Lesson 019 — Turning Your Surfboard
Lesson 019 — Turning Your Surfboard
Learn the first simple movements that let you steer your board with confidence.
🎓 Learn To Surf UK Academy
🎯 Today's Mission
Learn the first simple movements that let you steer your surfboard instead of simply travelling straight to the beach.
✅ This Lesson Is For You If...
You're comfortable standing on small waves and want to begin controlling direction.
You want to understand how your head, shoulders and weight influence the board.
📚 In This Lesson You'll Learn
- How to start a turn without forcing the board.
- Why looking where you want to go matters.
- How small weight shifts create direction.
- Where to practise safely.
🏄 Start Small
Beginners don't need dramatic turns. Start by looking in the direction you want to travel, then gently shift your weight and allow the board to respond.
👀 Look Where You Want to Go
Your head and shoulders lead the movement. Turn your head first, follow with your shoulders and let your hips and feet guide the board.
💡 Bob Gnarly Tip
Don't try to force the board around. Small changes in pressure are easier to control and will build confidence much faster.
🌊 Practise on Small Waves
Use mellow whitewater or small broken waves to practise changing direction. The aim is control, not speed.
🇬🇧 UK Surf Tip
Practise where your instructor or local conditions make it safe. Never turn across the path of another surfer just to test a new manoeuvre.
⚠️ Common Beginner Mistake
Trying to turn using only your feet. Let your eyes, head and shoulders initiate the movement before applying pressure through your legs.
🌊 One Final Wave...
Small turns are real surfing. Control comes from subtle movements, not dramatic gestures.
📚 Lesson Summary
- ✅ Look first.
- ✅ Let your shoulders lead.
- ✅ Use gentle weight shifts.
- ✅ Practise on small, manageable waves.
🎉 Lesson Complete!
You've completed Lesson 019 — Turning Your Surfboard.
📖 Next Lesson
Catching Your First Green Wave
Start Lesson 020 →Wave reading → paddling → pop-up → turning → green waves