How to Surf - Turn Surfing part 1 - heel side

Beginners and Intermediate surfers,
Do you want to know how to turn on a surfboard or improve your turns? Then watch this video in full. I will break it down into 4 steps:
1) Prep - get in your surf stance. Have your knees bent and stiff, do not absorb the bumps. "NO noodle legs".
2) Start - in your surf stance, bring your back shoulder over your front knee. This will start your turn.
3) Technique - straighten out your front leg but keep your back leg bent. The more bent the better. Keep both legs as stiff as possible. Do NOT absorb any energy or bumps. The straight front leg with the bend back leg will make sure all weight is distributed to the tail.
4) keep applying more pressure to the back foot by pressing and slowly straightening the leg throughout the entirety of the turn.
Watch the video and do dry land exercises.
Obviously, as you get better the faster this process gets, you have to turn step by step instructions into muscle memory.
Good luck and please post/comment your progress. Let me know how it goes.
As an FYI, this method does not apply to a layback or double arm drag heel turn. those turns, both legs are equally bent but just slightly in order to hold the G's that gets created by the turn.
#surf #surfer #surfing #beginnersurflessons #newsurfer #surflessons #surfhowto #howtosurf #surftips #review #firewiresurfboards #channelislands

[@roninlax]

Bruh...you say your'e "not a surf instructor" ...You are way more than that... you are a master at explaining and breaking this stuff down. Please keep up the good work!

[@ThomyeSurfs]

When I rewatch my videos I cringe. Lol but I do appreciate the compliment. And I will try to get some more how to's out. My 9:00 to 5:00 has been busy so hopefully after a few board reviews I can get some more out and for different levels of surfing.

[@Herbotis]

This is the best video I've seen in over my 15 years of surfing! THANK YOU! Seriously, I've paid for several books and tutorials and none of them have broken it down like you have. BIG THANK YOU! You have a subscriber for life!

[@ThomyeSurfs]

IMPORTANT: I think in the video, I said something like, "you pivot off the tail" (3:08). Sorry but what I meant to say is that you DRIVE off the tail. Technically, you almost pivot around the mid of your stance. Anyways, the important part is, you need your weight back and it helps to have your feet all the way back on the board. For those of you that ride longer boards, I know is looks bad to have a tail-pad on a mid-length or longboard but it does help. If anything, just put a kick at the tail so it stops your foot. It really does help. I'm going to put one on my 7'6 Seaxe and see if that helps me surf it better.

[@vantvu]

Super intuitive and helpful. Nothing else on KZbin talks about this. Keep these up!

[@XavierHS89]

Excellent video. I've watched a LOT of surf tutorials and still got a new perspective. Speed of the shots, repetition, elocution, length... Spot on. I found your channel randomly as I was looking for baked potato footage before buying a twice baked a few months ago, now getting a lot more from it. Thanks for the content!

[@ThomyeSurfs]

appreciate the response and positive feedback. Funny you mention the baked potato, I still wish I could get the 5'1 in helium. I love the twice as a super/mega groveler but would be really nice to turn it into a standard groveler by going shorter. :) I'm totally afraid now that they will keep discontinuing boards.

[@vuknuk]

Heh Thomye i agree man I watch alot of these videos too and I am always glad to get a fresh perspective. Im looking to get much better on my bottom turns to set the rest of my surfing up. Backaide is soooo difficult! so have subscribed man and looking forward to see more of your ideas. Thanks for starting up 😉

[@ThomyeSurfs]

@@vuknuk thanks. Hope I can deliver more content and insight. Working on one now but it will seem a tad ridiculous. We'll have to see what the general consensus is.

[@boltup5566]

Great tips. I'll also add to slide that back foot all the way back against the bump of the tail pad. Beginners on longer boards will have to move that back foot even further. Turning from the middle of the board will cause you to dig rail and fall.

[@ThomyeSurfs]

great point. I totally forgot to mention that.

[@Felix-mr1vs]

As someone coming from snowboarding originally, this + trying to "snowboard carve" every turn was always the biggest issue in my muscle memory. Still is to an extent after 20 years haha! Thanks Thomye for the great video! I think it does help people to improve, who theoretically know the technique, but never think about it and "just surf". Very good reminder.

