I ride a shortboard and whenever i pop up i have a habit of putting my back foot a few inches above the traction pad, causing me to have difficulty with turns. How can i fix this problem?
Not to be a smart *ss but how 'bout put your foot on the trac pad. When I went from a twin to a thruster I had to actually look at my back foot for awhile to make sure I getting it was far enough back. I put a trac pad on for that specific reason. Just takes a concious effort to retrain your instincts. After a short few sessions you'll probably get it dialed in.
you should be constantly repositioning your feet for power, drive, speed, turns, etc...unless you're at teahupoo or something.... did you put the pad on yourself, or did it come that way...if you didn't place it specific to your usual stance (look for darker marks/foot marks in your wax) it might be too far back or forward
Start off by paddling way back on your board, that way when you pop up, you'll be farther back. Wax the bottom of your back foot so you are aware of it at all times.
I glued a piece of Velcro to my pad and wear a special sock on my back foot. It's improved my air game as well.
Agreed. When i pop up, im usually so far forward, my back foot isnt even on the deck pad. Usually as im gliding down the face and readying the bottom turn, I wiggle back to the end
Try more of a slide with your back foot instead of a pop. But this only really works on a take off on a less technical part of the wave. If it's a technical part of the wave- you just gotta nail it anyways cause if you don't you probably will not make it.
Your board is **** brah. I suggest a brand new Merrick. Prolly whatever Dane is riding. He's still cool right? You'll be ripping in no time.
Feel with your feet. Feel everything. That only happens if you either consciously, deliberately make an effort to pay attention to your feet, body, and board... or escape into complete zen. Sounds weird... but that's the only way I can articulate it.
Get a different color wax and draw an X on the part of the board where you want your front foot to go on. Aim to put your front foot there every time you pop up. It will make your rear foot go on the pad after a few tries.