These days we’ll never stop appreciating good old-fashioned power turns in your surfing.  But so many surfers are blowing up with airs and whips, which have come to define modern progressive surfing.  And when it comes to turns of the variety, Hawaii’s Sunny Garcia has the power turns down in his surfing.  Sunny is a six time Hawaii’s Triple Crown Champion and 2000 WCT World Champion.  And Sunny still maintains his power turns in his surfing always when he paddles out.

You need to find the right wave: When it comes to doing a big power turn, you’ve got to find a wave that suits that kind of surfing. Yes, you can do a huge hack at Trestles, but it’s not going to be the same as if you did one on a wave with a little more punch. I think Sunset, Makaha or Haleiwa are the perfect places to really lay down a huge turns, so think of that type of wave as an example.  But as far as the type of wave goes, you want something meaty and fast. If the wave is too small, it won’t feel as good. I think a 4- to 6-foot wave is ideal.

If you are in the advanced beginner to the intermediate surfer stages you want to make sure your form is down smooth, have the best timing and correct form prior to working on power turns in your surfing!  Because if you work on certain moves with your surfing and its not correct you will really hold yourself back with your surfing, hit blocks and you aren’t able to move forward without guidance.  https://surfclinics.com/outer-islands-surf-holidays/

Like I have explained in other blogs its so important to have the right board: I like to get my boards with a good mix of V in the bottom, so that it’s conducive to the way I like to approach a wave. I think a good V in the bottom is best for power surfing and big, deep turns. It’ll keep the water flowing right through your back fins and help your board stick to the wave a bit more. Going up a size in fins can be a good idea too. Remember, you’re not trying to slide out here. You’re trying to shred the wave in two or just keep a smooth strong turn to stick.

Its really good to get low on your bottom turn: This is important in just about any move in surfing, but especially a big carve. I like to get really low as I go into my bottom turns.   As you go into your bottom turn, stay low and really try to spring out of your bottom turn. Once you’ve projected up the face of the wave, start eyeing your section. As you approach the lip or open face, shift your weight way back on your back foot and get ready for the turn. At this point, you should still have a bunch of speed and momentum. Obviously, speed is really crucial to a big turn.

It’s all in the your waist and hips to make power turns with your surfing!  The best turns begin from your waist, hips and core. As I go in to a big turn, I really try and focus on letting my hips and core open up and initiate the turn. Your waist, hips and core you should be the first part of your body to move. Once your body opens up and you begin to really use your rail, you can dig your back foot into your grip and start pushing for all you’re worth, all the while continuing to open up your hips. So to recap: stay low, open up your waist, hips, and push hard with your back foot. Those are really the building blocks to a successful power turns in your surfing.

Keep your knees bent, and body centered over your board: This should almost go without saying, but it’s important and I see a lot of surfers that could really improve if they kept this in mind: Always keep your knees bent and body centered over your board. When it comes to style, everything should flow and be in unison. If your arms are out of step with your body, it will look jerky and forced. Everything needs to be moving together and in harmony with the waves.  Its like dancing and you need to keep your eyes looking froward where you are going!
For working on your surfing and wanting to progress to your next level, we are happy to help and give you guidance in one of our surfing clinics in Maui, Oahu in Hawaii or down under on the Gold Coast in Queensland Australia.  You can email nancy@surfclinics.com or text us on +1 (808) 294-5544

Gerry Lopez in his power turn out at Ala Moana Bowls

Sam Cornish

Nancy Emerson doing a huge bottom turn out at Haliewa