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Surf Tips and Theory for the Advanced Surfer

Adam and Joel give some seriously good (well researched) advice to the advance surfers wanting to level up and do it well.

Words by Adam Simpson | 13th May' 25

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The journey of a surfer is endless, isn't it? At Soul & Surf, we believe in constantly evolving our connection with the ocean, and that means pushing our limits and exploring new frontiers. Here are some advanced tips and theories to elevate your surfing to the next level.

  • Mastering the Bottom Turn:

    It’s the cornerstone of powerful surfing. Think of it as the engine of your ride. A strong bottom turn sets you up for everything that follows.

    • Tip: Focus on driving through your turn with your back leg, using your front arm for balance and direction. Visualize compressing your body like a spring as you approach the bottom of the wave, then exploding upwards as you redirect your board back up the face.
    • Theory: Understand how the wave’s energy is concentrated at the bottom. By harnessing that energy with a powerful bottom turn, you generate speed and set yourself up for maneuvers further down the line.
    • Soul & Surf Connection: Remember the feeling of flow they talk about? A well-executed bottom turn is pure flow, a seamless transition from descent to ascent, harnessing the wave’s power to propel you forward.

  • Lightning-Fast Pop-ups:

    Every millisecond counts when you’re dropping into a critical wave. A quick pop-up is crucial for making the most of steep sections and getting barreled.

    • Tip: Practice your pop-up on land until it becomes instinctive. Work on explosiveness and fluidity in your movement. Imagine a single, powerful motion propelling you to your feet.
    • Theory: The faster you get to your feet, the more time you have to react to the wave and adjust your positioning.
    • Soul & Surf Connection: The emphasis on mindfulness and being present. A quick pop-up requires focus and anticipation, being fully in the moment to react to the wave’s energy.

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Image by Joel Rollason

  • Wave Selection: The Art of Reading the Ocean:

    The ocean is a dynamic canvas, constantly shifting and changing. Advanced surfers develop an intuitive sense of wave selection, knowing which waves will offer the longest rides, the best barrels, or the most critical sections.

     

    • Tip: Spend time observing the ocean before paddling out. Identify the peak, where the waves are breaking most consistently. Look for patterns in the sets and learn to anticipate where the best waves will form.
    • Theory: Understand how swell direction, wind, and tides affect wave formation. Learn to recognize different types of breaks and how they behave.
    • Soul & Surf Connection: This echoes the philosophy of connecting with the ocean's rhythm. Wave selection is about understanding the ocean's language, reading its subtle cues to find the perfect ride.

  • Expanding Your Repertoire:

    From carving turns to aerial maneuvers, the possibilities are endless. Continually challenge yourself to learn new techniques and push your boundaries.

     

    • Tip: Break down maneuvers into smaller steps and practice them individually. Film yourself surfing and analyze your technique. Seek inspiration from professional surfers and try to emulate their style.
    • Theory: Understand the physics behind different maneuvers. How does your body movement affect the board's performance? How do you use your weight and momentum to generate speed and power?
    • Soul & Surf Connection: Embrace the spirit of playfulness and exploration. Surfing is an art form, and every maneuver is a brushstroke on the wave's canvas.

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Image by Joel Rollason

  • Consistency is Key:

      The best surfers are those who surf regularly. Make time for consistent practice, even when the waves aren't perfect.

      • Tip: Find a local break that you can surf frequently. Even small waves offer opportunities to improve your technique and build your paddling strength.
      • Theory: Repetition builds muscle memory and strengthens your neural pathways, making your movements more fluid and instinctive.
      • Soul & Surf Connection: This aligns with our focus on cultivating a deep connection with the ocean. Regular surfing allows you to become intimately familiar with its nuances and develop a profound respect for its power.
      • Blue health: in most parts, it's hard to be really consistent with surfing, but what's even more important is that the time we spend in the water, we are enjoying it. Use our blue health principles to build a solid relationship with the ocean, even when it's windy. 

By embracing these tips and delving into the theory behind them, you can unlock new levels of performance and deepen your connection with the ocean. Remember, surfing is a journey of constant learning and growth. So, keep pushing your limits, exploring new possibilities, and most importantly, have fun!

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Image by Mati Quinzio

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