How to Cutback on a Surfboard

Big, powerful cutbacks are one of the signature moves of advanced surfers.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Women's Athletic Swimsuits
• Sunscreen
• Adhesive Traction Pads
• Board Shorts
• Surf Leashes
• Surf Waxes
• Surfboard Bags
• Surfboard Ding Repair Kits
• Surfboards
• Surfing Rash Guard
• Surfing Wet Suits
• Surfing Videos

1. Make sure you're well ahead of the break and moving at high speed before you cut back.
2. Before you turn, be sure your feet are set solidly, that you are well balanced and that you have a good sense of the board under you.
3. Drop your front arm down and point it out to the sea.
4. Get low. Crouch down at the knees and waist.
5. Apply pressure with either your two heels or your two toes, depending on whether you are "goofy" or "regular" and on whether you are turning to the left or right.
6. Lean slightly into the turn.
7. Sweep your front arm in an arc in the direction you want to turn as you feel the inside rail, or side, of the board engage.
8. Twist your upper body to follow the arc of your arm, and lean further into the turn.
9. Make a long, drawn-out turn to reenter the wave.
10. Return your center of balance to an upright position directly over your board as you complete the turn.
11. Practice, practice, practice.

Tips & Warnings

• Watch videos of good surfers and analyze how the experts execute complicated maneuvers.
• To cut back on a long board, you'll have to take a step back to get your weight over the tail and step forward again to complete the turn.
• Surfing is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.