The number one fear associated with learning to cross step is nose diving, which is completely understandable as you are moving toward the wobbliest part of the board. This tutorial provides a fundamental technique that dramatically decreases the chance of nose diving while increasing your stability and success.
Key Takeaways & Tips
Start from the Tail
The number one tip is to start your cross-stepping movement from the tail of the board and move through to the center. This is the starting point for developing the cross step and is imperative for stability.
Aim for the Center
If your steps land your front foot right in the center of the board, there is an extremely low chance you will nose dive, regardless of where you are on the wave. This should be your landing goal for early cross steps.
Practice Anywhere
This method is crucial because it allows you to practice cross-stepping repetitively in any conditions—on the flats, in whitewater, or down the bottom of the wave—without needing to wait for a perfect, critical section.
Safety and Stability
The center of the board is the most stable position. By cross-stepping from the tail to the center, you are learning the new cross-step motion while landing in a comfortable, balanced part of the board.
Adjust Your Pop-Up
The best way to start from the tail is to adjust your pop-up to land your feet there (if the wave is steep enough). Alternatively, you can perform a shuffle backwards from your normal pop-up position to the tail before beginning the cross step.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Starting Too Far Forward
The main reason for nose diving is starting the cross step from too far forward on the board for the position you are in on the wave, which places too much weight on the nose.
Skipping Repetition
Failing to get enough repetitions in. If you only get a successful cross step in every two to four sessions, it is impossible to understand the feeling and correct yourself when errors occur.
Skipping the Shuffle
Assuming you must jump immediately into a cross step. It is acceptable to perform a quick shuffle or back step and replace to move your stance backward before beginning the cross step.