So I've been surfing for almost a year now and still have this annoying itch that has been bothering me for the last 3 weeks.

When I started surfing I was a natural footed skateboarder however when I surfed it always felt natural to pop up to a goofy stance.

Being from WA I've been mostly surfing lefts however after just getting back from goldcoast I have no realised how weird it feels surfing backhand. It feels natural to pop up but once im up I feel my stance is very much leaning on the front foot.

Should I completely switch my footing now or continue and hope things will change?

A boogie board will solve this issue.

Are you taking the piss buster? Cuz I have the same issue but I been surfing longer.

Check this kook's positioning on the lefts:



Ask yourself what his weight distribution is?

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PaulyOS said...
So I've been surfing for almost a year now and still have this annoying itch that has been bothering me for the last 3 weeks.

When I started surfing I was a natural footed skateboarder however when I surfed it always felt natural to pop up to a goofy stance.

Being from WA I've been mostly surfing lefts however after just getting back from goldcoast I have no realised how weird it feels surfing backhand. It feels natural to pop up but once im up I feel my stance is very much leaning on the front foot.

Should I completely switch my footing now or continue and hope things will change?

When you say you are a natural footed skater do you mean you actually skate or just that you can roll down a hill natural? If you are anything better than a complete novice on a skateboard you should clearly be riding natural and should already know it

Yeh I think I'm more than a novice at skateboarding. I guess I do already know it but las time I asked this question, most people said "do what feels natural"

Now I'm stuck.

I'll try switchfoot tomorrow when the swell kicks up. Should be interesting

Grab your skateboard, go down the local skatepark and drop into the half pipe from the coping in both Natural and Goofy.
It won't help you but man it'll be funny.

I skated heaps in the 80's & still tick tack my way down for a surf check occasionally when I'm not expecting much. I surf natural, skate goofy & used to switchfoot snowboarding so I always faced the hill up until the last couple of times I decided I preferred mostly going goofy. Which is kinda how your saying you prefer to face the wave, it is easier at first. These days I will surf natural on a shortboard but enjoy switchfooting a lot on my longboard. Like taking off natural, bottom turning up to the top of the wave & switchfooting. Cutting back & doing floaters while switchfoot is fun. I reckon embrace it & just surf both ways if you can but mix it up & develop your backhand or you will be missing out. I can tell just looking at your arm positions that your a newer surfer. But I wouldn't worry too much, just get out there & have fun. You'll get your sh1t together & If you end up being able to surf both ways its a bonus.

Hey Pauly

Mate , if you are really interested in getting this sorted, get in touch with Surfing WA and get some coaching, may only take one session, perhaps two, but given your update i reckon it would make the world of difference for such a small investment. Turn your world around even?? If you end up being able to harness the skill of naturally swicthfooting BIG BONUS.

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Surf69 said..
Hey Pauly

Mate , if you are really interested in getting this sorted, get in touch with Surfing WA and get some coaching, may only take one session, perhaps two, but given your update i reckon it would make the world of difference for such a small investment. Turn your world around even?? If you end up being able to harness the skill of naturally swicthfooting BIG BONUS.

Thanks buddy, i'll check them out

Do what feels natural I know a bloke who never surfs backside...He's natural foot going right and goofy foot going left.

Hahaha I was a body boarder back in the day.

When I was learning to surf/stand up, I used to surf on my forehand going both lefts and rights.

My sand board was strapped natural, but skated goofie.

Now that I kite alot, knowing how to switch while kiting is a massive bonus. Sometimes for giggles ill switch while riding a wave.

Simple test is the old push back one ..
Stand normally with both feet at shoulder width
Have someone push you backwards in the centre of the chest a few times
You should favour one leg going back first to stop you from falling over
That leg should be your back foot on the board and dictate your preferred stance
If you don't have a preferred leg embrace the ability to ride switch foot ..takes twice as long though
If you fall on your back think about reconsidering your choice of leisure activities, i hear speed crocheting is gaining popularity in WA...

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Prawnhead said...
Simple test is the old push back one ..
Stand normally with both feet at shoulder width
Have someone push you backwards in the centre of the chest a few times
You should favour one leg going back first to stop you from falling over
That leg should be your back foot on the board and dictate your preferred stance
If you don't have a preferred leg embrace the ability to ride switch foot ..takes twice as long though
If you fall on your back think about reconsidering your choice of leisure activities, i hear speed crocheting is gaining popularity in WA...

Will be a contender for post of the year

What happens if you're wearing a hologram bracelet? Then you don't fall over at all.

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Legion said..
What happens if you're wearing a hologram bracelet? Then you don't fall over at all.

damn those pesky hologram bracelets