Surfing Angle Take-Offs: How to Set the Right Line Early
Why Angling Matters
Your take-off is the “first impression” with the wave—it sets the rhythm for your entire ride. Get it right, and you glide straight into the pocket with speed. Get it wrong, and you’ll either nosedive, get stuck in the whitewater, or race straight toward the beach.
Common Mistakes and Fixes
- Not Angling at All: Looking down at your board or popping up too soon keeps you going straight down the wave. Instead, look toward the shoulder and think about riding sideways before you stand up.
- Not Enough Angle: On fast waves, dropping straight to the bottom leaves you trapped. Aim higher toward the shoulder to keep speed.
- Too Much Angle: On softer waves, over-angling pushes you off the back. Match your angle to how fast the wave is peeling.
- Frontside Bias: Many beginners only angle to their frontside. Practice both directions—your backhand needs just as much attention.
- Bad Timing: Angle too early and you slow down, angle too late and you’ll miss the section. Paddle straight at first, then angle during your last strokes.
- Looking Down: The board goes where your chest and head point. Keep them aimed at the shoulder, not your feet.
Correct angling is about confidence: pick a line early, commit, and let momentum carry you.
How TRAX Helps You Nail the Take-Off
Even when you think you’re angling enough, the reality is often different. TRAX tracks your entry line, speed, and rail engagement to show if you’re setting the right angle. That way, you can see whether you’re catching the pocket consistently or wasting waves by going too straight—or too far out the back.
Related Reading
- Duck Dive or Bail? How to Make the Right Call in Heavy Surf
- Complete Your Turns – Stop Cutting Them Short
- 5 Turning Mistakes That Keep You Stuck
.jpg)
