Advanced surfing techniques: tips and tricks for experienced surfers to improve their skills

After learning the basic surfing techniques, it’s time to master more advanced surfing techniques. Want to take your surfing skills to the next level? Then read this blog, where we look at improving your bottom turn, top turn and cutback.

Improve your bottom turn

The bottom turn is the turn you make at the base of the wave to build speed and change direction. The bottom turn is essential to master well. In fact, it is the basis of almost every manoeuvre. Refining this move is essential to improve your skills. So how can you improve your bottom turn?

• Try to do the take-off on the peak of the wave so that you can build up enough speed.
• Try to surf down in a straight line.
• Compress your lower body and bend your knees for control and balance as you surf down.
• Don’t put too much weight on your front foot.
• Try to find the perfect timing.
• Learn by watching others.
• If it is possible to film your bottom turn, analyse your mistakes by watching the footage back.

The next step: the top turn

After you have improved your bottom turn, it is time to learn the top turn. In the top turn, you return to the peak of the wave after the bottom turn. Once you reach it, use your back foot to turn your surfboard sharply and your upper body to steer the turn. You do a top turn partly to generate or maintain speed, change direction or stay longer on a wave.

Regain your momentum with a cutback

A cutback is when you cut back to the peak of the wave. Similar to a top turn, but with a cutback you turn through to the foam. You do this, as with a top turn, to regain momentum to continue surfing a wave. Besides, this manoeuvre also looks very impressive. The secret to a successful cutback lies in timing and using your upper body to initiate and complete the turn. Make sure you stay low throughout the move to maintain momentum and turn powerfully.

Surf lessons for advanced surfers

At Brunotti Surfcamps, we also offer surf lessons for advanced surfers. Here, among other things, we can hone these advanced surfing techniques. We will also make video footage of you. You then analyse this together with an experienced surf coach. This way, you will get the most progress out of your surfing holiday! Interested? Book a surf holiday in the South of France with Brunotti Surfcamps.