Longboard turns can generally be broken down into two types: the pivot turn and the carving turn. Understanding the differences between these turns and knowing when to use each one will add variety and functional style to your surfing.
Key Takeaways & Tips
Pivot Turn Definition
The pivot turn is a faster turn where the board pivots around the tail (which stays relatively in one spot). You must disengage a fair amount of rail for the turn to work, resulting in a sharp, dynamic, and quick redirect.
Carving Turn Definition
The carving turn uses the wave face to traverse across it (from high to low or shoulder to pocket). It engages a larger portion of the rail throughout the turn and is generally a more powerful, drawn-out turn.
Use Pivot for Tight/Fast Sections
Use the pivot turn in tight, small, fast, or steep sections where you have less space to carve. This allows you to turn well without bogging the rail or digging the nose, and avoids taking you out of a critical section.
Use Pivot for Fat/Slow Sections
Use a pivot turn in a fat and slow section by placing a lot of weight onto the tail and quickly giving it a burst of pressure. This disengages the rail, lifts the nose, and quickly changes the board’s direction without getting stuck.
Use Carving for Open Walls
Use the carving turn when you have a nice open wall that allows you to put a lot of force through the tail and draw a long line from top to bottom. It is a more powerful turn because more rail is engaged, allowing you to push more water.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Engaging Too Much Rail (Longboards)
A common mistake for longboards is engaging or keeping too much rail engaged when turning in tight sections. This will result in bogging the rail or digging the nose, making the turn inefficient or impossible.
Trying to Carve on a Small Face
Attempting to carve when the wave face isn’t open enough to draw a long line. The longboard won’t fit into the section without bogging a rail, making the pivot turn the better choice.
Carving Without Speed
Trying to execute a carving turn without enough speed. Speed is required to maintain rail engagement and apply force through the board. Without it, you cannot push water effectively.