Although this category is Surf Science, in our last article we discussed the history of backhand and forehand surfing; right here. Now, although riding switch foot being preferable to surfing on your backhand seems rather quaint in modern surfing, back in the sweaty mists of time a surfer did so to face the wave. Trident discussed how this came from initially just slovenly riding a massive old fallen tree in white water towards the beach in ancient Hawaiian culture. Of course, things developed somewhat from there.
These days, regardless of where you mostly surf (ie: where you live could be spitting distance from the world’s best righthander), if you want to be a complete surfer you’re gonna have to figure out riding both backside and frontside there pal. And yes, there is a science to it. And it’s all relatively easy to understand ‘coz it involves things all we humans have, namely toes and heels. Unless you’re some weirdo who has hooves, or claws, or tentacles. * Or even more horrifyingly; you ride the board with both feet facing forward planted in the middle of your surfboard like you’re some kind of genetic crime against nature. Or water skier.
Photo courtesy of William Veitch.
Forehand surfing: arguably easier?
For many surfers, riding frontside feels most comfortable and intuitive. Goofy footers on lefts, regular footers on right. In both instances, one’s magnificent butthole is firmly pointed towards the beach, while one’s eyes are firmly pointed on the wave in front of you. Hence the reason frontside surfing feels that much easier and more natural.
Surfing on your backhand requires more precision and more wave know-how, as the slight disadvantage of not facing the wave front-on is a little trickier to navigate. However, conversely most backside turns are – if not easier on one’s backhand – at least somewhat more critical if you’re twisting your hips, waist and shoulders correctly. However, that doesn’t mean a surfer on their backhand should flail about like they’re simultaneously being electrocuted while dancing the Twist. Come to think of it, nor should a surfer gyrate like they’re riding an invisible pole on their frontside either.
So, backhand surfing…
Measured movements, people. Measured movements. All of which becomes critical riding waves in either direction, but much more so for backhand surfing. Just like tennis, your backhand requires more technique for the most part.
“Jeez Trident, “ we hear you whine. “Did you just compare surfing to tennis?!”
Well yes we did. ‘Coz here’s the kicker. We mentioned toes and heels earlier, right? So ja. Tennis is all about toes and heels. So our comparison is quite genius, frankly. And just as tennis players require decent equipment (in the form of a racquet), surfers require decent boards.
None of which matters if you’re not using your feet correctly of course. Like riding your surfboard like a yoga instructor. Also, here’s a crazy but obvious aspect of backhand vs forehand surfing: nothing is simply mirror opposite/reverse. No.
Technique is king, not which direction you surf.
When doing a cutback on your frontside, you’re using your heels, most notably your back heel. In the second part of the movement, you’re using your toes. And the reverse is true of surfing backside. You start the turn with your toes, then pivot back with your heels. Although Trident is oversimplifying a lot here, our point is obvious. You can’t apply what you know on your forehand to what you’ll do on a backhand wave – and vice versa.
So the next time you paddle out to a little A frame beachbreak, give this article some thought. Know when to use your heels and/or toes. As always, Trident speaks sense. * Unless you’re one of those weirdo’s taking off like you’re an Alpine skier.
*Disclaimer: we kid because we love. Taking off with feet parallel to the board’s rails can look slick. Unless you have all the style and grace of expired coleslaw.
