Looking down the line - backhand error
You know, looking down-the-line when performing backhand snaps and re-entries is one of the most common mistakes surfers make when surfing their backhand. As they perform these moves, they tend to look down the line at the next manoeuvre opportunity, effectively reducing the power that can be created and applied to the manoeuvre they are currently performing.
The result is usually characterised by a loss of speed or a catching of the inside rail [usually near the nose of the surfboard] as the surfer come out of their turn. The problem with looking down the line is that the surfer’s head does not turn sufficiently, restricting the rotation of the upper body, which in turn reduces the amount of power that can be applied to the surfboard.
Figure 1. The surfer on the left is looking down the line as she performs her backhand snap. This is indicated by the yellow arrow. This results in a cropped turn with little flow. The surfer on the right is looking back towards the bottom of the foam, allowing her upper body to twist maximally, creating a full turn, and provides drive out of the turn to flow effectively into the next section of the wave being surfed.
The reason for this reduction in power is that when the head doesn’t turn, the upper body cannot twist maximally, effectively limiting the total amount of power that can be created. The surfer’s head in this case, acts as a brake to upper body rotation. And this rotation is essential in all well executed backhand snaps and re-entries.
So what can a surfer do if they recognise this error in their performances?
- When performing their backhand re-entries surfers should turn their head to look where they want their surfboard to point after impact with the lip or foam.
- When performing their snaps, look vertically to the base of the wave in fast waves, or in pocket sections, look back to the bottom of the foam.
When performing these manoeuvres, the head should twist before the surfer impacts with the lip or reaches the top of the wave. This will initiate the turn, and stop the surfboard being caught off the top.
Looking down-the-line, is a significant error that I see in approximately 70% of the surfers I have trained. Even WCT surfers. But once diagnosed, it is relatively simple to fix. Understanding there is a problem is the first task to fixing it.
Martin Dunn
Thanks Martin!
The surf quiz is great,answered no to all questions just to see all the helpfull hints.well done Martin
Thanks for the tip, seems little but help heaps.
At what point in a backhand bottom turn is are you supposed to straightenout or come out of the compressed position? How long should you hold the compressed position during the turn? Also (as you have said before) weight/pressure on the back foot is not as important? - i do find it very hard to focus on putting the right amount of pressure on my backfoot while I drop in and turn. I find it nautral to lean forward or have more weight on my frontfoot while doing a backhand bottomturn- Is that ok?