How to Do the Figure 8 Cutback With a Rebound (Roundhouse)

This tutorial breaks down the Roundhouse or “Figure 8” cutback, focusing on using the white water for a powerful rebound. Coach Shannon Ainslie highlights critical mistakes related to weight distribution, timing, and proper rotation to ensure you drive back into the power pocket without getting caught up in turbulence.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cutting Across Too Early [1:00]
If you cut across the wave too soon, you lose the extra space and time needed to climb up the face and execute the rebound. Start high and project down first to cross the mid-line before beginning the arc.

Going Too Far Into White Water [2:30]
If you go too far across into the turbulent white water, you will get stuck and miss-time the second turn. Aim to rebound off the edge of the white water [3:04]; this uses the power to push your board back onto the wave face.

Too Much Front Foot Weight [4:29]
Too much weight on your front foot causes the rail to catch (bog) and throws off balance. The resulting spray from the front foot is a clear sign of this error. You should always have **more weight on the back foot** to drive the board through the maneuver [5:45].

Insufficient Rotation [4:55]
Always rotate and open up your shoulders in the direction you are going (your target). If your chest is not facing the section you are aiming for, your arms and body will not follow through, leading to a loss of control.

Figure 8 Cutback Technique

The Squat and See Drill [7:07]
As you draw your line into the cutback, you want to **squat until you see the spot**. Stay low with bent legs (compression), and once your eyes spot the rebound section of the white water, you can release the turn.

The Figure 8 Line [7:54]
The Figure 8 pattern consists of a light bottom turn, climbing up the face, drawing the long cutback line down, holding the backside rail through the pocket, and then climbing back up to do a backside snap/rebound off the white water.

The Rebound Goal [8:16]
As you progress, try to rebound off the middle to top part of the white water, but avoid the most turbulent section. Tapping the edge allows the white water to project extra speed back onto your board, setting up your next maneuver.