Pretty self explanatory, just wondering what you guys prefer in bigger waves, or smaller surf, or if it doesn't really matter
I'm goofy foot and widely prefer backside turns. Not that I don't like frontside, but back is my natural instinct from snowboarding goofy also. I know I've got to make a point if getting just as many front turns in so I can be able to mix it up with different moves once I progress to getting back up the wave vertical. Good question. Was wondering the same of others and looking forward to the responses.
Bigger (head +), hollow waves: Doesn't matter Big, steep long lines not really barreling: Backside, I tend to generate a little more speed Smaller (chest to head) barrels: Frontside, I can get more compact and stick more late drops. Plus it's usually really shallow if it's smaller and barreling and going over the handlebars getting clipped in the head in a backside barrel is a good way to get a neck injury--much more dangerous than frontside in those conditions because you're essentially going head first and head-over-heels Smaller long lines not really barreling: Doesn't matter Really small (< waist): Fishing
depends on the wave, on larger super steep hollow days i like going backside better in beachbreak like waves for reefs and points and small surf i like going frontside better
Its easier for me to get barrelled backside, but if its small and mushy (usually is here) frontside for sure.
I go straight towards the sand till my fins dig in and I get launced. None of this right/left, front/back BS for me!
Doesn't really matter to me, most times it's breaking right, which puts me backside as a goofy, but when I get an opportunity to go left I jump on it, love em both.
definitely frontside for me. i feel as though i'm able to get more vertical power backside, which is great if you've got a wall that's just lining up perfectly. otherwise, i feel like i don't carry my speed through turns as well & bog easier. but my technique is far & away better on my forehand. i also feel like i'm able to thread through tight spaces better on my forehand. it's definitely a technique issue & i'm sure i could correct it if i just spent more time surfing rights (i'm a goofy as well), but i always favor my forehand in peaky beachbreaks. that said, i'm not going to pass on a right just b/c it's a right. waves are waves, afterall.
Wow, sincerely impressed by all those who are just as adept surfing backside as frontside. For me, there is a huge difference in comfort between surfing frontside and backside. I guess after 30 yrs + of surfing, it is time to spend a little more time out of my comfort zone.
I love surfing on my backhand, especially in barrels, but there's no doubt I surf my forehand much better and make more sections. I think a lot of the reason I like surfing my backhand more is it just seems less intuitive, which is cool. Makes you work at it a bit more.
One of my favorite breaks is primarily a left, there for I go backside a lot and feel more comfortable backside. Im definitely not as strong front side but it doesn't really matter. ill go whatever way gives me the better ride
Uncle Irish I've been surfing for 30+ years too. I have to remind myself that most guys our age (I'll be 45 in July) couldn't paddle out much less catch anything. As long as your out there having fun catching waves it's all good!
no preference. we see mostly lefts here so as a goofy i surf frontside a lot. i like to surf back side just because i don't get to do it often and i feel like im going more vertical on back side off the lips. if that makes any sense. started surfing an LB again recently on smaller days. had trouble backside at first because i was standing the same as i would on a short board. im finding it easier to stand almost straight up with both feet almost parrallel to the stringer and doing drop knee turns. it makes surfing right or left almost identical and makes walking on the board easier too. I forgot how much fun long boarding can be.
Yeah i dunno i feel that going frontside i can make it pass more sections, and kinda see the wave, and what its about to do a little better.
Shortboard... my backside bottom turn is weak, but my top turn is good... more powerful than my frontside top turn. So I end up taking off at an angle going backside... late drops no problem. But once I'm up, it's all good. No preference other than knowing my backside bottom turn is not a strength. Bigger barrels either way... smaller barrels frontside is better cause it's a better fit. Longboard... Backside bottom turn and frontside top turns I do a drop knee turn, which is super fun. Walking backside and tip time backside feels really cool... better than frontside.
wow, easier to get barreled backside??? im shocked. its the exact opposite for me. i feel i have much more control and can get as tight and small as i need to in order to fit in a frontside barrel. i get way deeper and can pull in way easier going frontside. but to answer the question. i feel like im pretty much even when it comes to frontside and backside for most waves, with a couple exceptions. like i said above, when its barrelling i prefer a frontside wave. and when it starts getting 8'+ i feel more comfortable going frontside, but wont hold back from going backside either. im amazed at how many of my friends wont even take a backside wave. they grew up only going frontside and now any trip we go on, the question is always, "what is the right to left ratio". haha. sucks for them