[@ThomyeSurfs]

@@Felix-mr1vs I'm definitely one of those and have to always fix things. But, I noticed that it's like taking 3 steps forward and 2 steps back. Over time though, I do see slow progress, that one step. :) I wish Kelly Slater didn't introduce those stupid narrow surfboards in the 90's'. I actually surfed better in the late 80's in my opinion. Now I spend a lot of time undoing what was set into memory. But that is what makes it fun and challenging.

[@jonathanherren1117]

This is very helpful! I don’t think people talk about it enough!

[@federicopiekarz462]

This is the best vid about this topic out here on youtube - thanks man

[@ThomyeSurfs]

thanks. I appreciate that. I think I need to do more of these types of video. :)

[@RBNK157]

I believe surfing is the most difficult sports to practice since you can’t have good conditions to do that all the time! Btw amazing video and explanation!

[@ThomyeSurfs]

I agree. I tell my wife it's like golfing but imagine if the golf ball moved at the tee as you were trying to hit it. still amazes me that so many people keep trying. I remember being so frustrated in the beginning.

[@tym9889]

This is incredible helpful! I watched the video standing up and tried practicing the entire time but my chicken legs gave out before the end. Thanks a bunch! Please more videos.

[@ThomyeSurfs]

haha. I realize I need to start working out my legs. Seriously, that little 2 minute segment blew out my rear quads. :(

[@kristylasair6291]

I'm very happy that I have stumbled upon your vlog. Thank you.

[@ThomyeSurfs]

Glad you stumbled onto the site too. :) Hope I can be helpful.

[@jvz773]

Yours is my new favorite KZbin channel. I think you underestimate yourself as a coach. This is unbelievably helpful! Thanks as always 🙏💛🤙🏼

[@ThomyeSurfs]

Thanks. I will try and get more how to content out. Been incredibly busy with my 9 to 5 and southern California surf has been very bad lately.

[@CakewalkHootenanny]

I am a beginning surfer trying to figure out turns. This video is super helpful and I think it is one of the best out there. Thanks for sharing and yes! You ARE a surf coach!

[@surfininmy40s]

Thanks for the knowledge..back leg bent. Front leg straight. Got it! 🤙🏾🙏🏾

[@ThomyeSurfs]

You also have to keep that back leg tight. Do not absorb any energy, lock them and in fact push with your back leg

[@surfininmy40s]

@@ThomyeSurfs ok will try it out this weekend…I can turn but don’t have a ton of spray. Hopefully I will be spraying everyone in the face soon 😜

[@ThomyeSurfs]

@@surfininmy40s No. That is just rude.... But fun. Lol

[@hehexd4557]

Легенда!

[@bellemin-laponnazalexandre853]

So useful! When will you release the same on frontside turn? Thank you, best tutorial for intermediate surfer

[@kanejiroable]

Thanks tutor Thomye!! This like a knock on my forehead!

[@jamiemacmahan3417]

I have watched lots of surf videos and this one is outstanding! I love the over-thinking this is a great aspect. You have a great style and flow. It definitely seems like surfing a shorter, cheater, hybrid board is a great way to develop these fundamental skills. Thanks again!

[@lucaslins7859]

Thank you, really! I surf for like 10 year and never thought about that in this way!

[@kyleshaunnessy1355]

Thomye, just discovered your channel. This is really excellent. Weekend warriors like myself tend to over-analyze and endlessly search for how-to's because we started later in life vs. starting out as a grom and developing muscle memory. You just explained something that coaches and instructors typically do not. They usually focus on the upper body and some legs but not that intentional straightening of the front leg. Keep them videos coming. Thanks.

[@nottherealmccoy4955]

I so need this video! Fantastic effort Thomye, this will help so many people! :)

[@gunnarpope]

Excellent tutorial. Well thought out and beautiful turns.

[@Gavineff]

Great explanation! Subscribed!

[@SkipperSurfReview]

Great points and explanation! Going to apply it when we get waves! thank you, Thomye🤙🏼

[@ChadAtkinson]

I appreciate your humble and generous approach I love surfing but also have so much to learn, to correct and to improve

[@MUSIC-Unlt]

Bro I really appreciate you explaining so in depth ..and really like the different examples you used .. a lot of surf tutorials only explaining one concept in complicated details.. look forward to more of your videos. Cheers

[@serfdogg]

This 100% fixed a long standing problem. Straighten that leg esp & you are ripping it back of the top. Thank you very much.

