Advanced · 4 min read · Board: A small-wave shortboard with a little extra volume.
Leaving the wave and landing back on it. Easier on small, onshore days than on a good one.
Most surfers' first aerial happens on an ordinary mushy day, on a small wave that has a little ramp in it. Bigger and hollower is not better for a first one.
Find a ramp: a small section where the wave steepens and the lip stands up.
Speed: build it from a good bottom turn, aimed at the ramp.
Take off with your eyes on the landing, with your knees bent and your weight forward, grabbing the rail with your front hand if you want.
Land with your feet over your board and your knees bent, going down with the wave.
Safety
Falling on a hard board hurts. Start on small, forgiving waves, and when other surfers are far away.
If you cannot land in the whitewater first, do not try on a green wave.
A guide is not a coach. If you can, take a lesson or surf with someone better than you.