Kook question

[Big E]

Even though I haven't gotten out since I got back from Hawaii months ago, something reminded me today that I was gonna ask someone this.

So, what's the secret to getting your board turned around fast to catch an approaching wave? I'm talking about when you're sitting there floating, facing the ocean, and see a wave that you want, and get yourself turned around almost immediately. I always end up intentionally keeping the board parallel to the waves or even pointed slightly back towards shore, cuz it takes me a ridiculous amount of time to get turned around.

Aaannnndddd..... some surf porn for your troubles...

[nutcase]

Just lean way back while grabbing the rails with your hands and then swing your weight around using your legs to sort of kick turn. It's easier than it sounds.

[Superstar Punani]

Longboard or shortboard?

For shortboards, you can do what nutcase said- grab a rail with one hand, and use the other hand to take a semi-circular paddle stroke while you lean back and pivot 180 degrees. This is the fastest way to flip a bitch (Think situations where someone blows the take off and you're #2 priority and you want the wave, or when you change your mind at the last second and the wave has almost reached you).

If you pull this stunt, make sure you take a couple of hard strokes (huh-huh) to accelerate enough, otherwise you're gonna end up getting sucked over the falls and either a) you become the laughing stock of the lineup or b) ordered to "get outta da water, damn haole kook!"

For longboards, similar princilpe but i will take a lot more effort.

Directional changes that aren't so abrupt can be done by paddling on one side. think of a one-legged duck swimming around in circles.

[GheePup]

Nut and SuPu are right on with their advice. By grabbing the rails and leaning back you are sinking the tail so that the board is nearly perpendicular to the waters surface. Its more of a lean backward so you can pull the nose of the board toward the sky while pushing the tail deeper. This makes it easy to pivot the board 180. Once turned toward shore realise the grip of your legs wrapped around the board and lean forward while pushing the nose of the board back toward the surface of the water. As the tail of the board starts to float up to the surface it actually gives you an added push in the direction you are pointed as you begin to paddle. Any extra speed is always welcome when spinning around last second for that 2 paddle air drop late takeoff.

Pay attention to what the good surfers do when spinning around at the last second. Take notes and practice what they are doing.

[Big E]

Cool, thanks. I'm already the laughing stock of the lineup, so I can't really do anything to make that worse!

[tuffy109]

don't turn around, and backpaddle into the wave.

[skimoore]

Fakie takeoffs are sure to get you respect...why turn the board when you can just pivot yourself? Just don't fall forward or you might get the sharp edge of the fin in your face...