[@serfdogg]

Did this awhile back immediately but think foot placement not optimal. Will rewatch. I vow if reliable steady will rock Thomeye Surfs merch!!!! U don't have ill make it myself...

[@moanacox]

Amazing 🤩 Thank you 🙏

[@terryeyland5305]

Great video overall. I was not sure at first with the car explanation because for me going from back leg squatted to extend the front leg led to me moving more towards a standing pose (warrior 3 or other) on my front leg. But afterwards with your garage example I saw that when you straighten that front leg you also have your front feet more in front then your front hip (you are shifted back) all in all, amazing video and I can't wait to give it a try!

[@ThomyeSurfs]

definitely give me some feedback, it would be much appreciated. I find it interesting to watch Griffin Cola. he exaggerates that straight front leg idea. For him, it seems it's part of his style but seeing it helps to understand this weight shift. I have tried it but it does require you immediately press your back leg through the turn otherwise, you topple over. it is a real quick shift. I seem to do it better with slightly bigger boards. Good luck. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJi4l5t3eZ1ggK8

[@LudovicFaraill]

Many thanks Thomye for these excellent contents, your time, and for sharing all this with us 🙏👍 All the best😉

[@FluffyAlpaca81]

This is rly helpful tip. I’ve been surfing for a while but still suck going backhand and I rly wanna do better backhand turns. I find good backside surfing so stylish.

[@liallclarke3511]

Great great great video… editing Picture in Picture adding pros for example movement. All very very helpful. I’m really enjoying the videos and using your insight I think will improve my surfing and I’m still searching for what board to buy. Hard to go into a shop and talk boards bc they just want to sell sell sell smh. Thanks again

[@ThomyeSurfs]

yeah, i once got suckered into buying a board 35 years ago by a sale rep. saw the rep out in the water and he didn't even surf. :( Then learned everything he told me was inaccurate as I started to learn for myself. I did just get a hold of a 7'2" MOE and plan to do more how to videos using that. figured most people that are learning might be using a similar type board. :)

[@liallclarke3511]

@@ThomyeSurfs the intermediate progression tops are better. There so many of the beginner tips out

[@ThomyeSurfs]

@@liallclarke3511 that is a good point, but I feel like I have to do one beginner one to get them on this channel. :) LOL... that and I don't feel like some of the beginner vids out there got it right. the whole pop up tips seem a little in accurate to me. But definitely will work on more intermediate vids. The Moe will be good cuz it will make it easier for the viewers to see what i'm doing. Often the stull on smaller boards are harder to see cuz the movements are so subtle. Anyways, thanks for the feedback. Appreciate it.

[@Carlosferreira1983]

All videos are so amazing Is it possible to make a quick video with a skate board next to a tiny ramp to show exactly when your front leg start to get straight and when to release (front and back side) This would help us to train the muscle memory By the way since I've started to watch your videos my surfing improved 1000%

[@ThomyeSurfs]

I will try and find places where I can skate and film. I normally skate in my complex and any time I go to a skate park, it is way too crowded. But I'll keep my eyes peeled for something that might resemble a wave.

[@mrfelipehurtado]

Great video man thanks so much, you are one of the few ones and definitely the best I've seen on KZbin explaining surfing!! Please keep them videos coming!

[@tokyomassa22]

Such an amazing tutorial! Exactly what I’m struggling with at the moment

[@marcass100]

More off these please! Good job!👍🤙

[@RobSymington]

Awesome explanation!

[@MilanChamling]

Thanks man. This is super helpful.

[@FrothLord891]

Amazing mate. Can't wait to use these tips on my next sesh. You're a very good teacher. Would like some bottom turning tips too if you need new vid!. Cheers thanks mate

[@ThomyeSurfs]

OK. I'll think about how to teach that.

[@RG-cd5jl]

best explanation ever! legs work!

[@jvz773]

Great video, thanks 🙏🤙🏄‍♂️

[@charleshawk6668]

Thanks for the video.

[@neeor10]

This is really helpful! It is just what I needed to improve my turns. Keep the videos coming! You are a legend!

[@shunzenjc5253]

Amazing! Thank you!

