open stance vs. closed stance

[biggles]

Hello all,

I was wondering if anybody had any insight to this particular. When surfing backside, should I open my upper body (chest facing down the line)? In addition, where should i point my leading hand - on the inside or outside rail? Similarly, what technique should I employ surfing frontside? I appreciate any imput.

[dtc]

Yep, the usual tip is to move your back foot so your toes are pointing forward (well 45 deg or so to the stringer) rather than sideways. I find that my ankle mobility isnt great so while turning my feet makes the ride much more comfortable, it makes backside turns much harder, as my heel isnt on the board and I can't just lean into the heel. I gather one way to 'get around' this is to turn by throwing your front hand/shoulder upwards and push away with your feet, rather than lean your shoulder in and down, but I've never really managed it too well. Anyway, you arent facing totally forward (unless you are 'pig dogging'), but rather just opening up your stance so your hips are still at about 45 deg or so - its a matter of being able to see the wave without contorting.

You generally should have one hand on either side of the board, unless you are turning in which case it depends. You still lead with your left hand/shoulder (if a natural footer).

[still-learning]

I simply suck at going back hand...have only managed it twice (and still that sucked! ) it has hindered my wave count at our local beach break (especially due to the fact that it is often crowded when the wave is good)...not sure what to do.

[dtc]

If you can catch a wave and go frontside then you can catch a wave backside. Its exactly the same. True, once you are up, turning and keeping control / following the wave is arguably a bit less natural and so requires some practice; but you should be able to cruise along the face.

I suspect you are struggling because you dont think you can do it, rather than because you can't do it. Just be confident and commit. For example, having done this myself, I bet when you go backhand you paddle just a bit slower and pop up with a bit of hesitation and maybe a bit later than usual, because it all feels wrong and if you slow down you have a perception of being more in control...except if you slow down in surfing you perl or fall. Or you try to pop up slightly differently because you want to look at the wave rather than pop up with it to your back and your feet go into the wrong place.

I know its not really an answer or solution; but just do the same stuff backside as you do frontside and trust yourself that it will work. Once up, then open your stance.

[still-learning]

Hey DTC, i will give it a bash...often i find myself when going front side, leaning into the wave as i pop up, it helps me with my bottom turn and allows me to trim and pick a line to race down. i find when popping up with the intention of trying to go back side, my front foot just does not make it to the middle of the board. if i think about it, i think i do hesitate due to the fact i am worried i wont be able to trim left and go down the line....the whole notion of doing a back hand "bottom turn" seems so unnatural (as my weight shift is normally forward and to the right as opposed to backwards and to the left). I will keep at it, hopefully it will all "click" and i can start enjoying the freedom of wave and direction selection that all the more experienced chaps experience.