Surfing is a thrilling sport that requires balance, skill, and the right techniques to perform tricks. One of the most exciting and rewarding tricks to learn is the Backside Air. This aerial maneuver involves launching off the lip of the wave and rotating while staying in the air before landing. It’s a popular trick in both competitive and recreational surfing. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to do a Backside Air, focusing on the steps, tips, and techniques to help you master this move.
What Is a Backside Air?
Before diving into the technique, let’s define the Backside Air. A Backside Air is a trick where the surfer launches off the lip of a wave, rotating their body mid-air, and then lands back onto the wave. This move requires a combination of speed, timing, and control. A backside refers to the surfer’s position on the wave when their back is facing the wave face.
To perform this trick, you’ll need to generate enough speed to reach the lip of the wave, then use your back foot to push off the lip, propelling yourself into the air. It requires good positioning on the board and awareness of your surroundings.
1. Prerequisites: Basic Surfing Skills
Before attempting a Backside Air, you should have a solid understanding of basic surfing techniques. This includes:
Paddling and Catching Waves: You need to know how to paddle effectively and catch waves properly.
Standing Up: Be comfortable with popping up on the board and maintaining balance while riding the wave.
Bottom Turns: Mastering the bottom turn is essential because it gives you the momentum needed for aerial tricks like the Backside Air.
If you are still in the early stages of surfing, it is essential to practice these basics before trying more advanced tricks.
2. Positioning Your Body on the Wave
Getting into the right position is key to performing a successful Backside Air. Your body position determines how much speed you can generate and how you will approach the lip of the wave.
Stay Low: When approaching the wave, keep a low and balanced stance. A lower center of gravity will help you maintain stability and control.
Weight Distribution: Place more weight on your back foot to help you carve the wave. This will also help you initiate the pop off the lip.
Eyes on the Lip: Keep your eyes focused on the lip of the wave as you approach it. Being aware of the lip’s height and angle will allow you to time your launch correctly.
3. Generating Speed
Speed is essential for performing the Backside Air. Without enough speed, you won’t be able to launch off the lip effectively.
Pumping: Use the pumping technique to build speed as you approach the lip. This involves using your body to create a flow of energy down the wave’s face. By bending your knees and pushing your body up and down, you’ll create more speed and momentum.
Carve the Wave: A deep carving turn will help you gain more speed while positioning yourself correctly for the aerial maneuver. Carving allows you to generate the right amount of energy to launch off the wave’s lip.
4. Approaching the Lip
As you approach the lip, focus on your timing and positioning. The lip is the top edge of the wave, and this is where you’ll launch your Backside Air.
Positioning: Ensure that you are in the right spot on the wave. You want to hit the lip at an angle that allows for maximum lift. Make sure that you are not too far forward or too far back on the board, as this can affect your trajectory.
Timing: Timing is crucial when performing the Backside Air. You need to hit the lip at the right moment to get the lift needed for the trick. It’s important to anticipate the lip’s motion and hit it when it’s in a favorable position.
5. Launching into the Air
The launch is the most critical part of the Backside Air. This is when you will use your back foot to push off the lip and propel yourself into the air.
Pop Off the Lip: To launch, push down on your back foot as you hit the lip. This will create an upward force that lifts your board off the wave. The more force you generate with your back foot, the higher you’ll go.
Engage the Core: As you pop off the lip, engage your core muscles to keep your body stable in the air. This will allow you to rotate and maintain control while airborne.
Keep Your Eyes on the Landing: Even though you are in the air, it’s important to keep your eyes on where you want to land. This helps you orient yourself and prepares you for the landing.
6. Rotating in the Air
The Backside Air involves not just launching into the air, but also rotating your body mid-flight.
Rotation Technique: As you pop off the lip, use your upper body to initiate the rotation. Your head and shoulders should lead the movement, with your hips following. The more you rotate your shoulders, the easier it will be to complete the trick.
Stay Compact: To rotate efficiently, keep your body compact. Bring your knees towards your chest to make the rotation quicker and more controlled. This will help you stay in control of the spin and prevent falling mid-air.
Use Your Hands: Your hands should stay in front of you as you rotate. They help you balance and guide the spin.
7. Spotting the Landing
After the rotation, you’ll need to spot the landing. This requires good timing and quick reflexes to ensure you land smoothly back onto the wave.
Look for the Wave’s Face: Focus on the wave’s face where you intend to land. This will help you align your body and board with the surface for a smooth landing.
Prepare Your Legs: Keep your knees slightly bent and your body relaxed to absorb the impact of landing. A soft landing will help prevent injury and keep you in control.
8. Landing the Trick
Landing the Backside Air is where all your preparation and timing come together. Here’s how to land smoothly and continue riding the wave.
Land with Control: As you approach the wave’s surface, land with both feet centered on the board. Keep your knees bent to absorb the shock and maintain balance.
Stay Low: When you land, stay low to keep your center of gravity stable. This helps you avoid losing control after landing.
Continue Riding the Wave: After landing, continue riding the wave by carving and maintaining speed. A smooth landing will allow you to ride out of the trick with style and grace.
9. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learning the Backside Air comes with its challenges. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
Not Generating Enough Speed: Without enough speed, you won’t be able to launch off the lip. Make sure to pump and carve the wave to build the necessary speed.
Over-Rotating: It’s important to rotate just enough for the trick. Over-rotating can cause you to fall or land awkwardly. Practice the right amount of rotation for your skill level.
Losing Focus: Keeping your eyes on the landing spot is crucial. Losing focus in the air can lead to misjudging the landing and falling.
10. Tips for Improving Your Backside Air
To take your Backside Air to the next level, here are some tips for improvement:
Practice on Smaller Waves: If you’re just starting, practice your Backside Air on smaller, less powerful waves. This will help you focus on technique without being overwhelmed by the wave’s size.
Film Yourself: Record your attempts to see what you can improve. This will help you analyze your timing, positioning, and rotation technique.
Focus on Your Strengths: If you have strong legs or good flexibility, incorporate these strengths into your movement. Understanding your own body can help you improve faster.
Conclusion
The Backside Air is a challenging and exhilarating trick that requires practice, timing, and a good understanding of surfing fundamentals. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can improve your technique and eventually master this trick. Remember to practice regularly, stay patient, and enjoy the process of learning. With dedication and the right approach, you’ll be flying high on the waves in no time!