[@edawg654]

Nice man. Thanks

[@mitchellcalderwood7919]

Thanks mate

[@MrAeroled99]

Hey Thomye maybe a good follow up video would be bottom turns and top turns and how they work together. i remember i used to fall doing top turns because i would start my turn from the middle of the wave...i didnt realize that when i did a good top turn that i was also doing a slight bottom turn and getting more drive and speed. I wish i would more bottom turns dropping in on waves like i used to...i got into the habit of paddling in the direction your going when you dont have time for the bottom turn. your good at thinking about stuff and breaking it down for sure. oh yeah keep forgeting my name is george.

[@ThomyeSurfs]

yes, agreed. not sure how many parts there will be in total so I left it sort of open ended. I was going to do a series titled, "learn to do an air reverse with me". I've never done one so maybe committing to a series will force me to commit a landing. haha

[@Heximelt]

@@ThomyeSurfs ...that would be sick! also, that snap (like at 0:39) id be interested in hearing your take. you nail it right on.....backside I have zero issues, but heelside I struggle at times. This will definitely help I appreciate the insight

[@ThomyeSurfs]

@@Heximelt in any top turn, you bottom turn has to match. so if you want to come at a lip at 45 degrees, your bottom turn should match. You should come off the bottom at 45 degrees. If you want to do a vertical off the lip, you have to come straight off the bottom. A good way to draw your lines is like drawing a number 8 on its side. In fact, draw 3 different 8's. one that is perfect circles next to each other and one that are more oval and the last one that looks more oval than that. The first one looks like this, 00 or OO. Me as a goofy footer, will start on the left side of the left circle. Going down, I will follow curve of the bottom of that left circle. then, I will come up the middle of the two circles and follow the curve of the top right circle. The curves match between the bottom and top. This is pretty much a vertical off the lip in this example. The turn at :39 is more like to ovals which I can't draw in text. Here is a link of a drawing that I did. My experience has always been to match the bottom turn to the top turn. the turn at :39 is like the drawing at the bottom. I called it top wrap but I did more of a back foot snap. I don't have the confidence to wrap on that board unless it's more ovaled out. photos.app.goo.gl/CrLatGeZEZBynR9A8

[@Heximelt]

@@ThomyeSurfs Wow....I've never thought of it like that and it makes absolutely perfect sense. From now on I will tattoo that diagram in my mind. I've found that it really helps me to think about what I want to do/accomplish before trying it on a wave. This is a perfectly easy way to help visualize it --- Thanks!

[@ThomyeSurfs]

@@Heximelt let me know how it goes. I know I do the same thing but often, when a wave comes, I get excited and frantic and forget. haha it helps to be on a super groveler and smaller days so the surfing is slower. which is why sometimes, I'll just sit inside and catch 40 waves and you will see in my videos, bigger outside sets. My bro makes fun of me, I heard him say in one clip while he was filming me, there is he goes on the smallest wave. LOL

[@gabcontassot]

Super helpful! Great content !

[@MegaTiagus]

Great Info!!!

[@alejandrodemosteyrinmunoz5755]

Why didn’t I find this video 20 years ago! Haha. Thomye, awesome video. Thanks for sharing this great explanations with all of us. It would be great to see a video of you explaining front foot positioning. How to consistently hit the sweet spot with front foot from take off?

[@ThomyeSurfs]

At 51 years old, I find that my front foot gets placed consistently on its own based on my flexibility. My guess is over time as I get older that will get harder and harder. But, I will try to think of a way to explain or maybe condition that type of consistency. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@alejandrodemosteyrinmunoz5755]

@@ThomyeSurfs awesome! I really appreciate you are considering this topic!

[@z.ale.x]

this is awesome, thank you!

[@lexdang2551]

I was looking up reviews on the twice baked and found your content to be a goldmine! Super appreciate the way you structurally break down concepts. I’m 5’8 155lbs Asian as well, I’m torn as to what size to go. Beg/intermediate level. I have a 6”2 lost rnf retro and what was mentioned in your other videos regarding choosing different size boards from what you already own was insightful. Would you say that a 5”8 twice baked be a good choice? Thank you so much brother, looking forward to your future content!

[@akinsl45]

I’ve always been against a kick pad, but recently broke down and put one on my twice baked and evo. I realized I need to if I wanted to improve my surfing on short boards. Great stuff Tomye. Thanks for the vids. Check out my last post!!!

