Surfing is one of the most exhilarating and challenging sports in the world. It combines strength, agility, and mental focus, all while you ride waves that are constantly changing. Among the many tricks that surfers can perform, the frontside air is one of the most impressive. Not only does it demonstrate a surfer’s control over their board, but it also showcases their ability to harness the power of the wave and launch themselves into the air.
This article will break down everything you need to know to perform a frontside air in surfing. From understanding the fundamentals to advanced tips, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide to mastering this trick, along with key insights into the technique.
What Is A Frontside Air in Surfing?
Before we get into the mechanics of how to do a frontside air, it’s important to understand what this trick involves. In its simplest form, a frontside air is a maneuver in which a surfer launches their board off the lip of a wave and performs a mid-air maneuver before landing back on the wave. The term “frontside” refers to the direction the surfer faces as they approach the lip of the wave, with the frontside being the natural side for a regular-footed surfer (left foot forward) and the backside being the opposite for a goofy-footed surfer (right foot forward).
Performing a frontside air requires skill, timing, and an understanding of wave dynamics. You need to generate enough speed to reach the lip of the wave and then release your board, allowing it to float in the air momentarily before landing smoothly back on the wave face.
Why Is The Frontside Air Important?
The frontside air is an essential maneuver in competitive and recreational surfing. Here’s why:
Demonstrates Advanced Control: The ability to land a frontside air shows a high level of control over your board and your positioning on the wave. It’s a sign that a surfer has mastered basic skills and is ready to take their surfing to the next level.
Increases Wave Riding Ability: A successful frontside air can open up opportunities to perform other advanced maneuvers such as grabs, rotations, and flips.
Adds Style and Power to Your Surfing: Performing aerial maneuvers like the frontside air adds a dynamic flair to your surfing, making it look more stylish and exciting for both you and spectators.
Understanding the Basics: Key Requirements for a Frontside Air
Before attempting the frontside air, it’s essential to grasp some foundational aspects of surfing that make the trick possible.
These elements will set you up for success.
1. Proper Stance and Foot Positioning
Your stance and foot positioning play a crucial role in executing the frontside air correctly.
Regular vs. Goofy Stance: If you’re a regular surfer (left foot forward), you’ll be performing the frontside air by turning your body towards your right. If you’re goofy (right foot forward), the maneuver will feel natural as you turn towards your left.
Foot Placement: Ensure that your back foot is positioned correctly near the tail of the board, while your front foot should be closer to the middle, helping you initiate turns and pops off the lip.
Body Position: Stand with your knees slightly bent and your weight evenly distributed. Keep your torso facing forward, not too hunched or leaning back. A slight forward lean helps generate speed and makes your movements more fluid.
2. Wave Selection and Approach
Not all waves are suitable for aerial maneuvers, especially frontside airs. Choose a wave that is steep enough and has a well-formed lip. Waves that are too small or soft may not provide enough lift for a successful air.
Ideal Wave Conditions: Look for waves with a steep, clean face, and a defined lip that allows you to launch yourself into the air. The section where the wave is breaking (or about to break) is often the best spot to execute this maneuver.
Approach the Lip with Speed: To perform an air, you need to generate enough speed to launch yourself off the lip. Use the bottom turn to build momentum and direct yourself up the wave face toward the lip. Keep your eyes on the lip and your body positioned forward to maintain control.
The Step-by-Step Process of Performing a Frontside Air
Now that you have an understanding of the necessary conditions and positioning, it’s time to break down the actual steps of executing a frontside air.
1. Build Speed with a Strong Bottom Turn
The first step to executing a successful frontside air is building speed through the bottom turn. This is the turn you make at the bottom of the wave as you prepare to ascend the wave face toward the lip.
Drive through your back foot to accelerate as you turn toward the wave face.
Keep your weight centered and initiate the turn with your back foot, angling your body upwards towards the lip of the wave.
As you approach the lip, make sure your upper body remains relaxed but prepared to react quickly when you launch off.
2. Position Yourself for Takeoff
As you approach the lip of the wave, you need to position yourself in a way that allows for a smooth, controlled takeoff.
Engage the Lip: As you near the lip of the wave, push down on your back foot and use your front foot to direct the board upward. Your back foot should exert pressure on the tail of the board to release it off the water.
Timing: The key to a successful frontside air is timing. You want to take off just before the lip of the wave breaks. This will allow you to propel your board into the air while maintaining control.
3. Launch Off the Lip and Into the Air
The launch is the most exhilarating part of the frontside air. To get airborne:
Pop off the Lip: As you push off the lip, jump with your back foot while using your upper body to help lift the board. Keep your legs slightly bent to absorb the impact and prepare for landing.
Keep Your Body Balanced: As you leave the wave, keep your body centered over the board. It’s important to remain in a compact position to avoid losing control in the air.
4. Perform the Maneuver in the Air
In the air, you can add flair by performing grabs or rotations, but for a basic frontside air, it’s all about maintaining control and preparing to land.
Stay Compact: Tuck your knees in a bit to help keep your board under you. This compact form will allow you to stay balanced as you fly through the air.
Focus on Landing: Your primary goal is to land smoothly on the wave without catching an edge. Keep your eyes on the wave’s face as you come down.
5. Land Smoothly and Ride Away
Landing a frontside air can be challenging, but with practice, it becomes second nature. When you descend from the air:
Prepare for Impact: As you come down, bend your knees slightly to absorb the shock and maintain control.
Focus on the Wave Face: Land with your weight centered and your body aligned with the wave’s curve.
Ride Away Cleanly: Once your feet are back on the wave, continue riding the face and build speed for your next maneuver.
Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid
To improve your frontside air and avoid common mistakes, keep the following tips in mind:
Don’t Rush the Launch: A common mistake is rushing the launch off the lip. It’s important to wait for the right moment when you have enough speed and the wave lip is at its peak.
Maintain Board Control: Many surfers struggle with controlling the board mid-air. Practice using your hands to stabilize your body and keep your focus on landing.
Perfect Your Bottom Turn: If your bottom turn is too weak, you won’t generate enough speed for a clean takeoff. Work on strengthening your bottom turn to increase your chances of success.
Training and Progression: How to Improve Your Frontside Air
Mastering the frontside air takes practice, and it’s important to approach your progression step by step.
Start with Small Airs: Before attempting a full frontside air, practice smaller airs to get comfortable with the feeling of launching off the lip.
Work on Timing: The timing of your pop off the lip is crucial. Practice your bottom turns and pay close attention to the rhythm of the wave.
Use Video Feedback: Filming your attempts allows you to analyze your body position and technique to identify areas of improvement.
Conclusion
The frontside air is a spectacular maneuver that every surfer should strive to master. It requires speed, timing, and control to execute correctly, but with practice, you can add it to your repertoire of tricks. By focusing on your stance, wave selection, timing, and proper technique, you can perform a smooth and stylish frontside air that will impress both fellow surfers and spectators alike.