Blue Mind Surf & Yoga Tribe Morocco Surf Theory to keep you fit for the next wave because the waves will keep rolling till we all can meet again in the line up!
A few days ago we were speaking about the right position on your board, powerful paddling and how to take off. On our instagram account the pop up challenge is on till 19th of May and there is still a chance to take part and to win your own cool popupmatic – a mat which supports your pop up training but also your daily yoga practice or fitness exercises.
Now it’s time to take the next step! Let’s look at how to turn with your board. The first maneuver to learn in surfing is the so called bottom turn.
„The bottom turn is where it all begins. It’s the foundation for the rest of your repertoire.“ These words are from the master of style, Tom Curren. The bottom turn differentiates beginner and intermediate surfers as beginners are mostly riding a wave straight towards the beach while the intermediates are managing to surf the shoulder of the wave. The bottom turn allows you to change direction, to surf longer distances and to gain speed. The bottom turn can be forehand and backhand. A forehand bottom turn means that the surfer is facing the wave with his chest when turning at the bottom of the wave. During a backhand bottom turn, the surfer’s back faces the wave as he turns at the bottom. Most beginners find it easier to learn the forehand bottom turn first.
Bottom turn step by step
1. Observing the waves for 10 – 15 minutes while you warm up your body and wax your board. Check if there’s a main take-off spot or if there are any good, less-crowded alternatives. Try to find currents that will help you return to the line-up after finishing a long ride. Are waves breaking over a sand bank or reef? Are there rocks nearby?
2. Position yourself in the line up about 5 meters behind the peak of the wave. This will help you to have enough time to prepare to surf an unbroken wave and to avoid a nose dive.
3. Before you take off, check the direction of the breaking wave. A trick is to take a look at the horizon to see the angles of the waves. So when a wave is coming towards you, identify the highest point of the wave: the side with the deepest angle down is usually the direction which you want to go. The goal is to surf from the highest to the lowest point of the shoulder of the wave.
4. Take off and distribute your weight evenly on both feet to gain speed.
5. Time to turn your board. Keep looking the whole time in the direction you want to go.
6. Keep your knees bend – especially your back leg – to stay low and to balance.
7. Depending if your stance is regular or goofy you will now take your forehand or backhand bottom turn towards the direction of the lowest point of the wave.
Forehand bottom turn: Bring more weight into your toes and therefore to the inside rail of the board. Keep a solid stance while your arms and upper body follow the direction of the wave.
Common mistake: Don’t lean your body too much forward with the chest to the wave otherwise you will wipeout.
Backhand bottom turn: Bring more weight into your heels and therfore to the outer rail of the board. Keep a solid stance while your arms and upper body follow the direction of the wave.
Common mistake: Don’t lean your body too much backwards to the wave otherwise you will wipeout.
Instagram live with Khalid 15th May at 17.00 (MEZ)
Join us on Friday 15th of May on www.instagram.com/bluemindmorocco for a practical session about turning with Khalid at 17.00 (MEZ). We are looking forward to connect with you! You are welcome to ask us all questions which you might have about the topic.
Can’t wait to surf for real? Have a look at our vouchers for your future holiday!