[@ccoovvii]

Does this apply to midlengths / longboars? The advice of straightening out the front leg. Awesome vid!

[@ThomyeSurfs]

absolutely. oddly though, on longer boards like a mid or long, narrow your stance up. sounds counter intuitive but a narrow stance makes a longer board easier to control. Also, the straight leg then becomes easier to perform and doesn't require as much effort. :)

[@mnyman1965]

Thank You Thomye. Great Video. Is that Bolsa Chica that you're surfing here?

[@ThomyeSurfs]

yes, Bolsa. I think it was Sunday, the day after it rained. Although Saturday, the day of the rain, was so good and uncrowded. :)

[@mnyman1965]

Cool. My friend Phil surfs there all the time. Long haired (grey now) Filipino dude that drives a VW Bus.

[@ThomyeSurfs]

@@mnyman1965 do you know which tower?

[@mnyman1965]

Tower 22 kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zoe0lWehYqprgtk

[@ThomyeSurfs]

@@mnyman1965 i don't know him personally but I have seen him out in the water. Pretty cool video, his board is pretty rad too.

[@thegentleorchestra]

With your knees have you looked into stem cell therapy? Good video thanks 🙏

[@ThomyeSurfs]

I've not looked into that. However, I have heard good things about it.

[@MortgagePlannerTom]

Hey man appreciate the breakdown and I think I've seen you out there at Bolsa tower 20. I'd say I'm still a beginner and 5'4" 145 lbs on a 7'2" midlength with super low rocker front and rear so how much is my size combined with board size going to impact the results of implementing this technique? In other words do I consider getting a shorter board to start being able to rip turns like this.

[@ThomyeSurfs]

doesn't matter. the technique is the same, the only thing is, when you start or prep for that turn, you have ot make sure you are on the back of your board and your back foot is over that fin. Here is a video of Taylor Jenson on his 9' + boards and in all the heel side turns, you will see he still uses the same basic technique. His front leg will be almost straight or straight at one point while the back leg is bent. In all situations, his back leg is bent more which indicates that his weight is shifted to the back. With a longer board, and I find this to be true with my Seaside and Beyond, you have to push out your back leg sooner. Watch this video and see how he starts his turns and then pushes out his back leg to finish the turn, mostly cutbacks. kzbin.info/www/bejne/naHFmYGcZ7qLhbs

[@saltywater7139]

❤ i like the theory part with bending one leg and straiten the other one, but when you talk about heels, which foot you mean, front or back foot?

[@ThomyeSurfs]

Both. Back is pushing with the heels and front should be leaning on heels so as not to fight the back foot.

[@saltywater7139]

@@ThomyeSurfs ok thanks, i always used only the back-foot-heel, need to try and practice more

[@al-dorifto1631]

I can only do good turns off my heals, when I'm going forehand I have no idea how to do a big bottom turn.. well I know how to but I can't when I'm trying to do it lol

[@ThomyeSurfs]

I have a tendency to forget my technique and put too much weight forward which then slows up my toe side turns. when i'm thinking about it, its fine, but bad muscle memory i guess.

[@lutzchoco1]

Interresting but....weight management is instinctual...you just cannot think about it while surfing. The most and the Only concern is...ride the Diagonals ↗️↖️🤗🤗🤗 thats the secret

[@ThomyeSurfs]

I think for some it is and for others it definitely isn't. Lol. Some people just do not have the coordination for it so it does help to have some body mechanic tips although I feel like even those that are very uncoordinated if they do it long enough their body figures it out over time. I think the hardest part really is actually thinking about what you have to do before doing it. Definitely if you're thinking about it during the process it's too late. It's helpful for me to remember I need to get on my heels on backside before I start paddling. And then it becomes instinctive as I'm doing it.

[@Cuisinenomade1]

Thanks for the videos, I enjoy them. I can experience this on my surfskate but not quite yet on the surfboard. I am thinking on getting a Firewire Seaside, I am 5'10" and about 155 pounds with my wetsuit and all and I am an Advanced beginner I would say. Which size would you recommend? I was thinking 5'8" 35L. What are your thoughts, thanks.

