In surfing, full rotations are relatively rare. However, when performed correctly, they often leave an exclamation mark on the wave. Learn how to pull off the frontside reverse 360.
Waves are ridden in a unidirectional way. Surfers either go left or right on a wave. But that doesn't mean you can't perform 360 on the liquid walls.
A full rotation is a fundamental maneuver in bodyboarding.
Nevertheless, bodyboards don't have fins, and their bottom deck is flat and smooth, making things much easier.
As a result, bodyboarders can easily spin while trimming the waves. With surfboards, it's a bit challenging but far from impossible.
Why? Because of the fins and the overall shape of the surfboard.
The trick is to master a subtle yet alternate and coordinated pressure between your back and front foot so that fins and drag won't let you down.
The reverse 360 allows you to spin down a wave, which can be executed at the beginning or end of a ride.
Frontside Reverse 360 Technique
Here's how to do a frontside reverse 360:
- Take off on a good-looking waist-high wave;
- Bottom turn, get a fair amount of speed, and aim to the lip at 45 degrees;
- Start rotating your upper body toward the base of the wave;
- As you reach the lip of the wave, transfer your weight to the front feet to free and release the pressure over the fins;
- Keep rotating the body until the tail of the board starts spinning;
- As you feel the board turning, bend your front knee and get your leading hand in the water to help accelerate the 360;
- Start to transfer your weight to the back foot, and let the fins catch back in the water and work as a pivoting axis;
- Adopt a low stance, let your front foot complete the 180-degree turn, and resume riding;
Remember to transfer the weight of your body down to the bottom of the wave while performing the first half of the turn.
If you struggle to initiate or complete the rotation, grab your rail to keep the board under control and let your body do the rest.
Finally, make sure your head and eyes are always looking 360.