A simple guide to trimming, carving, and setting up every manoeuvre.
What Is a Bottom Turn?
A turn at the bottom of the wave that converts downward speed into forward direction.
Sets up every manoeuvre on the face.
A good bottom turn = a good manoeuvre.
Two types:
Forehand (chest facing the wave)
Backhand (back facing the wave)
Minor vs Major Bottom Turns
Minor Bottom Turn:
- Used on softer shoulders.
- Aimed diagonally to reset your line.
- Common follow-ups: cutbacks, roundhouses.
Major Bottom Turn:
- Used for powerful, vertical surfing.
- Deeper drop, tighter turn, stronger rotation.
- Sets up snaps, re-entries, and fins-out manoeuvres.
The 5 Steps of a Bottom Turn
1. Position and Speed
- Take off near the peak.
- Build speed early for a stronger turn.
2. Compress
- Bend the knees as you drop.
- Stay low for balance and control.
3. Engage the Rail
- Crouch lower.
- Tuck the back knee in.
- Look where you want to go.
4. Pressure the Tail + Rotate
- Shift weight to your back foot.
- Rotate hips and chest toward the wave face.
- More pressure = sharper, faster turn.
5. Decompress + Manoeuvre
- Stand slightly taller as you rise.
- Draw your line into the next move.
Backside Bottom Turn: Key Differences
- Harder to see the wave, so look over the front shoulder.
- Lean back and load your heels.
- Reach your front hand toward the wave to open your body.
- Full-body rotation with shoulders squared to the lip.
Common Mistakes
- Wrong line: Too vertical on soft waves or too shallow on steep waves.
- Too much front-foot weight: Stalls the board or buries the rail.
- Losing your line: Small corrections kill speed and flow.
- Not opening the leading arm (backside): Limits rotation and makes the turn flat.
Ready to master your bottom turn? Book a lesson and let our coaches fine-tune your technique in real waves.
If you want this skill to click faster, jump into a lesson with us and get hands-on coaching that makes all the difference.
Improve your bottom turn, build your confidence, and feel the wave working with you. Book a session and level up with our team.