[@ThomyeSurfs]

how tall are you btw? i think the 5'8 is better for you without knowing much more about you. a friend of mine surfs the 5'8 and he weigh 205 but is an advanced surfer. I surfed his 5'8 and was able to do some decent turns so the good thing is, the board won't limit you at your state. it will be stable, easy to catch waves, not as easy as a wavestorm, but way more fun and progressive. :)

[@Cuisinenomade1]

@@ThomyeSurfs Thanks, i am 5'10". 43 yo. But in shape, have done sport all my life so progressing really fast and i am in the water every day if waves are there if not on the surfskate. I think the same about the 5'8" the extra volume would comepensate for my lack of skill, but i want something that leaves room for progress and don't leave me "wanting" like the 7'6", 54L i am riding now. Know i could, with good technique do a lot with that board (and i will continue to use it, but she really comes alive on waist to sholder high, and i want a board for the summer) but i also want to try other shapes and sizes to keep it spiced and I, motivated; ) Thanks

[@ThomyeSurfs]

@@Cuisinenomade1 given that bit of information, I would almost say go 5'7. if the board starts out too loose, then put some big fins in it. Buy the rob quads and also some bigger back fins. the rob quads rear fins are small so it's a good balance but to tighten it up, you could go with full size rear fins in the beginning. another friend as the 5'7, he is 5'11 and 165lbs. he is also fit and has a great paddle. better than in terms of fitness, he seems to have no issues getting into most waves. I don't thing you can make a bad decision on this though. do you have any friends with boards around the 33.5L mark. that way you know what the 5'7 will paddle like. that board is wide too so no issues stability.

[@Cuisinenomade1]

@@ThomyeSurfs that's great info. I will see if i can demo it, if not i will go with 5'7" with those fins you suggest. I'll keep you posted on how it goes. Cheers!

[@Cuisinenomade1]

@@ThomyeSurfs Hey mate, I asked the guy on another channel, "Surf n Show" and he recommended a 5'11" or 6"! because it will feel to skaty other wise, what do you think?

[@vantvu]

Rewatching this because it’s so helpful! Quick question - how do you think about the difference with which you would approach a cut back vs carve vs off the lip in terms of this back foot technique? Also - are you using a soloshot to get footage? Don’t see the dongle thing on your arm.

[@ThomyeSurfs]

two things to remember. first and although I didn't mention this in the first video, the most important turn in the bottom turn entering into your maneuver. The heel side turn in this video is a backside bottom turn as well. Anyways, the 2nd part is, your back leg is always going to be more bent than the front at the beginning of the turn and as you end it, break the bend. in regards to types of turns, this is getting into advanced and there are now subtle differences. But here is my general take if you want to try it. 1) make sure your bottom turn matches your top turn. check out this link that I made for another sub. photos.app.goo.gl/CrLatGeZEZBynR9A8 2)the more vertical your turn, it seems your leg is straight for a shorter period of time but that is also due to the fact that the maneuver is quicker. I think my turn at 0:39 is a back foot snap (check turn) but if there lip that would have been an off the lip. the easiest one to start with in terms of figure 8's is the cutback and more rounded top turn. let me know how it goes. it would be interesting to know what works one and what works for others in terms of progress.

[@vantvu]

Thomye Surfs super helpful! Thanks for the detailed response. The link didn’t work but I understand what you mean. A vertical off the lip requires a hard bottom turn so you’re almost going 6 o clock into your bottom turn, to 12 o clock to hit the lip, and then back down to 6 o clock. Makes sense on the speed as well. I ll try this all out and let you know. On bigger waves where there’s a lot of speed, my top turns are getting decent, but on smaller waves with less speed I feel like I have a tendency to bog my tail through my turn or at least not whip back to the white water like I see you do so quickly even on a 1-2 ft wave. I guess it comes down to having enough speed and then really getting weight back on the back foot and then twisting around and pushing through. It’s so much less intuitive than backside turns.

[@ThomyeSurfs]

@@vantvu yes. and a board like the twice baked with a super wide tail for smaller waves really helps. I know that i bog my tail when I try rebounds and cutbacks on smaller waves with something like the dom2 or the Glazer that has a much smaller tail.

[@vantvu]

Thomye Surfs thanks!

