This tutorial focuses on six essential skills for tackling small, average summer waves. By successfully surfing these challenging conditions, your performance will skyrocket when presented with better waves. The lesson emphasizes using the right equipment and staying close to the power source.
Key Takeaways & Tips
Equipment
For small waves, avoid high-performance boards. Look for boards that are shorter, thicker, wider, and flatter. An epoxy construction is recommended because it is more buoyant, sits on the surface, and allows you to generate speed quicker. Experiment with different fin setups (twin fin, thruster, quad).
Skill 1: Wave Selection
You must be smart and patient about wave selection. Choose the best wave possible that allows you to get the most speed and provides turning opportunities. Do not take off on closeouts.
Skill 2: Generating Speed
Generating and maintaining speed is a critical skill in small waves. Once you have speed, you need to stay busy by going rail to rail as often as possible to keep the board moving.
Skill 3: The Cutback/Re-entry
When not presented with turning opportunities, you need to cut back. If there is no pocket, come back to the foam and rebound off of it (like a roundhouse cutback). This will allow you to wait patiently for a good section.
Skill 4: Stay Close to Power
Stay close to the whitewater or power source. This provides more critical sections, which allows you to perform a variety of maneuvers with more speed. When the wave goes flat, cut back to that power source.
Skill 5: Be Opportunistic
Be opportunistic and take every chance you can to practice. Even on the inside, there are waves that allow you to practice skills and maximize your session.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using the Wrong Board
Using a high-performance board in small waves will make you struggle, as they are designed to control speed, not generate it.
Wasting Time
Failing to maintain speed once you get it or not being active enough will waste your time and prevent you from performing maneuvers.
Closeout Takeoffs
Taking off on closeouts wastes your patient wave selection and reduces your opportunities for turns.
Dangling Legs
Allowing your legs to create drag by dangling in the water is a common mistake that slows you down.