How to Bottom-Turn on a Surfboard

So you’ve practiced and practiced, and you’re finally getting up and riding waves pretty consistently. Now what, right? How do I do all the cool tricks I’ve seen in videos? The first thing to learn is the bottom-turn. A good bottom-turn will give you the speed to cut back up the face of the wave and slash a cutback off the lip or pull a big aerial. But first things first. (This is written from a ‘regular footed,’ or right foot in the back, viewpoint. If you are ‘goofy footed,’ or stand with your left foot in the back, simply switch ‘right’ and ‘left’ in the directions.)

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Paddle into a wave and pop up.

2. Point your board down the face of the wave. You should be in a semi-crouched position, for both better balance and more power.

3. Lean into the wave slightly at the bottom of the wave. Make sure your center of gravity is still over the board, so that you don’t catch your feet in the water and get pitched from your board. Dragging your back hand can help your balance.

4. Pick up speed by pushing down on your back leg. Your front leg should still be slightly bent. By straightening your leg in a smooth but powerful motion, you will not only use the power of the wave and your momentum to go faster, but your board will also be directed back up the wave in preparation for your next move.

5. Begin to bend your knees slightly while keeping pressure on your back leg and lower your body to conserve the speed from the turn.

Tips & Warnings

• After performing a lip maneuver (at the top of the wave) set up your next trick by doing another bottom turn to gain more speed.
• Surfing can be dangerous or even deadly. Please take all precautions and seek professional advice and training before attempting this.