As an intermediate surfer, improving your skill set and technique is essential for taking your surfing to the next level. Incorporating specific surfing drills and exercises into your surf training routines can accelerate your surf skills development and enhance your overall performance in the water. In this article, we will explore the top 10 surfing drills for intermediate surfers that will help you improve your surfing technique and progress in your surfing journey.

These surf training exercises are designed to focus on areas such as generating speed, improving bottom turns, enhancing rail-to-rail work, and making better wave choices. By consistently practicing these surf drills, you will not only enhance your surf performance but also expand your surf repertoire and enjoy the sport to its fullest.

Whether you are looking to improve your paddle technique, perfect your bottom turns, or fine-tune your wave selection skills, these top 10 surfing drills for intermediate surfers will provide you with the tools and guidance you need to progress in your surfing journey. Let’s dive in and discover the best surfing drills to enhance your surf performance!

Generating Speed

Generating speed is crucial for performing advanced maneuvers in surfing. To improve your speed on the waves, you can focus on paddle technique, weight transfer, and body mechanics.

Proper paddle technique, including high elbows and deep paddle strokes, can help you paddle efficiently and generate more speed.

Additionally, shifting your weight and transferring energy from rail to rail can enhance your speed generation.

Working on body mechanics, such as compressing and extending body movements and twist and rotate exercises, can also contribute to improved speed on the waves.

By incorporating these techniques into your surf training exercises, you can enhance your surf performance and improve your overall surfing experience.

Bottom Turns

Mastering proper bottom turns is essential for executing advanced maneuvers in surfing. A smooth and powerful bottom turn sets the foundation for impressive maneuvers. You can improve your bottom turns by focusing on technique, visualization, and progression tips. Proper body positioning, including leading with your head and keeping it centered over your body, is key to executing a successful bottom turn.

Visualizing yourself properly performing bottom turns and studying surf videos can help you identify areas for improvement. By incorporating these techniques and tips, you can enhance your bottom turns and elevate your overall surfing performance.

Proper Bottom Turn Technique

A proper bottom turn technique involves several key elements:

1. Lead with your head: Initiate the turn by looking in the direction you want to go.
2. Centered body positioning: Keep your body centered over the surfboard to maintain control and balance.
3. Weight distribution: Shift your weight from your back foot to your front foot as you initiate the turn.
4. Use your arms: Extend your arms to help with balance and control during the turn.
5. Bend your knees: Maintain a slightly bent knee position to absorb any bumps or changes in the wave.

Set Up Maneuvers

Before executing a bottom turn, it’s important to set up properly. Set up maneuvers help position you correctly on the wave and set the stage for a successful turn. Some common set up maneuvers include:

• Trimming: Riding the wave along the face to find the sweet spot for the bottom turn.
• Pumping: Generating speed before initiating the turn.
• Timing: Anticipating the wave and adjusting your positioning to catch it at the right moment.

Visualization and Progression Tips

Visualization is a powerful tool for improving bottom turns. By visualizing yourself executing the turn with precision and power, you can enhance your muscle memory and increase your chances of successfully performing the maneuver.

Here are some progression tips to help you improve your bottom turns:

1. Practice on smaller waves: Start with smaller waves to build confidence and perfect your technique.
2. Take video footage: Filming yourself can provide valuable feedback on your form and allow you to identify areas for improvement.
3. Seek feedback: Consider taking lessons or asking for input from more experienced surfers to get personalized guidance.
4. Experiment with different approaches: Try different angles, stances, and variations of bottom turns to find what works best for you.

Common Mistakes	Tips to Overcome
Leaning too far back or too far forward	Focus on maintaining a centered body position and shifting your weight appropriately.
Not bending your knees enough	Ensure you maintain a slightly bent knee position to absorb the wave’s energy and maintain control.
Not utilizing your arms for balance	Extend your arms and use them for balance during the bottom turn.

Wave Selection

Choosing the right waves is a critical skill for intermediate surfers who want to progress in their surfing abilities. By understanding how to read the ocean and evaluate surf spots, surfers can make informed decisions about wave selection, maximizing their surfing experience. There are several factors to consider when choosing waves:

• The type of break: Is it a beach break, point break, or reef break? Each break provides different wave characteristics and challenges.
• Wave characteristics: Evaluate the size, shape, and power of the waves. Are they suitable for your skill level?
• Tide: The tide can influence wave quality and shape. Some spots work better on high tide, while others are better at low tide.
• Wind conditions: Offshore wind can groom the waves, while onshore wind can create messy conditions. Consider the wind direction and its effect on the waves.
• Swell size and period: A larger swell can produce more powerful waves, while a longer swell period can provide more consistent surf.
• Sets and time between sets: Pay attention to the frequency of wave sets and the timing between them. This knowledge helps you position yourself effectively.
• Bathymetry: Understanding the underwater topography can give insights into wave behavior in specific areas.
• Dangerous conditions: Be aware of any hazards such as rocks, currents, or shallow areas that could impact your safety.

By carefully analyzing these factors and observing experienced surfers, you can improve your wave selection skills and position yourself for better surfing opportunities. It’s essential to develop a sense of timing and rhythm, as they play a significant role in catching and riding waves effectively.

Quote:

“Reading the ocean and selecting the right waves is like understanding the language of surfing. It requires constant practice, observation, and a deep connection with the ocean.” – Pro Surfer

Evaluating Surf Spots

Location	Type of Break	Wave Characteristics	Tide	Wind Conditions
Sunset Beach	Reef Break	Powerful and hollow waves	Mid to high tide	Offshore winds
Huntington Beach	Beach Break	Variety of wave shapes	Mid to low tide	Light onshore winds
Trestles	Point Break	Long, peeling waves	Mid to low tide	Offshore winds

Understanding wave selection is a continuous learning process. As you gain experience and develop a better understanding of the ocean’s dynamics, you’ll be able to make more educated choices that lead to incredible surfing moments.

Conclusion

Surfing offers an exciting opportunity for intermediate surfers to progress and improve their skills. By incorporating the top 10 surfing drills and following the provided tips, you can expand your surf repertoire and take your surfing to the next level. Whether you choose to focus on generating speed, perfecting your bottom turns, enhancing your rail-to-rail work, or making better wave choices, consistent practice and analysis of your performance are key.

Remember, the ultimate goal is to enjoy the sport and ride the waves. Don’t be discouraged if progress takes time; everyone progresses at their own pace. The real joy of surfing lies in the experience and the thrill of gliding across the water. So keep honing your skills, visualize success, and embrace the challenges. Each session in the water is an opportunity for growth and to deepen your love for the sport.

As you continue on your surfing journey, remember to stay safe and respect the ocean. Take care of your equipment, stay informed about surf conditions, and always prioritize your well-being. With dedication, patience, and a genuine passion for the sport, you can unlock new levels of surfing progression and find endless enjoyment in the waves.