#SeeaTipTimeTuesday
Shortboard Backside Stretch Five ~ Just because a board is short, doesn't mean you can't have toes on the nose! In this video, Im riding a 5'8 (its not a standard shortboard design, more of an old school shape with a lot more volume through the nose), but regardless, standard shortboards will also be able to do this.
I like to do this in a steep section of a wave, preferably when Im taking off. As I pop up, I pull my bag leg up to the middle of the board (instead of the back), and slide my front leg all the way through in one motion to the nose. To maintain balance and board control, especially in a steep section, I grab my outside rail with my back arm. I pull against the board with my arm so help set the rail into the wave. In order to do this stretch 5 with a low center of gravity, I like to have my front leg either straight or barely bent. If the back foot is too far up on the board, it is easy to nose dive, or the fins will release. By keeping the extension through our front leg, we'll have our weight balancing on the front half or third of the board (depending on how big the back is). On land, you can practice getting into this position on a yoga mat (its actually easier for me on the board than on land because grabbing the board helps to create balance and speed, but finding comfortablility with your leg stretch and posture will be beneficial to transfer it onto the board.
While in this position, your center weight will be completely over your back foot, while your front leg stretched to the nose is more of a balance point and guide for where you want to go
On a very steep section, this can be a different positioning to stall for a potential barrel. You can use your from leg and arm to stick into the wave in order to slow down and control speed into a barrel.
~ Words By @leahloves
📹 @tahneinei
🎵 @ackermon