How to achieve the correct surfing stance in 6 steps
Lesson 18
Post contents
Introduction
What is surfing stance and why is it important?
The two surfing stances: regular vs goofy surfing
Why understanding regular vs goofy surfing matters for your surfing stance
What is regular vs goofy surfing?
Choosing your surfing stance: should you surf goofy or regular?
Tip: A small test to determine if you should surf goofy or regular
Regular stance:
Goofy stance:
6 steps to achieve the correct surfing stance
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to nail that perfect surfing pose!
1. Foot position on surfboard: position your feet at the center of your surfboard's width
How:
To achieve a stable surfing stance, start by ensuring that both of your feet are positioned at the center of your surfboard’s width, with your arches on the stringer*. Your back foot should be 90° to the stringer, and your front foot should be 45° to the stringer.
*The stringer is the line that runs down the center of the surfboard from the nose to the tail, vertically separating your board in two (some surfboards do not have a visible stringer and if that is the case for your board you can instead imagine it). You can learn more about the surfboard’s anatomy in this article.
Why:
This alignment will help you maintain balance and avoid falls caused by uneven weight distribution on either side of the board. For example, if the arches of your feet are placed too far in front of the stringer, you are likely to fall forwards.
2. Foot position on surfboard: keep the space between your feet shoulder-width apart
How:
Find the perfect distance between your feet, aiming for a width that is approximately equal to the span of your shoulders. Your back foot should be positioned near the tail of the board, and your front foot will probably end up somewhere in the middle section of the board.
Why:
This shoulder-width stance provides a solid foundation for stability and control, enabling you to effectively shift your weight back and forth. Avoid extremes in stance width, as too narrow or too wide a stance can hinder your ability to shift your weight and thereby adjustment of speed on the waves.
3. Bend your knees, pointing in towards each other
How:
Bend your knees slightly and ensure that they are pointing inward towards each other. Additionally, consider tucking your back knee inwards slightly for added flexibility.
Why:
This posture not only enhances stability but also allows for smoother weight transitions, enabling you to adjust your position on the board for acceleration or deceleration as needed. Avoid the poo stance, which is characterised by having your knees pointing apart- it makes you less flexible in your movement and impacts your ability to accelerate or reduce speed.
4. Keep you upper body straight
How:
Maintain a relaxed yet upright posture, with your shoulders squared and your back straight. Avoid slouching or leaning too far forward in your surfing pose.
Why:
5. Keep both hands outside of the rails
How:
Keep your left hand outside the left rail of your surfboard and your right hand outside the right rail of your surfboard.
Why:
This hand placement not only enhances balance of your surfing pose but also facilitates smoother turns by providing additional support and control. Avoid placing both hands on the same side of the board, as this can disrupt your balance and hinder your ability to make turns.
6. Look in the direction you are going
How:
Why:
Lesson quiz: test your knowledge
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this post! Whether you have suggestions for improvement, want to share what you liked, or have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below. Your feedback helps me create better content for all aspiring surfers!