This tutorial provides a beginner’s guide to performing aerial maneuvers, using the analogy of skateboarding at a skate park. The core of the lesson is about finding the right sections, maximizing projection by coiling the body, and applying precise weight shifts for a smooth, nose-first landing.
Key Takeaways & Tips
Wave Selection
Look for a steeper wave with a sharp lip line. Ideally, find a section breaking further out followed by a soft, mushy section at the end for an easy landing. You want to hit the wave right at the edge where the lip is starting to break.
The Coping Analogy
You are looking for the lip to hit, similar to a skateboarder hitting the coping at a skate park. The breaking lip will bonk you up into the air, giving you the lift you need.
Rotation Coil
For an air reverse, your back arm must be coiled all the way back behind you. This gives you maximum projection and torque to spin the board around. Your head, shoulders, knees, and toes follow where you are looking.
Landing Technique
When landing, you put most of your weight into your front foot so that the nose will stick in first, and the tail will follow. This slows your momentum down and makes it easier to ride out and prevents the nose from poking under.
Air Reverse vs. Straight Air
An air reverse requires you to continue the rotation by throwing your shoulders into the beach. For a straight air, you pause the rotation, maintaining a more horizontal line of travel, focusing on throwing your body in towards the beach.
Body Posture
Keep the board on rail by putting your weight on your back foot, similar to a turn, but executing the turn above the lip. This posture keeps you stable in the air.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Hitting the Soft Shoulder
If you hit the soft shoulder of the wave (where it’s not breaking), you will not get much lift and will fail to project.
Ignoring Landing
Failing to spot your landing or putting your weight on the back foot will result in the nose poking under or the board landing flat.
Stagnant Positioning
Waiting and trying to stay in the power source for too long will cause you to stall, meaning you will miss the section you intended to hit.
Losing Sight
In an aerial situation, you must always be looking at where you are going to land. Losing sight means your momentum will stop.