Surfing Waves

I’ve noticed everytime I pump or bottom turn my arms are always out not in a pretty way. They are out on the side extended all the way which doesn’t look very good. Is there any way I can fix my style? I want them to be more contained and look better.

Arms are an important part of surfing. Obviously they are used for balance and the higher you have them up to shoulder high the better they assist you for that. Consequently the better your balance the lower you need to hold them. They also help to change your center of balance and are a counterweight for turns. Keeping in mind your arms are a functional part of surfing you might be able to improve the look with mental imaging. Just stand on the ground in your surfing stance and imagine you are surfing and holding your arms correctly. The problem is you might not know what is correct. Perhaps this is something you can practice on a skateboard or balance board.

What are your thoughts on this particular surfers arm placements ?
Are they extended out in a not so pretty way ?
Do you think this surfer's arms look very good or look not very good ?

Often the arms are a lifeline, people often compare themselves to the top 0.001% of surfers who’s arms are flawless, but our arms play a different role, they keep us on top of our boards without us thinking about it. If your turns put you off balance then your arms will correct it, rather than focusing on the arms. Various things are based off the arms, like bottom turns you need the arm to rotate and pumping you need to pump from the shoulders etc, but flailing arms will be due to bad technique further down your body most likely.

That photo is Mark Richards who is a four time world champion. It’s said he resembles a wounded seagull but seems to work for him. I have heard others say his style isn’t pretty but it is effective. He was my first thought thought when I read this post. However I think his style is just that and part of what makes him the surfer he is. Wish I could do what he does

I don’t use video or have any pics surfing……no idea what I look like. But same as when you are in sync and take a turn ir two on a motorcycle or bicycle going downhill, you KNOW when you’re moving parts in the right directions.

Pay attention to your feels and keep having fun!

Thanks a lot for your replies it really helped!!