Backhand surfing – Backhand Bottom Turn

Hey David,

Thanks for your email and the feedback.
I’m happy to hear you like the lesson.

It’s really common that people can’t see the wall when they’re on their backhand.
Because we stand side on it will always be harder to see the wall when going backhand and that’s why a lot of people favor their forehand.
To help you need to make sure you rotate your upper body, turn your chest a bit more towards the front and look over your shoulder. You should be turning your head looking over your shoulder as much as possible when you are bottom turning. Look over your right shoulder if you’re goofy or your left shoulder if your stance is natural/regular and open up your chest by pointing your front arm where you want to go.

Check the pics I’ve attached, you can see occy rotating to see the top of the wave, looking over his shoulder, look where his arms are pointing too.
And my pic in the barrel, look at the direction my shoulders are pointing, so you can see how much rotation is needed to be able to see for backhand barrels.

Enjoy
Christo

Backhand Bottom Turn, Surf Coaching

Backhand Bottom Turn, Occy

Christo - Surf Coach Sydney

Backhand Barrel, Christo - Surf Coach

On 24/07/2010, at 11:42 PM, David Vega Lara wrote:

Hey Christo!

Thanks a lot for your new video!

In my opinion this new format is the best of all.
I like the explanation on the chalkboard mixed with the video.
I think it’s essential in order to understand the tricks
and to read the wave. It’s like to have a personal surf- coach online!

I personally struggle with this maneovuer Backhand Reo.
I used to skateboard( half pipe) and I know I’m capable of turning backhand properly.
But when I’m surfing and i’m going backside I sometimes can’t see the wall
of the wave. Coul you tell me why is this?

I appreciate your lessons.

Thank you very much!

David Vega. Spain