1. Positioning on the wave.
As you progress and get more comfortable with different parts of the wave, you start to realize that nothing happens far out on the flat shoulder. Stay close to the pocket, generate speed and try ripping steeper shoulders.
2. Your head is your steering wheel.
Where you look and where you direct your head is where you will go. Lead with your head and keep it centred over your body to insure proper balance.
3. Compress the lower body
Bending the knees while keeping your upper body straight gives you mobility for turns, balance, and it helps you absorb shocks when trying different maneuvers.
4. Catch the wave at the Peak
Sometimes it’s not “what” you do on a wave, but “where” you catch it in the first place. If you’re catching waves far from the peak, on the flatter shoulder, it might actually be impossible to do anything interesting on the wave.
5. Generate your Own Speed
One of the biggest differences between intermediate-advanced surfers, and beginner-intermediate surfers is their ability to create their own speed by throwing their arms forward, decompressing and compressing up and down the face of the wave, and using their rails properly.
6. Paddle with power
Paddling for bigger, more powerful waves means you need great paddle technique. Make sure your elbows are high when your hands enter the water, and that you go as deep as possible with long powerful paddle strokes.
7. Move your feet
Another game changer. Need speed? Move your feet forward on the board. Need to do sharp turns to change direction: get that back foot far back on the end of the tail pail.
8.Learn from other surfers
In the water, look at better surfers, how they bottom turn, how they generate speed, etc. Don’t just sit there waiting for waves, look and learn.
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