How to Unlock Your Backhand Surfing
For many surfers, the backhand feels awkward compared to the forehand. You can’t see the wave as easily, your balance feels less stable, and turns don’t connect the way you want them to. But unlocking your backhand isn’t about working harder – it’s about fixing a few key fundamentals.
Here’s how to make your backhand feel smooth, powerful, and in control.
1. Stack Your Bones for Balance
Good posture is the foundation of backhand surfing. If you hunch forward with bent knees and a rounded back, you lock up your movement and send the wrong signals to your board.
Instead:
- Keep your head up and eyes scanning the wave
- Align your ankles, knees, hips, and shoulders in one line
- Stay relaxed so only the muscles you need are engaged
Stacked bones = better balance, more freedom to move, and more awareness of what the wave is doing.
2. See Your Target Before You Turn
One reason backhand feels harder is that your chest faces away from the wave – meaning you can’t naturally see your target. If you can’t see the section you’re aiming for, you’ll mistime or misplace your turn.
Fix it by:
- Opening your shoulders toward the lip
- Using your arms to guide rotation instead of locking them in
- Holding your twist longer to give yourself more travel time up the face
3. Stop Splitting Momentum
If your arms are moving in different directions or your upper body fights your lower body, you’re splitting energy and slowing down. Keep your movements connected:
- Hands and shoulders lead your board
- Keep your body language consistent with your intended line
- Avoid over-leaning on your heels – use twist for control
4. Match Effort to Technique
Trying harder with bad technique just makes mistakes more obvious. The goal is effortless-looking surfing, even on your backhand. That means:
- Smooth, consistent pressure on your rails
- Controlled speed – don’t force it
- Timing over muscle
How TRAX Helps You Improve Your Backhand
TRAX shows exactly where you’re turning, how steep your lines are, and whether you’re staying connected through the pocket. It reveals if you’re stalling mid-face, rushing your bottom turn, or losing speed in the lip – and gives you clear feedback so you can fix it in your next session.
Related Reading:
→ Why surfing rail to rail feels better – and works better — Use wave energy instead of fighting it
→ Fix your surf pop-up — Start balanced so you can stay balanced
→ How to surf small waves properly — Master technique in weaker surf
