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does anyone switch feet instead of going backhand - I'm not strong on backhand and feel that it would be less of a challenge to get proficient at new stance rather than improving backhand technique ?
Anyone doing it ?

start skateboarding and learn to drop that shoulder. quickest way to learn backside. skateparks are usually empty during daytime. find a short cruiser style board with big soft wheels for easily flow and smoothness. avoid the small hard wheel trick boards the kids use.

yep been doin it the last 6 months or so. Find its way more fun.

What about legrope ? Just put it on the side that you will use most each surf. ?

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normster said..
What about legrope ? Just put it on the side that you will use most each surf. ?

Get a waist leash.

That's a really good question , I've been kiting now for 1.5 years and ride switch on twintips ,surfboards & foils no worries but struggle on a Sup. Probably because I haven't put the time in because I feel like a kook but it is rare you see guys ride a Sup switch. Re the leggie I have mates that put it on the front foot because of dud knees and doesn't seem to worry them.

I think the skill would be powerful on a sup as you could always be set up optimally for the late and steep takeoffs.

The sup crowd has various roots and those coming from the kite/wind surf backgrounds probably are more apt to be so gifted as you've done this before.

Those like myself coming from a lifelong prone background, it's a bridge too far. Switchfoot is rare among surfers and is hard to pickup later. Kinda like writing with both hands.
And the funny thing is, a good backside attack gives another feeling which I'm hooked on by now.

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surfinJ said..
And the funny thing is, a good backside attack gives another feeling which I'm hooked on by now.

Same for me.

I actually tried switchfooting on SUP when I started, it felt natural because of my years windsurfing where the wind/waves orientation dictates your stance, but I think kind of I missed the variety brought by backside surfing.

Due to living in WA I have learned to love backhand

Wipeouts are worse, harder to get barrelled, harder to get vertical. But when you get it right it is a great feeling. Would love to move to the east coast and get more rights.

One thing is easier and that is lining up the wave paddling into them as you can see the wave the whole time as you turn

Doesn't matter ! Its surfin !! Ya have to go both ways !!!

i am regular footed--if i am facing sets and paddling in to a left (my backhand), turning clockwise, i always paddle in goofy (paddling in on left side of board)--sometimes i switch back to reg as i drop---sometime i ride the wave goofy for a bit, then switch back to reg, especially if the wave looks rippable--and once in a while i ride the whole wave goofy--just seems i can power the paddle in better goofy, when paddling on the left side of my board

even for rights, if i am turning clockwise, paddling on the left side of my board i drop goofy

i just started doing this and found it works well--came easy given fakies i used to skate in pools and pipes 40+ years ago

and to switch a couple of times on the wave is a nice style touch

never thought to try when regular surfing, as hands paddle on both sides of the board

Ill throw a spanner into this one

why not switch stance so you only go backhand?????

backhanding stuff is the best

disclaimer: i cant get any drive off the bottom while riding switch foot'd backhand ...But can do an ok'ish wiggle or 2 forehand switch foot'd

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tha dogman said..
why not switch stance so you only go backhand?????

... and finless, of course!

Larry Bertleman was the king of switch footing ,I always remember a old clip of him taking off backhand on a 8 to 10ft hollow wave getting to the pit and switch footing to get deep inside .
Absolutely one of the best.