I have started working on the bottom turn and cuts backs recently and I am happy to share what I feel like it’s a small progression. I only share pools footages because it’s the only time I can get filmed. So, I think pop up Oreo and gliding is now in my system. After the pop up I focused on going first to the flats and then looking back at the lip ahead of me to go back to the top of the wave. Afterwards I ..had to many thinks to focus on and did not go so good but..I am very happy I could clearly look back to where the foam is. I have to stay much more compressed and extend again which I did not do properly. Also..the elbow in the pocket..yes Graham..I forgot it again..but i am doing it on the skate.. the board was from the pool and not the best one but I think it worked fine for my level

Hi everyone! I’d love your advice on a board transition question.

I usually surf in the North Sea with a 7’4 Modern double wide (it has the volume of a long board..) and feel pretty good with it. Recently I bought a 7’0 Vision mysto soft top just for the Rotterdam wave pool RIF010 (due to the concrete wall), but it’s been rough: 10L less volume, shorter, way more wobbly. My wave count dropped and my confidence too.

I’m starting to wonder: Did I switch too early, before really mastering the 7’4?Or should I keep pushing with the 7’0 in wave pools and just adapt?

In the ocean I always use the 7’4 — the 7’0 was only for RIF010.Now I’ve got 10 sessions coming up at The Wave Bristol (7 intermediate, 3 advanced) and I can only bring one board.

Should I bring the 7’4 to stay confident and catch more waves? Or bring the 7’0 to “level up” in a safer environment?

Really appreciate any thoughts or similar experiences 🙏

Hi everyone,

I’ve been working on my stance lately, really trying to stay as front-on as possible and focus on that “coffee cup” position. I’d love to get your thoughts on this short video.

Here’s what I noticed myself:

My back foot isn’t flat.

Knees are not kissing.

The forehand turn feels a bit awkward and stiff — I’m not really leaning into it.

My head stays too upright instead of getting low.

On the backhand turn, my left arm drops instead of lifting up — although I’ve noticed that in this particular bowl, even the “good” skaters seem to keep it low… maybe it’s the shape of the spot?

Overall, I’m still not happy with my style. It just doesn’t feel fluid — maybe it’s that glorious midlife stiffness kicking in… haha!

Any feedback would be really appreciated — I’m keen to improve.

Thanks!

I am still so far away from decent surfing that this is even embarrassing to say, but I have felt the “buttons” on the board for the first time and could turn to the foam and the back to the face of the wave. Skateboarding is helping a lot. Next time I’d like to drop more vertical from the pop up and try a proper bottom turn. In addition I have to look better towards were I want to go. On the skate it’s starting to happen. Not yet in the water.

Hi, I have been following the intermediate course and the skateboard videos so far. The surf footage is from a surf pool in Rotterdam, the beginner wave. I have been trying to go back to the pocket after the pop up. On the skateboard I have been trying to wiggle less and compress/extend more.

I know there is a lot to improve that’s why I am posting it.

I would be grateful for tips I should immediately focus on, or mistakes I should try to avoid!

Working on my pop up. It seems my left toe can’t avoid touching..