During the late spring and early summer, I felt sufficiently advanced to have a go at some bigger waves. Often, because of the crowded conditions at Canoe Surf, the three of us would venture out to Poplars and other locations in the bay. In the last few months, we had learned a great deal about […]
Have you bought a new surfboard leash? Did the leash string break after a wipeout? Learn how to install it correctly. There are many ways of installing a surfboard leash and, at first glance, it seems quite obvious how it’s done. However, some techniques are far from perfect and could eventually put you in a […]
For many wave riders, surfing on a leashless board is a question of style, authenticity, and attitude. Paddling out on a cordless surfboard can also be a different way of experiencing the glide. However, the “kook’s cord” was invented with a purpose. More than just a matter of style or safety, it was a way […]
Hawaiian surfer Dusty Payne suffered a horrendous wipeout at Pipeline’s Backdoor, on the North Shore of Oahu, and nearly drowned. Payne took off on just another four-foot inside wave at Backdoor but was not able to set his rail, slipped and went down. According to surf photographer Keoki Saguibo, who was in the water taking […]
Surfboard tails have a direct impact on key surfing moments such as acceleration, control, maneuverability, drive, speed, stability, hold, and release. Get to know the basic tail designs. There are six fundamental surfboard tail shapes and seven hybrid or alternative designs. The most common shapes are the squash tail, the square tail, the pin tail, the […]
Donn Ito, the man behind the blog “Quantum Surf Physics,” reveals the secrets behind many unfinished rides. Blame it on the surfer; blame it on the surfboard. There are many reasons why we fall off a surfboard. But understanding what causes surfboard’s rocker to stick can reduce wipeouts. Below is a sequence of Mark Foo’s […]
Sitting on a surfboard and pivoting is one of the first things you’ll need to master when learning how to surf. It requires balance and practice. Surfers sit down on their boards to wait for the waves. The technique has many advantages. For example, it allows you to keep an eye on the best sets […]
Do you know what to do to survive the ultimate surfing punishment? Learn how to confront the endless rows of rumbling whitewater, and get out of it alive. Taking a 20-foot set on the head is not the most pleasant experience surfing has to offer. And sometimes, a couple of double overhead waves will do […]
The first day of competition of the 2016 Hurley Pro at Trestles provided several surprises and a few upsets. Despite the onshore winds, the bumpy four-to-six foot waves on offer delivered plenty of opportunities, including a Perfect 10. Tanner Gudauskas had a day to remember. Not only he sent Matt Wilkinson and Rookie Conner Coffin […]
In competitive surfing, the closeout re-entry is an exclamation mark. Performing a last-chance maneuver when the wave is closing out might change a heat, but it also shows how competent an intermediate surfer can be wrapping things up. The section is coming at you. It’s the last opportunity to show commitment, power, balance and aggression in surfing. […]