A floater is one of the most visually stunning and functional maneuvers in surfing. Performed when a surfer rides over the lip or crumbling section of a wave, this move allows a rider to float along the top of the breaking wave before dropping back down to the face to continue the ride. Often used as a transitional or linking move, the floater is not only stylish but also serves a critical purpose in maintaining momentum and positioning during a ride.
Floaters are commonly seen in smaller, mushier surf, but advanced surfers also execute them on hollow and powerful waves. It’s a high-risk maneuver that demands balance, timing, and precision.
Why Learn The Floater?
Understanding and mastering the floater can significantly elevate your surfing game. Here’s why:
Improves wave adaptability: The floater lets you continue your ride through crumbling or collapsing sections of the wave.
Enhances board control: Successfully riding the lip boosts your sense of timing, speed control, and balance.
Adds style to your surfing: A well-executed floater is visually impressive and a favorite among surf photographers and judges in competitions.
Builds a foundation for advanced maneuvers: Many aerial and lip-based moves use floater-like skills, making it essential for surfers aiming to expand their repertoire.
Ideal Conditions for Practicing Floaters
Wave Type and Size
Floaters work best on:
Shoulder-high waves with soft or crumbling lips.
Sectioning waves that close out gradually.
Mushy beach breaks, where riding over the lip is often the only option to continue the ride.
Avoid steep, dumping waves when learning the move, as they offer less forgiveness and can make the maneuver dangerous.
Board Selection
For learning floaters:
Shortboards offer responsiveness and control, ideal for lip maneuvers.
Fish boards or hybrids with more volume can help intermediates by offering better paddling and balance.
High-performance longboards can be used, but the move requires more skill due to size and weight.
Choose a board you’re comfortable with, as confidence plays a key role in successful execution.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Do a Floater
Step 1: Spot the Section Early
A successful floater begins with wave reading. Look ahead while riding and identify:
A crumbling lip section or A mushy closeout where going under or around is not viable.
Commit early so you can generate speed and position yourself correctly.
Step 2: Generate and Maintain Speed
You’ll need solid momentum to carry you over the lip. Speed is generated through:
Pumping down the line.
Using the wave’s energy efficiently (stay high on the face).
Compressing and extending your legs rhythmically.
Without enough speed, you may stall on top and lose your line, or worse—get pitched over.
Step 3: Bottom Turn with a Slight Angle Upward
Approach the lip with a clean bottom turn, angling your board slightly upward toward the breaking lip. Unlike a vertical re-entry, aim to hit the lip more diagonally or horizontally, depending on the wave’s shape.
Weight distribution: Keep your weight slightly more on the back foot during the turn to control the timing of your rise.
Eyes up: Always look where you want to go—over the lip, not at your board or feet.
Step 4: Float on Top of the Lip
As your board hits the lip, stay light and centered over your board:
Shift your weight slightly forward to maintain glide and stability.
Keep your knees bent and body compact.
Use your arms for balance—extend them out and make micro-adjustments.
This is the actual “floating” phase. Your board may skim the crumbling foam, or hover slightly above if you hit it with enough speed.
Important Tip: Do not stall. The longer you stay up there, the harder it becomes to descend cleanly.
Step 5: Prepare for Re-Entry
As you approach the end of the breaking section, anticipate your descent:
Keep your eyes focused on where the wave face resumes.
Shift your weight slightly back to lift the nose.
Compress your body in preparation for absorbing the drop.
The transition from lip to face can be choppy, so stay loose and reactive.
Step 6: Controlled Descent and Recovery
Drop back down to the wave with:
Knees bent deeply to absorb impact.
Arms extended to help balance.
Weight centered to avoid nose-diving or tail sliding out.
Once you’re back on the open face, flow into your next maneuver, whether it’s a carve, cutback, or bottom turn.
Common Mistakes And How to Avoid Them
1. Insufficient Speed
Problem: You stall or get stuck at the top.
Fix: Improve your wave reading and make sure to generate more speed through better positioning and pumping.
2. Poor Timing
Problem: You hit the lip too early or too late.
Fix: Practice wave judgment. Floaters require perfect timing—you want to meet the lip as it’s crumbling, not fully broken or too intact.
3. Weight Misplacement
Problem: Leaning too far forward leads to nose-dives, too far back causes slipping out.
Fix: Stay centered with micro-adjustments during the maneuver. Keep knees bent and eyes ahead.
4. Rigid Posture
Problem: You fall off due to imbalance.
Fix: Loosen up. Keep your body flexible and responsive. Use your arms and core to stay centered.
Training Tips to Master the Floater
Practice in the Right Conditions
Choose waves with consistent, soft lips. Don’t rush into steep closeouts or unpredictable surf until you’re confident.
Video Analysis
Film your surf sessions and study your attempts. Look at where you’re placing your board, how you’re distributing weight, and how you’re exiting the move.
Land-Based Balance Training
Use a balance board or Indo board to simulate the body movements and control required during a floater. Practice:
Shifting weight while maintaining posture.
Quick transitions from high to low stance.
Arm movement for stability.
Surf Skateboards
Surf-skates help mimic the turning and balance needed for lip maneuvers. Practice going up a ramp or banking surface and riding across the top to simulate the floating feeling.
Floater Variations and Advanced Tips
Once you’ve got the basic floater down, you can spice things up:
1. Vertical Floater
Performed more vertically on steeper waves—requires better timing and control.
2. Floater to Re-entry
After descending, immediately transition into a re-entry or snap.
3. Long Floaters
Prolong the float along a long crumbling section—great in competition or on peeling beach breaks.
4. Aerial Exit
Advanced surfers use floaters as a setup for small airs off the crumbling lip.
These variations require more speed, better wave reading, and confidence in handling critical sections.
Safety Considerations
Avoid crowded lineups when learning, as floaters can result in unpredictable descents.
Be cautious on shallow reefs or closeouts.
Always wear a leash and consider a helmet in rocky breaks.
Know your limits. Don’t attempt floaters on heavy waves until your fundamentals are rock solid.
Conclusion
The floater is more than a flashy trick—it’s a functional and stylish tool in every surfer’s playbook. Whether you’re using it to link sections, escape closeouts, or simply to look good on a wave, it’s a maneuver that rewards precision, speed, and courage.