The top turn (off the lip)

Turning and speed · 5 min read · Board: A shortboard.

Driving up the wave and turning at the top, back down. The foundation of all vertical surfing.

After a good bottom turn you climb the wave face. The top turn changes direction at the top, as the lip stands up, and sends you back down.

Drive up after the bottom turn, with your weight on the front foot and your eyes on the lip.
Look at the exact spot on the lip where you want to turn.
Rotate your head and shoulders in the direction you want to go. The board follows.
Push with the back foot as the board reaches the top, to swing the tail around.
Come back down with your weight central. Pick up speed for the next section.

Mistakes

Starting the turn too early or too low on the face. Go higher before you turn.
Not enough speed. If the bottom turn was weak, the top turn will be too.
Falling backward. Keep your chest and eyes toward the wave, and your front foot loaded.
Turning on your feet only. The turn starts with the shoulders.

Aim for a target at the top of the wave on every ride, even if you do not reach it.
Surf small, clean waves. Practise the whole line: bottom turn, drive, top turn.

A guide is not a coach. If you can, take a lesson or surf with someone better than you.