit the bottom turn quickly to get right up to the top and gain more speed rather than making a deep bottom turn [8:12].
The Coil and Uncoil
Load the twist (coil) by letting your **back arm** (trailing arm) go behind you during the shallow bottom turn. As you start to extend out and come up into the lip, the arm comes forward (uncoil), creating a whip and maximizing projection moving forward [3:09].
Upper Body Direction
During the snap, you are not looking straight to the bottom. You must look directly **down the line** at an angle to pick your second maneuver, carrying momentum with you [6:33].
Surf Skate Drill Focus
The Carver drill requires creating that initial twist and pivot in the shallow bottom turn. The focus is then on releasing the coil and twist at the top by projecting the arm forward to maximize speed down the line [11:21].
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Losing the Coil
If you do not load the twist (coil) at the bottom turn, you will lack the necessary momentum for the speed snap, resulting in less projection and slower speed down the line.
Deep Bottom Turn on Fast Wave
Executing a really deep bottom turn on a fast wave wastes time and speed. The shallow, diagonal approach is essential for maintaining momentum.
Pushing the Tail Out
For a speed snap, do not push your back leg straight or try to slide the tail. The goal is projection and throwing water forward, not sliding the fins out [8:49].