Surf with Style – Why It’s About Efficiency, Not Effortlessness
Every surfer wants more style. It’s often ranked higher than power surfing or chasing big waves. Style is what makes a ride look smooth, creative, and memorable. But when most surfers try to “add style,” they end up looking stiff, flappy, or awkward.
Here’s the truth: stylish surfing isn’t about doing less. It’s about moving efficiently – using just enough effort to get the job done and cutting out everything that doesn’t contribute.
1. Style Is Movement, Not a Pose
Trying to copy stylish pros by doing nothing – or by forcing “relaxed” body language – always backfires. What looks effortless is actually precise, efficient movement where every part of the body is connected and working toward the same goal.
2. Efficiency Creates Flow
Stylish surfers don’t waste energy. No flailing arms, no stiff shoulders, no jerky corrections. They understand the movement first – how their board responds, where their weight belongs – and then refine it until it’s cleaner, smoother, and lighter.
3. Play With the Movement
Style doesn’t come from drills alone – it comes from experimenting. Once you understand the fundamentals of a maneuver, play with it. Try to get the same result with less input. Remove extra hand swings or hesitation. Explore what feels different until you discover what feels better.
4. Stress and Tension Kill Style
Tense, anxious surfers always look awkward. Relaxation is essential – your body moves fluidly when it’s not locked up by fear or stress. Breathe, loosen your arms, and keep your gaze up.
5. Stylish Surfing Is Synergy
Great style comes from everything working together: eyes, shoulders, hips, knees, and board. When your upper and lower body are in sync, it looks like one clean movement. When they’re fighting each other, it looks broken.
TRAX: Helping You Refine Style Through Feedback
Style feels subjective – but TRAX makes it objective. By tracking weight shifts, turn angles, and balance points, TRAX shows where you’re wasting energy and where you’re flowing. It helps you cut the clutter, find efficiency, and surf with the kind of style that looks as good as it feels.
Related Reading:
→ Fix your surf stance – from Poo Man to Power — Stance is the base of all style
→ Look where you go — Your eyes guide your movement and flow
→ Expectation management in surfing — Drop the pressure to look better and you will
