This guide from coach Martin Dunn breaks down the backhand re-entry, which is used to hit the top of backhand waves. A quality bottom turn is essential to create the drive and speed needed for a controlled re-entry off the top.
Key Takeaways & Tips
Setup and Drive
Set up the re-entry by performing a quality backhand bottom turn. This creates the drive and speed essential for a controlled re-entry off the top of the waves.
Hit Height
Hit the lip with enough height so that your front foot is above the lip on impact.
Rotation Before Impact
Before impact with the lip, rotate your head and shoulders away from the lip to create and apply a torque force to your surfboard. Think of this as looking to where you want the surfboard to go after impact with the lip.
Landing and Compression
Push forward and compress low over your surfboard stringer to complete the maneuver. This compression helps maintain speed and control.
Vertical Goal
To perform more vertically, the preceding bottom turn must be powerful, and the surfer must have the intention of pointing the surfboard to the beach after impact with the lip.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Weak Bottom Turn
Failing to perform a quality bottom turn means you will lack the drive and speed essential for a controlled re-entry.
Late Rotation
If you rotate your head and shoulders after impact, you miss the opportunity to apply the necessary torque force to the board, hindering the turning process.
Poor Compression
Failing to push forward and compress low over your surfboard stringer makes it difficult to complete the maneuver and maintain speed.