How to Perform a Cutback on a Surfboard

Not much can compare to the serene feeling of gracefully gliding over the face of a wave, with the wind blowing the crest off the wave and spraying water in your face. Then again, not much beats dropping in on a heavy set and slashing a cutback across the lip, sending a spray 10 feet past the closest surfer. Cutbacks are a basic performance move, but one of the essentials, and with a little practice, you can be soaking the beach with your spray.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Catch a wave. Wave size should depend on your comfort level, but for an intermediate surfer, wait for something at least head-high. It will give you more room to maneuver and get used to the movements.

2. Bottom turn at the trough of the wave and direct your board up the wave at approximately a 45-degree angle. At this point you should be crouched and leaning in towards the wave (on your toeside ‘rail,’ the edge of the board.)

3. Press down with your back foot about halfway up the wave, putting pressure on the tail. Your front leg should be straight and will act almost as a pivoting point.

4. Shift your center of gravity towards your heelside rail. Use your front arm to balance yourself by leaning into towards the water on your heelside.

5. Twist your torso in the direction of the turn. Your back foot should be guiding the board through the turn. Leaning hard on your heelside rail and putting the maximum pressure on your back foot will give you the smallest turning area and the biggest spray.

6. Finish the turn by straightening your back leg as you bend your front leg (think of it always like a seesaw.) Your board will be pointed at the ‘whitewater’ (the section of the wave that has broken.)

7. Transition into your next bottom turn by pressing down on your back foot and twisting your torso in the direction of the turn.

Tips & Warnings

• Lead with your head. As a basic rule, wherever your head is pointed, your body will follow.
• Although you straighten your legs at certain points in the maneuver, keeping a low center of gravity will keep you on your board. Don’t forget to use your arms to balance.
• Surfing can be dangerous or even deadly. Please take all precautions and seek professional advice and training before attempting this.