Surfing is full of exciting maneuvers. One of the most thrilling moves is the floater. This move is stylish, powerful, and functional. It shows control and creativity. It is also useful when the wave is closing out. Let’s break it down step by step and learn everything about the floater in surfing.
Understanding the Floater
A floater is a surfing maneuver. In this move, the surfer rides up and across the top of the breaking wave. The surfer then floats over the white water (the foamy part of the wave) and lands back on the open face of the wave.
It is called a floater because the surfer looks like they are floating over the breaking part of the wave.
This move is not only stylish, but also useful. It helps the surfer stay on the wave even when part of it is closing out.
When Do Surfers Use the Floater?
Surfers use the floater in specific situations. The most common time is when the wave is closing out. That means the wave is breaking all at once, leaving no room to ride along the face.
Instead of giving up, the surfer rides over the top and continues on the other side. The floater allows the surfer to bypass the broken section of the wave and stay in motion.
Surfers also use floaters to show off their skill and style during competitions. Judges love clean, smooth, and controlled floaters.
Why is the Floater Important?
The floater is important for many reasons:
- It helps maintain speed.
- It allows you to stay on the wave.
- It looks stylish and impressive.
- It shows control and balance.
Without this move, surfers would often have to stop riding when a wave closes out. The floater gives surfers more options and keeps the ride going longer.
How to Do a Floater in Surfing
Let’s break down how to perform a floater step by step. It takes time and practice, but it can be learned with patience.
1. Choose the Right Wave
To do a floater, you need the right wave. A good wave for a floater has a section that is about to close out. This means the wave is breaking all the way from top to bottom in a short area.
This type of wave creates a lip that you can ride over.
2. Gain Enough Speed
Speed is important. You need momentum to climb the face of the wave and ride across the top. Before going for the floater, make sure you generate speed by making small turns (called trimming) or a bottom turn.
Without speed, you won’t make it over the section.
3. Angle Your Board Up the Wave
As you approach the closing section, angle your board slightly up. This helps you climb to the top of the wave.
Don’t go too steep or too flat. A gentle angle is best. Your eyes should be looking at the top of the lip.
4. Ride Across the Top
Once you’re on top of the wave, keep your board level and balanced. This is the floating part. You are riding across the white water or the lip of the wave.
This part takes balance and control. Too much pressure on the front foot may cause a nose dive. Too much on the back foot may stall you.
5. Prepare for the Landing
As the white water passes beneath you, look for a clean area to land. Aim for the open face of the wave or a flatter part of the white water.
Stay low and bend your knees to absorb the impact. This helps you stay stable during the landing.
6. Reconnect with the Wave
After landing, quickly regain control and continue riding. If done correctly, you’ll keep going down the line as if nothing happened.
Practice makes perfect. The more you try, the better your timing and balance will get.
Different Types of Floaters
There is more than one way to do a floater. Let’s look at some different types.
1. Basic Floater
This is the standard floater. The surfer rides up and over the breaking section, floats across the top, and lands back down.
This is the best type for beginners to learn first.
2. Vertical Floater
In this move, the surfer goes more vertical up the wave face before floating across. It looks sharper and more aggressive.
This type is harder and requires more control.
3. Extended Floater
This floater lasts longer. The surfer stays on top of the wave for a longer time, riding across a larger section.
This type shows more balance and board control.
4. Floater to Re-entry
In this move, the surfer adds a re-entry at the end of the floater. That means they come down the wave and hit the lip again in a smooth motion.
It’s stylish and adds flow to the ride.
Common Mistakes When Learning Floaters
Everyone makes mistakes when learning. Let’s look at the common ones so you can avoid them.
1. Not Enough Speed
Without enough speed, you won’t make it to the top. Always focus on gaining speed before attempting a floater.
2. Poor Timing
If you go too early or too late, the floater won’t work. Timing is key. Practice watching waves and choosing the right moment.
3. Leaning Too Far Forward
Too much weight on the front foot can cause the board to nosedive. Keep your weight centered or slightly back.
4. Landing Too Stiff
You need to bend your knees when landing. A stiff landing can cause you to fall.
5. Choosing the Wrong Wave
Not every wave is good for a floater. Look for waves with a clean lip and a closing section, not messy or mushy waves.
Tips to Improve Your Floater
Improving takes time, but these tips will help.
- Watch videos of professionals. Pay attention to their body position and timing.
- Practice on small waves first. Don’t rush into big, fast waves.
- Keep your knees bent. Stay flexible and ready to adjust.
- Use your arms for balance. Arms help you stay stable during the floater.
- Stay relaxed. Tension makes you stiff and less responsive.
Equipment and the Floater
The type of surfboard you use can affect your floater.
Shortboards
Shortboards are ideal for floaters. They are light, fast, and easy to turn. Most surfers use shortboards for advanced maneuvers like the floater.
Longboards
Floaters on longboards are possible but harder. Longboards are heavier and harder to turn quickly. Some skilled longboarders can still perform beautiful floaters.
Fins and Rocker
Boards with more rocker (curve) are easier to angle up the wave. Fins also help with control during the floater.
Choose a setup that matches your skill level and wave conditions.
Why Surfers Love Floaters
Floaters are exciting and fun. They allow surfers to extend their ride. They also look cool and add style to the session.
Many professional surfers use floaters in competitions. They score points for control, speed, and creativity.
But you don’t have to be a pro. Even beginner and intermediate surfers can learn and enjoy this move.
Famous Surfers Known for Floaters
Many pro surfers are famous for their floaters. Here are a few names:
Kelly Slater – Known for his smooth and powerful floaters.
John John Florence – Uses floaters as part of his stylish wave-riding.
Stephanie Gilmore – Shows elegance and control in every floater.
Gabriel Medina – Adds floaters to his fast and aggressive style.
Watching these surfers can help you understand how to do the move correctly.
Practicing the Floater on Land
You can even practice parts of the floater on land.
Balance board training – Helps improve stability.
Stretching and yoga – Keeps your body flexible.
Surf skateboards – Mimic the motion of surfing.
Watching your footage – Helps you correct mistakes.
All these help build the skills needed for clean floaters.
Final Thoughts
The floater is a key surfing move. It helps you keep your ride going, even on difficult waves. It shows skill, balance, and creativity. It also adds excitement and style to your surfing.
Whether you are a beginner or an advanced surfer, the floater is worth learning. It takes time and practice, but the reward is great. You will have more fun, ride more waves, and feel more confident.
Next time you’re in the water, look for a good section and try a floater. Stay low, stay balanced, and ride the top of the wave like a pro.