Longboard · Intermediate
Longboard SUP bottom turns
Follow the field guide's four steps from surf stance and rail pressure to paddle support and the exit line.
A bottom turn carries your speed from the drop back onto the open face. As you head down the wave, pick the line you want to take out of the turn.
01. Widen your surf stance
After takeoff, stagger your feet into a surf stance. Moving the back foot a little toward the tail makes it easier to load the back of the board. Tail shape and fin setup affect how the board responds to the same foot placement.
02. Get low and load the rail
At the base of the wave, bend your knees and build pressure on the rail on the turning side. Adjust front- and back-foot pressure to the pitch of the wave and the lean of the board. On a long open shoulder, a broad arc helps you carry speed.
03. Use the paddle for support
As you lean into the turn, touch the paddle blade to the surface for support when needed. Keep the blade within comfortable reach and look toward the part of the face you want to ride next.
04. Extend into the open face
As the board points back up the face, ease off the rail and let your legs extend naturally. Follow a smooth arc into the open face and soften your knees again as you settle into your riding stance.
In the Starboard video, team rider Camille Dubrana compares how the TallTwin and a classic longboard feel in a carve.