Complete Your Turns – Stop Cutting Them Short

Do your turns feel weak, rushed, or unfinished? You’re not alone. Many surfers carve only a quarter or half turn instead of following through with a complete one. The result: lost speed, sloppy style, and missed sections.

Here’s how to fix it and finally wrap your turns all the way around.

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1. Look Through the Turn, Not at the Spray

Most incomplete turns happen because surfers stop looking where they want to go. The moment you stare at your spray, the turn dies. Instead, scan through the arc until you find your exit point. Your body and board will naturally follow your gaze.

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2. Open the Front Shoulder

A locked shoulder kills rotation. If your front arm is tight across your body, you’re physically blocking the twist. The fix? Roll the shoulder back, palm up, or raise your arm like you’re waving. This opens space for your torso to rotate and lets the turn flow.

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3. Keep the Turn Moving

A turn isn’t a frozen pose – it’s movement. Think of it as a flowing arc, not a snapshot. The more you let your body move progressively through the turn, the smoother and more powerful it becomes.

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4. Stop Playing It Safe

Many surfers pull out early because they’re afraid of getting stuck behind the pocket or rushing to the next section. The problem? You never learn to hold a full turn. Instead, use “throwaway waves” to experiment. Commit to one full arc – even if you fall or get caught. That’s how progression happens.

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5. Longer Holds = More Spray

Power isn’t about muscle – it’s about patience. The longer you stay on rail, the more spray you’ll throw. A drawn-out turn looks more stylish, feels better, and carries more speed into your next maneuver.

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TRAX: Tracking What You Can’t See

Most surfers don’t realize they’re cutting turns short until they watch footage. TRAX bridges that gap by tracking turn angles, weight shifts, and hold time. You’ll know instantly whether you’re committing to the arc – or bailing halfway. That data becomes your coach, helping you finish turns with power and flow.

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Related Reading:

→ Forehand snap in surfing — Learn to add precision and speed
→ Look where you go — How head positioning shapes your surfing
→ Speed and power in surfing — Why patience makes maneuvers stronger

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