How to get your surfing stance right
The right surfing stance is one of the basics every surfer needs to master, to help unlock their surfing potential. Whether regular or goofy, the right technique will help with stability and balance on the board so weight can be shifted backwards, forwards and sideways easily - enabling the surfer to control the speed of the board and make turns.
The Right Surf Stance
Feet a little wider than shoulder width apart.
Knees bent with back knee tucked inwards.
Back straight, chest and shoulders facing forward.
Eyes looking in the direction you want to go.
The Wrong Surf Stance
Legs wide with feet and knees pointing outwards.
Half the body facing backwards.
Can't rotate the body or move weight up and down.
Doesn't allow for forward momentum.
Once you have nailed your surf stance it’s helpful to remember the following elements to help manage your speed and control the direction of your board.
Head: Where your head leads your body will follow. Keep your head up and looking in the direction you want to go.
Hands: Keep your hands over each side of the surfboard rails - left hand over the left side, right hand over the right side and use your hands to keep balanced.
Hips: You can gain speed by using your hips to move your weight forward, and slow down by moving your weight over your back leg. Shift your weight forwards and backwards using your hips
Feet: Both feet should be positioned about shoulder width apart along the stringer or centre line of your board, with the back foot at about 90 degrees and the front foot at about 45 degrees. Moving your feet forward will provide speed and moving them back will enable you to turn the board efficiently.
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