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Backside carve – and the use of this technique in surfing

From Ochchi to Irons to Parkinson’s, some of the world’s most famous surfers use this decisive back-to-wave turn as a cornerstone of their styles.

With a bit of speed, energy, and grace, the typical maneuver never ceases to impress.

Owen Wright shared how to execute your signature version of the “backside carve properly”:

Speed

I think this applies to almost any surfing maneuver – the higher the starting speed, the better.

Backside Cut Back – été clothing

For this same trick, when entering a corner, speed is critical.

Most of all, I like to perform a backside carve at the exit from the pipe with a large reserve of pace and approach the section where the wave begins to straighten. The beauty of this maneuver is directly related to speed.

Bottom turn

The ideal place to start the bottom of the turn is somewhere 3/4 down the wave’s face.

During the turn, draw a 45 ° line to the wave section to create the backside care. Once again, going down 3/4, mark a 45 ° position where you will be doing the trick on the ridge.

If you start too low on the bottom of the turn and hit the height too high, you will end up with a backside snap instead of backside care, which is an entirely different story.

Legs position

When the maneuver begins, the back foot is placed at the very end of the pad most of the time. Backside carve is an exception in this respect.

When you come out of a 45-degree bottom turn, you pull your leg closer forward – somewhere in between the two finnas.

It is also essential to maintain a low center of gravity. It allows for a nice, long arc to be drawn.

Maneuver

So, you picked up speed, entered the correct wave section, and made the bottom turn with a 45-degree exit into position.

Now it’s time to do the carve itself.

The main thing to remember is the re-edging. The quality of the maneuver will depend on the smoothness and speed of the transition from one rail to another.

And all this must be done at the highest possible forward rate. To extend the pivot arc, place additional weight on your front leg while steering your back.

The legs will automatically straighten a little during the edging and arching. It is essential, and you need to feel it in practice. Once you do everything right, you will feel it.

Completion of the maneuver

Once you complete the arc, you will need to find a suitable bounce spot to prepare for the next maneuver. If you aim for the foam, you will do a roundhouse.

If you want to do a clean backside carve, seek the lower third of the wave. It will keep the speed high enough for the next bottom turn and maneuver.

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