The First Two Surfer Carves
The first two surfer carves are the bottom turn and cut back. They can be performed on soft tops or short boards. They are used primarily to get into the pocket after surfing down the face of a wave and for changing directions on a wave.
The Bottom Turn Carve
The bottom turn after catching a wave on the face is executed by rotating the upper body in the direction of the turn and then placing a little pressure on the toes or heels that are closed to the turn. A regular footed (left foot in front) turning right on the wave has toes on inside (closest to pocket)and is turning to face side of wave.
Turns begin with the eyes looking in the direction of the carve and then the upper body rotates with the eyes as slight pressure is placed on toes or heels. The rail of the board will dig into the wave. The bottom turn is also used to rise up the face of a wave to rip or do a trick or escape over the back of a closing out wave.
The Cutback Carve
The cut back is used for changing direction on a wave, to stall, and for style. The cut back begins by rotating the eyes and upper body away from the pocket and then placing pressure on toes or heels, (which ever is furthest from pocket) and carving a smooth reverse.
Sometimes surfers use a cut back to slow down if they are waiting for the barrel or if they want to slow down to wait for the foam to catch them for more power. Direction is reversed back to the foam lip to regain the power since that is where the most power exists. Cut backs are also stylish and used in contests or recreational fun as another maneuver.
Accelerating
After catching a wave on the face, most surfers execute a few accelerations for speed which is moving the nose up and down the wave with the front foot. Two or three increases the board speed and allows for easier maneuvers, tricks, or carves.
Learn More
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