How to Perform a Floater

The surfing maneuver known as a floater--whether backside or frontside--has been around since the mid-’70s for good reason. Not only does it look radical but it is also very functional when performed properly and at the right time while riding a wave.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Catch a wave and begin riding parallel along its face, being sure to generate as much speed as possible. The key to a good, long floater is speed.

2. Keep your eyes peeled for an oncoming section of the wave that looks like it’s ready to break in front of you.

3. As you approach the section that is going to break in front of you, begin aiming your surfboard toward the top, or highest part of the wave face without accidentally riding up and over it, thus removing yourself from the wave.

4. From here, guide your surfboard up on top, or the roof of the wave, and begin riding. The sensation you feel will be akin to floating, hence the name of the maneuver. Be sure to bend your knees slightly as the dismount can sometimes cause heavy impact, depending on the size of the wave and the distance between you and the trough.

5. Prepare to drop back down onto the wave’s face (if the wave is still peeling), or down to the flat part of the ocean directly in front of the wave (the trough). Start by looking at the spot before you actually do it. Once you decide on a landing area, guide your surfboard toward it, being sure to shift the majority of your weight onto your back foot so as not to pearl, or dig the nose. Bend your knees to soften the landing and get ready to maintain speed and keep riding.