Starting out to make waves.

🌊 Beginner Techniques

1. Paddling Efficiently Good paddling technique is all about body position and stroke efficiency. Keep your chest up, paddle deep with cupped hands, and use long, smooth strokes. 

2. The Pop-Up This is how you get from lying down to standing on your board. It's a quick push-up followed by bringing your feet under you in one smooth motion. Practicing pop-ups on land is crucial. 

3. Stance and Balance Once standing, your feet should be shoulder-width apart, knees bent, and your weight centered over the board. Eyes look forward—not at your feet! 

4. Angle Take-Off Instead of taking off straight, you can angle your board slightly down the line (left or right) when popping up. This sets you up to ride along the face of the wave. 

🌀 Intermediate Techniques

1. Bottom Turn This is the first major turn you do after dropping in. It sets you up for maneuvers down the line. Done low on the wave, it's a sweeping arc using rail and body lean. 

2. Cutback A smooth, arcing turn back toward the breaking part of the wave (the pocket) to keep you in the power zone. Think of it like carving on a snowboard. 

3. Trimming Maintaining your position along the face of the wave to stay in the fastest and most powerful part. Fine adjustments with weight and stance help here. 

4. Floater Riding over the top of a breaking section of the wave and landing back on the face. Useful for connecting sections and navigating closeouts. 

⚡ Advanced Techniques

1. Re-Entry This is a vertical hit off the lip of the wave where you redirect back down the face. Timing, speed, and precision are key. 

2. Snap A quick, sharp turn at the top of the wave. It’s fast, flashy, and often used to change direction aggressively. 

3. Aerials When surfers launch off the lip into the air and land back on the wave. These are high-performance moves requiring speed, control, and serious commitment. 

4. Tube Riding The ultimate maneuver—riding inside the barrel of a wave. It takes positioning, wave knowledge, and calm under pressure. 

 Each technique builds on the last, and mastering the basics gives you the platform for progression. Practicing regularly, analyzing your sessions (even with video if you can), and learning from other surfers are great ways to level up. 

Most of all...have fun!!