This tutorial breaks down five key techniques necessary for perfecting the bottom turn, ensuring the turn leads to the type of top turn or off-the-lip maneuver the surfer wants to execute. The focus is on body positioning, compression, and rail engagement to achieve maximum control and vertical drive.
Key Takeaways & Tips
Back Foot Placement
Get your back foot as far back on the tail pad as possible before dipping down into your bottom turn. This provides maximum control over the surfboard.
Dipping the Back Knee
Dip your back knee forward, which is super helpful in pivoting on the toe rail. It helps dig the toe rail into the wave, allowing you to pivot around on that rail and get more vertical up the face of the wave.
Lead Arm Placement
Do not let your lead arm cross in front of your body. The lead arm must remain on the outside of your knee or leg throughout the entire bottom turn process. This keeps your body frame open, making it easier to pivot into a top turn at the lip.
Aim for the Trough
Try to touch the trough of the wave as you go through the bottom turn process. You must be very compressed, with your knee forward, trying to graze the surface of the water with your hand or forearm. This helps you get more comfortable with the type of deep bottom turn needed for vertical turns.
Eyes on the Section
Keep those eyes focused on the section that you are going to attempt a top turn off of. This is important for maintaining body positioning, momentum, and flow in the desired direction.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Forward Back Foot
Failing to get the back foot as far back on the tail pad as possible prevents the surfer from having maximum control over the board, limiting the ability to pivot and drive vertically.
Lead Arm Crossing
Letting the lead arm drift across the body limits the ability to pivot and keeps the body frame closed, making the transition to the top turn more difficult.
Insufficient Compression
Not compressing low enough to touch the trough prevents the surfer from achieving the necessary depth and vertical drive for performing any high-level top turn.