BOOTH Training’s Thursday Tip – Front side bouy turns

Hey Team,

This weeks tip is about front side bouy turns. Now why I say frontside only is because I switch my stance when turning as I’ve learnt that it is more effective for me. Sometimes in the surf I will do a backside turn but generally I switch stance in races.

When turning if i put my back to the can and pressure on my back foot it allows the board to slide easily around the mark with quick sweeping strokes. I make sure I do short sharp strokes and not to drag my paddle through the water. There are fancier ways to turn but I always go for the safe option.

When on a 12’6 I’m able to step back with ease like you see in the video. On a 14’ however I need to add a step in to get my back foot over the fin to create a smooth turn. This can be done as either a jump back, a shuffle or a step over movement.

For my gaze I make sure I’m looking where I want to go and not at my board or paddle. This helps me stay stable and flat throughout the turn. Further only keep the nose of the board just out of the water. There is no need to slam on the breaks and get the board high in the air. As long as the board isn’t breaking the surface tension of the water this is perfect when turning.

Try this out over the next week and let me know how you go!

Happy paddling,
Michael