If you're an intermediate surfer looking to improve your technique and take your surfing to the next level, this article is for you. Here you'll find the best tricks and maneuvers for intermediate surfers to help you perfect your skills, from the cutback to the air, and everything you need to know to dominate the wave with style and control.
Tricks and maneuvers for surfers
1. The Cutback: The basic trick to stay on the wave
What is a Cutback?
The cutback is one of the most iconic and essential tricks and maneuvers for any intermediate surfer who wants to improve their control over the wave. It involves turning back towards the wave face to continue gliding and maintain speed.
How to do it?
- Starting position: Make sure you are well in the critical zone of the wave (the part where more power is generated). This will help you maintain speed to execute the turn.
- The turn: As you approach the wave face, push with your feet towards the rail and turn your board towards the wave. Use your shoulders to guide the movement and maintain balance.
- Recovery: Once you have completed the turn, return to the most critical part of the wave to continue surfing with style.
Tips to Improve your Cutback:
- If you're a beginner at cutbacks, start with softer turns to get comfortable.
- Practice keeping your feet firm and evenly distributed on the board to avoid unexpected falls.
2. The Floater: Maintain speed by surfing the foam
What is a Floater?
This is a key maneuver to maintain speed on those waves where the foam starts to appear! The floater is basically gliding over the foam of the wave while maintaining control and continuing to move forward without losing rhythm.
How to do it?
- Position yourself: Approach the foam of the wave with enough speed.
- Maintain control: Glide over the top of the foam without losing balance. It is important that your weight is balanced to prevent the board from sinking or losing traction.
- Keep gliding: Once on the foam, you can continue with a cutback to regain speed or simply continue enjoying the ride.
Tips for a perfect Floater:
- If the waves are big and fast, start on smaller waves to practice the maneuver without pressure.
- Adjust the weight of your feet depending on the section of the wave you are on, to better control the glide.
3. The Air: Jump into the air and add style to your Surfing!
What is an Air?
If you're ready to impress everyone, it's time to try an air. This trick involves jumping over the wave and performing a turn or trick while in the air. It's pure adrenaline!
How to do it?
- Find the right section: Look for a section of the wave that allows you to generate enough momentum. This usually happens in the most vertical part of the wave.
- Take off: Use your legs to push yourself down and up, causing the board to lift out of the water.
- Aerial trick: Once in the air, you can try a spin or simply enjoy the jump with style.
- Land softly: Maintain control and land back on the wave without losing speed.
Tips for your First Air:
- If it's your first time attempting an air, start with small jumps. Practice is key to perfecting the technique.
- Try to keep the board under control while in the air to avoid uncomfortable falls.
4. Snap: Fast and explosive on the wave
What is a Snap?
A snap is a fast and explosive maneuver that allows you to cut the wave agilely, gaining speed and changing direction quickly. It's perfect for those waves that require speed and agility.
How to do it?
- Find the critical zone: Head to the part of the wave where the most force is.
- Make a quick turn: Use your shoulders and hips to perform an explosive turn. Keep the board close to the water and execute a nimble and quick turn.
- Recovery: Return to the wave face or change direction according to the flow of the wave.
Tips to improve your Snap:
- A snap requires agility, so make sure your legs and core are well-trained.
- Speed is key, so don't worry about making very large turns. Over time, smaller, faster turns will give you more control and style.
5. Reentry: Hit the top of the wave
What is a Reentry?
A reentry is a trick where you quickly ride up to the top of the wave (the lip) and then come back down to continue surfing.
How to do it?
- Go up fast: As you reach the steepest part of the wave, turn upwards, using your hips to guide the board.
- Maintain speed: It is important that this movement is fast to maintain speed.
- Come down to the base: After the reentry, come back down to the critical part of the wave.
Tips for your perfect Reentry:
- The key to a reentry is having enough speed, so make sure to generate momentum before attempting the turn.
- Practice with smaller waves until you have the confidence to do it on larger waves.
6. Barrel (Tube): The dream maneuver!
What is a Barrel?
The barrel is every surfer's dream: entering the tube of the wave and surfing inside it while being completely covered. It is a challenging maneuver, but it is the result of years of practice and patience.
How to do it?
- Find the perfect wave: Look for a wave that forms a good tube. These waves are usually large and powerful.
- Enter the tube: When the wave starts to close, maintain speed to enter the tube. You must be fast and precise.
- Follow the flow: Once inside the barrel, maintain control of the board and follow the wave face to exit with style.
Tips for mastering the Barrel:
- This trick takes time, so don't get frustrated if you don't succeed immediately.
- Start with smaller waves and work on your timing to enter the tube easily.
Keep practicing and don't stop!
Advanced surfing tricks and maneuvers are the perfect way to take your surfing to new heights, but remember: consistent practice is key. Don't rush, perfect each trick at your own pace, and enjoy the process. Every wave is a new opportunity to improve!
And don't forget, to do all this comfortably and stylishly, make sure you have the right equipment. Fly products are designed to maximize your performance in the water, so don't hesitate to check out our store!
Final tips to improve your Surfing:
- Physical training: Core, leg, and arm strength is essential for improving your technique.
- Observe the professionals: Watching videos of expert surfers will help you identify key details in their maneuvers.
- Listen to your instructor: If you take lessons, always ask for feedback to correct details and improve faster.
