Trigger Words – The Most Underrated Tool in Surf Progression
Surfing is hard – and not just physically.
Your brain has to juggle wave reading, body mechanics, fear, and flow – all in a few seconds.
That’s where trigger words come in.
They’re simple, powerful, and wildly underused.
1. What’s a Trigger Word?
A trigger word is a short, personal cue – usually one word or phrase – that links directly to an action you want to perform.
Think:
– “Lean” to cue a bottom turn
– “Walk up” for a pop-up
– “Thumb points the way” for opening the front shoulder in a cutback
It’s not a thought. It’s not a lecture. It’s a pattern interrupter.
One word = one action = less thinking = better surfing.
2. Why Do They Work?
Your brain can’t juggle 7 things mid-wave.
Trying to recall every step of a cutback or bottom turn will overload you – and usually make you stiff or late.
Trigger words:
– Shorten that mental list
– Connect training to action
– Free your mind to react instead of overthink
They’re like cheat codes for muscle memory – especially when paired with land-based practice.
3. One Word, One Fix
Don’t try to fix everything at once. Use one trigger word per habit.
Examples:
– Struggling to twist through turns? Use: “Open” or “Point the thumb”
– Back foot surfing? Try: “Shift” or “Kiss the knees”
– Popping too early? Cue: “Wait”
– Getting stuck mid-wave? Try: “Flow” or “Breathe”
It doesn’t matter what the word is – only that it connects with you and causes action.
4. Say It. Don’t Just Think It.
Whether you’re surf skating, shadow surfing, or popping up in your living room – say your trigger word out loud.
Why?
Because it links body and brain.
It creates a fast, automatic response – not a thought spiral.
Reps matter. And so does repetition with intention.
5. Train It Before You Surf It
Trigger words don’t work unless you train them.
That means:
– Repeating them during land drills
– Using them as you move, not just before
– Practicing one trigger at a time until it sticks
Then, when you’re in the surf and D.I.P.P.I. (Danger – Interesting – Pleasurable – Important) distractions kick in?
You’ve already trained your body what to do – no overthinking required.
How TRAX Makes Trigger Words Even More Effective
TRAX shows you what your body actually did – not just what you meant to do.
It lets you:
– See when your trigger word worked – and when it didn’t
– Track changes in stance, timing, compression, or weight shift
– Combine internal cues with external feedback – so you’re not guessing
When you train with intention, TRAX becomes your mirror – revealing what you really did and helping you course-correct fast.
Related Reading:
→ Still surfing like a robot? Here’s how to surf fluidly — Why one clear focus beats scattered effort
→ What you think you’re doing – and what you’re actually doing — The perception gap every surfer needs to close
