#SeeaTipTimeTuesday
~ Engage the rail!
For longboarding, it is important to get the inside rail to engage in the wave- meaning with pressure from our feet, we push the rail of the board into the wave. This will stabilize the board and also give you speed going down the wave. So, how do you engage the rail? Pay attention to her feet here, at notice her foot placement adjusting. When she wants to make speed down the line, both of her feet are on the inside rail(the rail facing the wave). When she wants to turn, she adjusts her feet to the other side of the stringer (middle of the board), and puts pressure on her back foot. After the turn, she readjusts her foot placement to be closer to the inside rail.
While subtle, developing this footwork will highly advance your surfing because you’ll be able to create speed, balance, and have more power in your turns!
If you find your feet feeling stuck, look down and notice where your feet are. Often feet will feel stuck if we are overcompensating to balance the board.
For starters, move the ball
Of your front foot to the middle of the board(the stringer). Then you can adjust your backfoot depending on which way (left or right) you are going.
Footwork is essential in surfing, so bringing attention to it will be very helpful in your progression!
Naomi wears our Vega Bikini in Sailor Stripe (available now) and our Sonja Surf Jacket (coming soon!)
Surfer: @naomi_tialavea
Footage: @_joshua_varela_