Surfing turns are the core of high-performance surfing. Whether you’re carving a smooth cutback or executing a sharp top turn, mastering turns gives you control, flow, and style on the wave. This guide will provide a step-by-step breakdown on how to improve surfing turns, using proven techniques and simple explanations for surfers of all levels.
Understanding the Types of Surfing Turns
Bottom Turn
The bottom turn is the foundation of all maneuvers. It happens at the base of the wave and sets up your next move.
Executed after dropping into the wave.
Requires strong rail engagement and good timing.
Used to generate speed and change direction.
Top Turn
This turn happens at the wave’s peak and helps redirect back down the face.
Good for maintaining speed and staying in the power zone.
Leads to combination moves and progressive surfing.
Cutback
The cutback is a redirection turn back toward the breaking wave or foam ball.
Perfect for controlling speed.
Used when the wave flattens.
Snap
A fast and abrupt turn off the lip that releases fins.
Stylish and aggressive.
Requires advanced board control and timing.
Step-by-Step Guide to Improve Surfing Turns
Step 1: Master Your Stance
Your stance is your foundation. A good stance gives balance and mobility.
Keep your feet shoulder-width apart.
Front foot points slightly forward; back foot is perpendicular.
Bend your knees and stay low for stability.
Center your weight over your board.
Step 2: Improve Wave Selection
You need the right wave to practice turning. Not all waves offer the same canvas.
Look for open-faced waves.
Practice on shoulder-high surf for best control.
Avoid closeouts or whitewater-heavy waves when learning turns.
Step 3: Use Your Eyes to Lead the Turn
Your body follows where your eyes look. Always look toward your next move.
Before turning, look to the section where you want to go.
Your head and shoulders will naturally follow.
Leading with your eyes creates smoother and faster response time.
Step 4: Shift Your Weight Strategically
Weight distribution is crucial for initiating and controlling turns.
Apply pressure to the toes or heels depending on the turn.
For bottom turns, lean more on the back foot and compress.
For top turns, shift slightly forward while pivoting off the back foot.
Practice subtle weight shifts for better rail-to-rail transitions.
Step 5: Engage the Rails
Turning effectively means using the rails of your surfboard.
Begin by tilting the board slightly onto its rail.
Use your knees and hips to drive the board into the wave face.
The deeper the rail, the sharper the turn.
Step 6: Practice the Bottom Turn
The bottom turn sets up all other maneuvers. Practice it deliberately.
Compress your body at the base of the wave.
Lean into the turn while maintaining speed.
Lead with your eyes and shoulders.
Push hard off the tail to climb back up the wave.
Step 7: Refine the Top Turn
Top turns help you stay close to the pocket and generate spray.
Start by approaching the lip with speed.
Rotate your shoulders to lead the board.
Shift your weight slightly forward.
Snap the board off the lip and regain control quickly.
Step 8: Develop a Strong Cutback
Cutbacks are used to reposition yourself on the wave when it flattens.
Start the cutback mid-face with a slight carve.
Rotate your torso and shoulders inward.
Keep your knees bent and use your arms to balance.
Hit the foam to rebound and continue riding.
Step 9: Use Compression and Extension
Good surfers compress into turns and extend out of them. This keeps flow and power.
Compress (crouch) before initiating a turn.
Extend (rise) as you exit the turn.
This motion gives rhythm and helps absorb wave energy.
Step 10: Practice Linking Turns
Once you’re comfortable with individual turns, link them together for fluid surfing.
Use a bottom turn to set up a top turn.
Flow into a cutback if the wave flattens.
Always watch the wave and plan your next move.
Additional Tips to Improve Surfing Turns
Use Video Analysis
Watching yourself surf helps you spot mistakes and track progress. Record your sessions or ask friends to film you. Look for:
Shoulder rotation
Timing of each turn
Body compression and extension
Surf Different Boards
Board variety helps you develop better control. Try riding:
Shortboards for sharper turns
Fish boards for looser feel
Funboards for stability and flow
Surf in All Conditions
Small waves teach finesse; bigger waves teach power. The more varied the conditions, the faster you’ll improve.
Work on Flexibility and Strength
Good turns need flexibility in the hips and strong leg muscles. Stretch regularly and consider balance exercises like yoga or BOSU ball drills.
Take Professional Coaching
Sometimes small tweaks make huge improvements. Surf coaches can point out posture issues and refine your technique in real-time.
Surf with Better Surfers
Learning by watching is powerful. Surfing with more experienced surfers pushes you to improve faster.
Common Mistakes When Learning Turns
Looking Down
Always look where you want to go. Looking down causes balance issues and reduces control.
Too Stiff
Stiff knees and locked arms limit flexibility. Stay relaxed and loose for fluid turns.
Wrong Weight Placement
Over-leaning or leaning too far back slows your board or makes you fall. Distribute your weight smoothly through each maneuver.
Rushing the Turn
Patience is key. Let the wave develop before turning sharply. Rushing often leads to poor timing.
Conclusion
Improving surfing turns is about repetition, awareness, and adaptation. Start with a solid stance, work on bottom turns, and build up to sharper cutbacks and snappier top turns. With time and dedication, your turns will become faster, more powerful, and more stylish.
Keep practicing in various conditions, get feedback, and push your limits. The wave is your canvas—learn to paint it with every turn.