If you’re starting to perform your first maneuvers in surfing, this article is for you. At Peña Txuri Surf Eskola, we know that mastering these basic techniques is essential to progress and fully enjoy each session in the water. Today we explain the basics of the highline, the carve, and the floater, three maneuvers that will help you gain confidence and fluidity in your waves. Let’s get started!
What is the Highline and How to Improve Your Speed on the Wave?
The highline is an essential maneuver to generate speed on the wave and prepare the ground for other maneuvers. It consists of drawing a high line on the wave wall, keeping a fluid and controlled ride.
Why is the Highline Important?
The highline not only allows you to generate speed but also gives you greater control and stability on the wave, especially in critical sections. It’s a maneuver that feels incredible and prepares you for the next move, like a carve or a floater.
How to Perform a Good Highline?
- Weight Distribution: One of the most common mistakes is not distributing your weight properly. Make sure to keep the weight forward to prevent the board from destabilizing. A good trick is to slightly move your back foot forward to keep the weight centered.
- Section Selection: Look for a section with a good wall angle to perform the highline. The higher you get, the better.
- Fluidity in the Line: Maintain a high, fluid line, riding the wave for as long as possible. This will give you the necessary speed to link up with the next maneuver.
How to Perform an Effective Carve Without Losing Speed?
The carve is a turning maneuver that allows you to change direction in a controlled way, maintaining speed and rhythm on the wave. It is key to harnessing the wave’s energy and staying in the most powerful zone.
Why is the Carve Important?
The carve helps you stay in the critical section of the wave, avoiding losing speed when the wave changes pace. Additionally, it is a basic move for developing more advanced maneuvers in the future.
How to Improve Your Carve?
- Correct Line: A common mistake is not reaching the top of the wave before turning. Make sure to reach the peak of the wave before descending back down, so you maintain speed and control.
- Body Usage: Your arms and shoulders are crucial in this move. Use your arms to guide the torso, which is what truly directs the movement.
- Gaze and Rotation: Your gaze is key. Direct your eyes where you want to go and let your body follow. Focus the torso’s rotation inward to execute an effective carve.
Floater: The Perfect Maneuver to Start in Vertical Sections
The floater is a maneuver that allows you to ride on the upper part of the wave, crossing vertical sections that seem to be closing. It’s ideal for maintaining speed and repositioning yourself on the wave when you have no other option for a maneuver.
Why Practice the Floater?
The floater allows you to navigate difficult sections and stay on the wave, preparing you for the next maneuver. It’s a very useful technique in waves with vertical walls or sections that are about to close.
How to Perform a Good Floater?
- Entering the Maneuver: The key to a good floater is the entry. Keep a short bottom turn and head towards the top of the wave at a parallel angle.
- Weight Forward: When you reach the top, make sure to lean forward to prevent the board from destabilizing and to maintain control.
- Maneuver Reception: As you descend back to the wave’s base, point the nose of the board towards the shore to keep speed and continue surfing.
Common Mistakes in These Maneuvers and How to Avoid Them
Mistakes When Performing the Highline
- Poor Weight Distribution: Avoid placing too much weight backward. Move your back foot forward towards the center of the board and keep your weight forward to prevent instability.
- Not Choosing the Right Section: If you perform the highline in a section without enough wall, you’ll lose speed and control. Always look for a section with a good angle.
Mistakes When Performing the Carve
- Low Line: Don’t stay in the lower part of the wave. Take your carve to the top and then descend to maintain speed.
- Incorrect Use of Arms: Don’t focus solely on the arms. Use your entire torso to direct the maneuver and keep control.
Mistakes When Performing the Floater
- Entering Too Low: Don’t enter the floater from a low position on the wave, or you’ll lack speed. Keep a short bottom turn and confidently rise to the top.
- Not Controlling Weight: Shift your weight forward when reaching the top of the wave to avoid falling and to maintain control.
Improve Your Technique with Peña Txuri Surf Eskola
At Peña Txuri Surf Eskola, we teach you to master these basic maneuvers and many more, adapting to your level and needs. If you want to improve your technique and make the most of every wave, book your surf lesson with us. Our instructors will guide you step by step to master the highline, carve, and floater, and take your surfing to the next level. We’re waiting for you in Sopelana to surf together!