[@samerchmait4934]

Hi Thomeye Quick question and thank you for the content. It is super great and I tell all my friends to follow you on KZbin. I tend to find myself riding the center of my board a lot. I rarely touch the tail pad but when I do I can make some decent turns. Any suggestions to help me ride the tail more often? I typically ride a 5’5 glazer and a 5’6 Surf Prescriptions Spicy Turtle. Many thanks

[@ThomyeSurfs]

Those aren't very long boards so I have to assume you have a narrow stance. Which isn't a big deal and in fact, for driving speed, its better. Also It's actually better than the opposite of being narrow stance on the tail and having to step forward to drive. It's just a matter of getting used to lifting your back foot and scooting it back and having the unfamiliar feeling of a wide stance. But it is only for your turn so try and get used to it. if you notice every pro actually does the same thing. It would also help to know how you're popping up. When I pop up I always try to plant my back foot first and usually it ends up at the front half of the traction pad.

[@samerchmait4934]

@@ThomyeSurfs thank you! Much appreciated

[@ryanluechin7366]

so you only have to put pressure on the heels on the front foot and not really the back?

[@ThomyeSurfs]

actually quite the opposite. When you straighten the front leg and bend the back, see what happens. All the weight and pressure goes to the back. You definitely want your front foot to be on heel since your board will be leaning that way but all the weight should be on the back foot.

[@ryanluechin7366]

@@ThomyeSurfs I see. Should I also emphasize putting weight on the heels on the back foot as well?

[@ThomyeSurfs]

@@ryanluechin7366 back foot is key. it is the narrowest part of the board you are standing on so it is where the control and turning starts and ends. The reason you want your front foot on heel too is that because it is the widest part of your board, you want to make sure, you don't have as much control and if it isn't on heel, your front foot will literally be fighting the back foot. One thing to keep in mind, even though your back foot is applying preasure to the heel, your toes will never lift. You foot will end up being flat. But your front foot when on heel, the toes should come up. You will see it if you watch surf videos. here is Occy. his back foot is on heel but his foot is flat on the board. his front foot is on heel and his toles come up. if his front foot were flat, he would literally be fighting his back foot and it would be counter productive. www.mensjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/occy.jpg?w=600&quality=86&strip=all

[@ThomyeSurfs]

@@ryanluechin7366 surf-asylum.com/author/admin/ look at step 5.

[@ryanluechin7366]

@@ThomyeSurfs i was just about to comment and get back to you on a discover i made. I noticed the same thing too today in an earlier session. My front foot was literally preventing me from putting the board on rail since it was flat! lifting the front foot toe helped a lot and it makes so much more sense now. Thank you for ur help tomye.

[@bendezelak8203]

Great video should be super helpful. What are you using as your everyday board?

[@ThomyeSurfs]

My daily driver is usually the 5'3 Firewire Seaside however, since starting this channel as a vlog vs just backing up my videos, I haven't been riding any one board. Just the ones I'm reviewing. Last few sessions were the 5'3 Firewire Twice Baked. If I weren't reviewing boards, I think I would surf my Twice Baked for anything under 1.5' or fat high tide conditions that are too soft. And my Seaside for anything bigger than 1.5' to about 4'. For steep days over 3', the Glazer. I am looking to get a dhd phoenix or possibly a sharpeye storms. Also a proper bigger wave board like the Pyzel Shadow.

[@bendezelak8203]

@@ThomyeSurfs Yeah I’ll probably buy the seaside as my daily board soon, and later down the track I’ll probably invest into a higher performance board for steeper, larger waves.

[@ThomyeSurfs]

@@bendezelak8203 I think that is a good plan, especially if your waves are soft like mine. The Seaside for me, matches my waves about 80% of the time. Having said that, I can go out and buy a bigger Dominator 2 and that might work better. I think I said in the video that if you do buy a D2, make sure it's the same volume as your intended seaside. I will say, it is crazy how little swing weight there is on the dom2. when I do off the lips, they are so quick. I will have to surf it more and try some other beaches too. I think it will go good down south, trestles. Or maybe even BSR wavepool. yeah, that would probably be perfect.

[@bendezelak8203]

@@ThomyeSurfs Yeah sounds good, appreciate the comments. Keep the videos coming 🤙

[@takadesigns]

@Thomye this session was at Bolsa Chica?

[@ThomyeSurfs]

Yes. I want to say Sunday the 24th. At least the ones where I'm wearing the arm band. If it hadn't rained on Saturday, I would have had video. Actually, I could have set up an umbrella but thought it was going to get windy. Turned out to be glassy all morning. :( Surf was super fun though, :)