This tutorial addresses the biggest question in intermediate surfing: when to do a re-entry and when to do a cutback. The choice of maneuver is entirely dependent on the wave section and requires a shortened, intensified rotational technique compared to a standard top turn.
Key Takeaways & Tips
Section is Crucial
Re-entries are absolutely dependent on the section of the wave. You are looking for a steep part of the wave that is not fat or slopey, but has enough force and outward trajectory to create a “coping” of sorts that you can rebound off of.
Cutback vs. Re-entry Section
A cutback is done on a section that has a nice, steep-ish curve but not a strong lip. A re-entry is done on a section that is perfect for rebounding, with a strong, available lip.
Re-entry Bottom Turn
The re-entry bottom turn is held for a longer time to rotate the board to point vertically, as opposed to the more horizontal angle used for a top turn/cutback. There is also less of a jumping action in a re-entry bottom turn to manage speed.
Re-entry Rotation
The intensity of the rotation is increased, but the duration and amount of rotation is reduced. The surfer performs a short and fast rotation (approximately 90 to 180 degrees).
The Final Kick
The surfer accentuates the release of torsion with a final kick of the back leg into the lip. This has the effect of throwing more spray (stabbing at the lip) and creating a strong rebound off the tail back down the wave.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Too Much Speed
The re-entry has a greater risk of having too much speed than a top turn. The shorter, sharper rotational change required for a re-entry can only be managed with a certain amount of speed.
Going Too Horizontal
Trying to perform the maneuver with a more horizontal angle of attack (like a cutback) on a re-entry section will fail, as the move requires a sharper and shorter rotational change.
Late Kick
Failing to introduce the final back-leg kick early in the process prevents the kinetic expression from rebounding off the lip correctly. The kick should happen close to or almost simultaneously with the rotation.