Surfing maneuvers for beginners

Before learning any fancy skills on your board,‘goofy foot’ – left foot at back of
first you need to catch a wave.  Withboard or ‘hang heels’ – facing
experience, you will be able to identify a wave onbackward with your heels over the edge.
the horizon that is relatively easy to catch, then itProbably the most common maneuver is the
is a case of paddling hard to match its speed. 'cutback' which is basically turning back towards
You will feel the wave carrying you forward, thenthe breaking part of the wave.  To 'fade', aim
stand on your board (‘pop-up’) and keeptoward the breaking part of the wave, then turn
your balance!  Usually you aim to ride the wavesharply and surf in the direction the wave is
just ahead of the white water, thebreaking towards.  Try a 'floater' - where you
‘curl’.  Catching waves and getting toride on top of the breaking curl and then come
your feet are the fundamentals and can takedown with it - or 'off the lip' - where you bank
considerable practice.off the top of the wave.  'Pumping' is an up and
Once you feel you have mastered the basics, itdown carving movemet that helps build speed or
may be time to try out a few moves like turningyou can 'stall' by shifting your weight to the tail of
and carving.  If you’re a beginner, you’rethe board or putting a hand in the water to slow
most likely using a longboard, which are great foryou down. 
tricks like ‘hang five’ – one foot atYou need to watch more experienced surfers to
the front of the board with your toes just overpick up these moves and be prepared to wipeout
the edge - or ‘hang ten’ / ‘nose(perhaps MANY times) on your first attempts. 
riding’  – both feet at the front and allThe best way to learn is through experience so
toes over the edge.  Other board stances includeget out there!