Lesson 023 — Your First Turns
🎓 Learn to Surf UK Academy
🎯 Today's Mission
Learn the foundations of steering a surfboard using your eyes, shoulders, hips and feet.
✅ This lesson is for you if...
You can stand on small waves but feel like the board has a mind of its own.
You want to make gentle direction changes instead of travelling in a straight line.
📚 In This Lesson You'll Learn
- Why looking is the first part of turning.
- How front-foot and back-foot pressure influence the board.
- Why small turns are better than dramatic movements.
- How to keep your balance while changing direction.
Turning Starts With Your Eyes
One of the easiest ways to improve your turns is also the simplest: look where you want to go.
Your head leads your shoulders, your shoulders influence your hips, and your hips help your feet transfer pressure into the board. You don't need to force the board around.
1️⃣ Look
Choose a point on the wave and look towards it.
2️⃣ Rotate
Allow your shoulders and upper body to follow your eyes.
3️⃣ Weight
Use gentle pressure through your feet to guide the board.
🏄 Bob Gnarly Tip
Think small. Your first turns should feel like subtle direction changes, not dramatic carving. Small movements give you much more control.
Front Foot vs Back Foot
Your front foot helps keep the board moving and stable. Your back foot can help pivot and tighten the line. For beginners, keep most movements gentle and avoid suddenly loading the tail.
💡 Did You Know?
Many surfers learn to steer long before they realise they're doing it. Simply changing where you look and how your shoulders face can create a noticeable change in direction.
⚠️ Common Beginner Mistake
Leaning your whole body dramatically to make the board turn. Large movements often make a beginner lose balance before the board has time to respond.
🌊 UK Surf Tip
Practise small direction changes on gentle, open-faced waves. If the wave becomes too steep or fast, prioritise staying balanced and finishing the ride safely.
🌊 One Final Wave…
Good turns begin with a calm mind, a clear look and a small movement.
📚 Lesson Summary
- ✅ Look first.
- ✅ Let your shoulders and hips follow.
- ✅ Use small, controlled pressure through your feet.
- ✅ Stay relaxed and avoid dramatic movements.
🎉 Lesson Complete!
You've completed Lesson 023 — Your First Turns.
Next: Where Should I Sit?
Start Lesson 024 →