This tutorial with Noel Salas of Surf n Show Reviews begins a series on the frontside floater for regular footers. The lesson emphasizes using the floater to maximize speed, particularly on mushy or weak waves, by focusing on a shallow entry, shifting weight forward with the trailing arm, and proper body mechanics.
Key Takeaways & Tips
Speed and Pumping Line
To maximize speed on the wave, stay on the top third of the wave while pumping, extending and compressing to generate speed before reaching the floater section.
Trailing Arm for Projection
The core focus is the trailing arm: moving it **forward** helps you get low (compressed) and shifts your weight forward to your front leg. This forward weight shift is essential to maximize speed and projection over the section.
Shallow Entry and Angle
For projecting off the lip (as opposed to just floating over a closing section), come into the lip shallow, using a **diagonal** line instead of a deep bottom turn. This preserves speed and sets up the projection.
Body Position and Balance
Keep your knee and shoulder close together (compressed) and your shoulders open to being down the line. This helps maintain balance and momentum.
Surf-Skate Drill Focus
The land drill should focus on loading the board in the shallow bottom turn, being purposeful about projecting **forward** with the trailing arm, and pulling yourself off the floater back into the wave line.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Standing Up Tall
Do not stand up tall during the floater maneuver, as this moves your center of gravity too high and causes instability.
Trailing Arm Backwards
Allowing the trailing arm to fall **behind** you is a major mistake. This pulls you off your center, causes you to lose your balance, and makes you completely out of control.
Deep Bottom Turn Entry
Using a deep bottom turn for floater setup is incorrect for projection, as it bleeds speed and is not the correct diagonal line needed to maximize speed down the line.