Lesson Library
Explore surf lessons, coaching answers, live-session replays, and conversations designed to help you understand what to practice next.
Browse by Fundamental Skill
All Lessons
- Catching Waves, Prone Turn
Coach Chris and Coach Evan analyze two clips and discuss how and how NOT to execute the prone turn, as well as how to better position yourself for an incoming wave to ensure the best ride.
- 24 mins
- Prone Turn
Recently we received a question about the mechanics of the fundamental skill, prone turning. To my surprise, when I went back to see the previous two videos regarding prone turns, the “how to” mechanics of it was missing from both videos. This video is another rendition of the same skill, but it includes the two mechanical requirements of the surfer in order to execute it effectively.
- 4 mins
- Prone Turn
A prone turn is changing direction while continuing to drive forward, an important skill you should be proficient in. When used to setup a wave, it can be a graceful transition from moving for position and into catching a wave.
- 2 mins
- Catching Waves, Prone Turn
Discussing approaches to catching waves other than paddling straight towards the beach with the wave at your back. When you’re a beginner, you learn how to turn your board around and start paddling for a wave you see coming. As you advance, you instead begin to close the gap on the peak which can be any combination of directions (i.e. further out, deeper or wider, etc.) and unique every time, rather than paddling in the direction the waves is traveling–which is always towards the beach.
- 10 mins
- Prone Turn
Evan hit us up with a question regarding the mechanics of a prone turn. Here’s my answer. Also, I decided the next video for the surf page should be a prone turn video. Will keep you guys updated on that !
- 6 mins
- Prone Turn
In this week’s video, my buddy Erik shows us how using a prone turn helps you to position yourself better for a wave, while maintaining momentum, and setting up the take-off all in one fluid turn as he paddles.
- 2 mins
- Prone Turn, Rail Set
Take-off angles are a subtle, but fundamental aspect of your take-off. But just because it’s a subtle element doesn’t mean it can’t be complicated to understand and implement. For every board and your position on the wave, angles must change to achieve the best result. And sometimes what seems right, suddenly changes due to the ever changing nature of waves. Years of practice is the only way to increase your ratio of success, but hopefully understanding them a little better will aid in your practice.
- 2 mins
- Prone Turn
When we talk about your “take-off angle”, it might be a little misleading. Since the angle you need changes as the wave develops, this video quickly explores why “radius” or “turning” might be a better way to describe what a surfer should be doing as they catch a wave.
- 2 mins
- Press Up, Prone Turn
Coach Evan tells the story of a surf adventure with his cousin going wrong in every way possible! The coaches also discuss the importance of the prone turn and setting the rail while looking over footage of Coach Evan surfing himself. Ajit also guest stars in the episode and asks the coaches about proper takeoffs and angling.
- 45 mins
Recommended Focus
- Live Studio, Podcast
Coach Chris and Coach Evan are joined my Mind the Surf creator, Andrew Hapke to discuss The Art of Missing Waves in their second live session ever. Check your emails from us to learn more about upcoming live calls.
- 43 mins
