If you’ve been surfing for a while now and are ready to up the ante, learning to master the cutback is not just a game-changer; it’s a thrilling new frontier in your wave riding journey.
This manoeuvre is a surefire way to elevate your rides and help you stay in the wave’s power zone, allowing you to maintain speed but also navigate effortlessly back to the wave’s sweet spot.
So, in this guide, we’ll break down the techniques and tips for grasping this trick and reveal a few of the common mistakes surfers often make along the way. By being aware of these pitfalls, you can avoid them and progress more quickly in your surfing journey.
So, hopefully, by the end of this guide, you’ll have all the information you need to go out and perform smooth, stylish cutbacks. Whether you’re aiming to sharpen your turns or refine your wave positioning, let’s dive in and start carving up those waves!
What Is a Cutback in Surfing?
A cutback in surfing is a move where the surfer turns the board back toward the wave’s breaking part, usually in a smooth, arcing motion. It helps the surfer stay in the powerful part of the wave (also known as the power source), allowing for better control and speed.
Cutback Surfing vs Cut Surfing
At this point, it’s worth clarifying that cut surfing and cutbacks are related concepts in surfing, but they refer to different aspects of manoeuvring on a wave:
- Cut surfing: This is a broader term encompassing any sharp turns or manoeuvres a surfer makes while riding a wave.
- Cutbacks: In contrast, a cutback is a specific manoeuvre within cut surfing. It involves a surfer riding up the face of the wave and then making a sharp turn back toward the breaking part of the wave. The goal of a cutback is to return to the wave’s power source (the breaking section), allowing the surfer to regain maximum speed and maintain momentum.
Now that we’ve covered the basics let’s take a closer look at different types of cutbacks:
Types of Cutbacks
Cutbacks can be categorised into three main types based on the surfer’s orientation to the wave:
- Forehand cutbacks
- Backside cutbacks
- Roundhouse cutbacks
Each of the above requires different techniques and boasts its own set of unique challenges and rewards. With that said, let’s explore each in turn:
The Forehand Cutback
A forehand cutback is a classic surfing manoeuvre where the surfer changes direction by turning back toward the breaking part of the wave. It’s performed while facing the wave, hence the term “forehand,” which refers to the surfer’s chest facing the wave during the turn.
In this move, the surfer rides up the face of the wave, reaches the top, and then shifts their weight onto their back foot to initiate the turn.
By applying pressure and using their body’s momentum, they carve the board in an arcing motion back toward the breaking part of the wave.
How to Master the Forehand Cutback
As you’ve probably already guessed, positioning is crucial in maintaining control and maximising power in a forehand cutback.
As you face the wave during the turn, this orientation allows you to clearly see the wave’s contours and adapt to its changing shape.
To execute a successful forehand cutback, start by shifting your weight onto your back foot. This is the key to initiating the turn.
The back foot acts as the pivot point, enabling you to carve a smooth, controlled arc back toward the wave’s breaking section.
Keep your knees bent and your upper body engaged, with your leading arm pointing in the direction of the turn.
This body positioning not only helps maintain balance but also generates the necessary torque for a dynamic cutback.
Remember: The more pressure you apply to your back foot, the sharper and more responsive your turn will be.
The Backside Cutback
A different approach is needed for the backside cutback compared to the forehand cutback.
Instead of facing the wave to perform a backside cutback, the surfer has their back to the wave. This manoeuvre requires more balance and a different weight distribution since you can’t see the wave as clearly, making it more challenging to execute but offering a unique flow and power once mastered.
How to Master the Backside Cutback
The back foot is pivotal in generating power and control during a backside cutback, so be sure to position it properly:
As you approach the breaking wave, decide where you’ll initiate the cutback. Ideally, this should be near the top third of the wave, where you have enough room to complete the manoeuvre.
Then, lean into your back foot and compress your body as you start a bottom turn. This helps to create the power needed to launch into the cutback.
As you reach the top of the wave, shift your weight onto your back foot. Rotate your shoulders and upper body towards the wave’s breaking section and keep your eyes focused on where you want to go.
Pro Tip: Your back foot should be placed firmly over the tail pad, with the ball of your foot directly over the back fin. This allows you to apply pressure on the rail when initiating the turn and gives you the leverage to pivot the board. As you press down with your back foot, you engage the fin and tail, allowing you to carve through the turn with more precision.
Apply pressure to your heels while simultaneously extending your front arm across your body. This movement will guide your board into the turn.
As you carve back toward the breaking section of the wave, focus on engaging your board’s rail. Push harder with your back foot to dig the rail into the water, maintaining control as you draw the arc of the cutback.
As you reach the breaking section, shift your weight back onto your front foot to complete the turn. This will help you regain your speed and set up for your next manoeuvre.
After completing the cutback, adjust your body position and look down the line to re-engage the wave’s face. Stay low and compressed, ready to continue riding or set up for your next move.
Remember: While your back foot controls the turn, your front foot acts as a guide, setting the board’s direction. It should be positioned just slightly forward of the centre, with your toes angled toward the nose. The placement of the front foot helps maintain balance and stability as you transfer your weight from rail to rail during the turn.
Roundhouse Cutback Mastery
The roundhouse cutback is an advanced wave riding manoeuvre that involves creating an ‘8’ pattern on the wave surface. This move requires precise timing, advanced skill, and excellent composure.
Surfers carve a wide, arcing turn back toward the breaking part of the wave (the white water) and then transition into another turn to continue riding down the line.
How to Master the Roundhouse Cutback
As you approach a section with an open face, position yourself in the middle of the wave, aiming toward the shoulder (the unbroken part).
Then, execute a powerful bottom turn to generate momentum. Bend your knees, engage your rail (edge of the surfboard), and shift your weight onto your back foot. This will give you the power needed for the cutback.
As you reach the top of the wave, begin your turn by looking over your shoulder toward the breaking part of the wave. This is where you want to perform the cutback.
Shift your weight to your front foot, and lean into your toeside rail (if you’re a regular foot, this is your left rail; for goofy footers, it’s the right rail) to start carving back toward the whitewater.
Extend your arms and body, using your front arm to guide the turn and your back arm for balance. The key to a proper roundhouse is making a smooth, wide arc. Focus on using your hips and shoulders to help pivot the board.
As you reach the whitewater, shift your weight slightly back to prepare for the rebound. Your board should hit the foam with enough speed and force to bounce off it.
Redirect your board back down the face of the wave. Maintain a low stance, bend your knees, and be ready to regain speed as you head back toward the unbroken part of the wave.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
A common mistake when performing cutbacks is initiating the turn too early on the wave. This will cause you to lose speed.
This usually happens when surfers instinctively aim for the shoulder of the wave rather than staying closer to the power source in the pocket.
By moving too far out, they lose the wave’s momentum, making it harder to regain speed and maintain fluidity. Instead, surfers should focus on timing their cutback to stay in the wave’s critical section, allowing them to harness more power and maintain a smoother, faster turn. This approach not only preserves speed but also enhances overall control and style.
Are You Ready To Perform Your First Cutback?
If you want to take your wave riding skills to the next level, it’s time to learn how to cutback! Whether you’re fine-tuning your forehand, backside, or roundhouse technique, remember that practice, patience, and timing are key.
You’ll find yourself carving through waves with more confidence, precision, and style as you hone your cutback skills.However, if you would like someone to help you nail this manoeuvre, join us at Rapturecamps and experience epic surf sessions and professional coaching. Whether you’re in Costa Rica, Bali, Morocco, Nicaragua or Portugal, there’s no better place to ride your best waves. Book your surf adventure today at Rapturecamps and start turning your cutbacks into works of art!
