How to Turn and Slow Down on a Surfboard

On a surfboard, turning and stopping action is controlled by shifting your weight. While in a basic surfing stance, you can accelerate and stop with just your legs. Use the stopping technique to avoid hazards such as rocks, the shore, and other surfers. You can also turn and stop your surfboard to maximize your ride on a wave.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Turn

1. Shift your weight slowly by moving your hips and buttocks toward your back leg.

2. Twist your body and your front shoulder in the direction you want to turn. You may need to bend your knees slightly to keep your balance.

3. Transfer weight back onto your front leg to continue in this new direction. Maintain the basic surfing stance, but keep your knees loose and bent.

Slow Down

4. Shift your weight to your back leg to slow your speed gradually. To slow down very quickly, continue to Steps 2 and 3.

5. Place your hands on the deck of the surfboard ahead of your front leg. Or, grip the rails of the surfboard wherever it is comfortable. Push down against the board to keep your balance if you're using the deck.

6. Bring your legs down around on either side of board so that you are sitting and straddling it.

Tips & Warnings

• Try very small movements and weight shifts at first, then move on to larger ones. You can even practice on the shore before trying it in the water.

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