Standing up and riding straight is an incredible milestone, but for many women surfers, the real excitement begins when they start experimenting with basic maneuvers. These first moves not only make rides more dynamic but also build the foundation for more advanced surfing. Even small adjustments in direction and style bring personality to every wave.
Moving Beyond the Takeoff
After mastering the pop-up and riding whitewater, many beginners wonder: what’s next? Basic maneuvers are the natural progression. They allow you to:
- Stay longer on the wave by adjusting your path.
- Use the wave’s energy instead of losing speed.
- Gain confidence to eventually explore more powerful waves.
The First Maneuver: Trimming
Trimming is the act of adjusting your speed and line along the wave face.
- Eyes Ahead: Always look down the line, not at your feet.
- Weight Shift: Press slightly on your front foot to accelerate, shift back to slow down.
- Arms for Balance: Keep arms extended to guide direction smoothly.
This simple adjustment keeps the board in the “sweet spot” of the wave.
The Bottom Turn
The bottom turn is the foundation of almost every surfing maneuver.
- Setup: After dropping down the wave, bend your knees and prepare to lean.
- Direction: Shift weight to your toes (frontside) or heels (backside) depending on the wave.
- Follow Through: Let your shoulders and head guide the turn upward along the wave face.
Even a small bottom turn makes rides more controlled and stylish.
The Cutback
For beginners ready for a second challenge, the cutback is a flowing turn back toward the breaking part of the wave.
- Approach: Ride toward the shoulder where the wave flattens.
- Turning: Shift weight on the back foot and rotate shoulders toward the breaking section.
- Return: Glide back to the power zone of the wave for continued speed.
This maneuver teaches control and helps keep you connected to the wave’s energy.
Linking Maneuvers Together
The true goal isn’t just learning maneuvers separately but connecting them smoothly. For beginners:
- Start with trimming to control speed.
- Add a bottom turn to redirect.
- Finish with a small cutback when the wave slows.
Even simple connections make rides feel longer and more exciting.
Common Beginner Mistakes
- Turning Too Late: Waiting too long to shift weight causes missed opportunities.
- Oversteering: Using too much force makes the board stall or sink.
- Not Bending Knees: A stiff stance limits control and flexibility.
Practice Approaches
- Small Waves: Gentle, waist-high waves are perfect to practice without pressure.
- Repetition: Catch many waves in a session; even short rides help build muscle memory.
- Surfskates on Land: Practicing turns on a surfskate develops the same body mechanics in a safe environment.
Basic maneuvers are more than technical skills — they are the first steps toward self-expression in surfing. For women surfers, mastering trimming, bottom turns, and cutbacks opens up a world of creativity on the wave. Every small move becomes a statement, every turn a dance, and every session a chance to evolve from beginner to surfer with style.
