In this quick tip, Surf Simply coach Rue Hell discusses the functional importance of the cutback as a horizontal maneuver that helps you return to the wave’s power source. The core of this tutorial focuses on addressing common mistakes and providing single-focus drills to teach your body the correct mechanics.
Functional Purpose & Opportunity Timing
The Function
The cutback is a necessary maneuver when you are surfing out onto the face and have gotten ahead of the white water. It redirects your board all the way back to the power zone to carry on down the line (flow).
Look at the Distance
As a first drill, practice noticing how far behind you the white water is. If you are about two board lengths ahead, you likely have the ability and space to start doing a cutback (timing).
The Forehand Cutback Technique (70% Rule)
Foot Placement for Carving
Before the turn, move your back foot right to the back of the board. Crucially, your weight should remain forward over the front foot as you move the back foot back (on-rail).
The “Touch” Initiation
To begin the turn, open your chest right up, take your leading hand (right hand for goofy, left for natural), and turn it around to try and touch the water outside your heel rail. This engages the turn.
The 70% Rotation Rule
Do not look 100% of the way around. Try to turn your body only about 70% as far as you think you can turn, and then hold that position. This allows the board to come around and prevents falling off.
Unleash the Final 30%
When the board has come around nearly 180 degrees, unleash the extra 30% rotation and look right for the top of the white water
The Six-Drill Roadmap
Do not try to think about all the steps at once. The video suggests a roadmap of six separate, single-focus drills to work on across six different surf sessions:
- Notice when the cutback opportunities are present (timing).
- Get your back foot all the way back before you begin to turn.
- Get your leading hand and try to touch the water.
- Notice where the top of the white water (the target) is.
- Try to hit the top of the wave (the target).
- Feel what it is like to turn back around to carry on surfing down the line (flow).