Surf Tip: Keep Your Eyes on the Prize

Surfing is a full-body experience, but your eyes play a critical role in guiding your movements. Looking where you’re going at every stage of a wave—paddling, popping up, and riding—can make a huge difference in your technique and flow.

• When paddling for a wave, focusing on how the wave is forming helps you position yourself correctly and align your stroke rate for a clean takeoff. This ensures you’re aiming for the right part of the wave and maximizing your chances of catching it.
• During your pop-up, your eyes guide your stance and balance. By looking forward, instead of down at your board, you position your body to move with the wave’s energy, rather than against it, making the transition smoother and more controlled.

• Once you’re up and riding, your gaze dictates your direction. Whether setting up for a bottom turn or aiming for a section ahead, your board follows your eyes. By consistently looking where you want to go, you can maintain speed, flow, and stay in tune with the wave’s power.

Don’ts:

• Don’t look at your feet. I know the urge to look at where your feet are going is strong but try to resist. Not only does it make you stall but it also puts you in a dangerous position where you’re not looking at what’s ahead of you, potentially hitting other surfers paddling in the water.
• Don’t forget to follow through with the rest of your body: first the head, then the shoulders then the arms, hips, legs, and finally your feet. If you practice this enough, eventually this will all be just one fluid motion, one after another.

Looking where you’re going might seem simple, but it’s a foundational habit that can drastically improve your surfing. Focus your gaze, and the rest will follow!

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