“Hi Carla – I hope all is well and you are enjoying spring! I just got back from a week surfing in Mexico. I practiced everything we talked about and have been practicing steps on a board with towels underneath on land. Looking back at the wave, having a set goal of what I’m going to work on before getting in the water, and trying to relax my upper body have helped tremendously. However, I am still having some difficultly with stepping while on a wave. I have a video (although short) and some pics that show my attempts at stepping. I have watched the bonus clips like you suggested. I just can’t seem to put it together like I would like, would you mind if I sent them to you for a look? Thank you so much:)”
Firstly, it appears that those hips are still too parallel with the rails. You can see it pretty clearly in the still pic, despite the fact that you can see that you are leading with the forward arm, which I like. I think what may be happening is that your back foot isn’t staying at the right angle and actually turning a bit so that it then turns the knee forward, which, in turn, turns the hip. I’m gonna do a video demo to try to help give more clarity. Gimme a day or two…! (baby chicks currently taking over my office!)
Saw the feedback, but just went back and saw that you posted a short vid as well. Super helpful, thank you. A strange observation I had in the water – while going left(backside) it felt more organic to walk on the board. This surprised me, especially since I am generally more comfortable going right. Is this something you have noticed with other students? Just a random curious question..
My guess is you’re feeling it a bit easier on your backside because you’re naturally leaning back more… Do you find it’s easier to go forward or backwards backside and then perhaps forward or backwards going front side? I remember when I was first beginning it was much easier for me to cross step back then it was forward.
As for discs… anywhere between 4-6. Leave at least 6” between each disc.
“Hi Carla – I hope all is well and you are enjoying spring! I just got back from a week surfing in Mexico. I practiced everything we talked about and have been practicing steps on a board with towels underneath on land. Looking back at the wave, having a set goal of what I’m going to work on before getting in the water, and trying to relax my upper body have helped tremendously. However, I am still having some difficultly with stepping while on a wave. I have a video (although short) and some pics that show my attempts at stepping. I have watched the bonus clips like you suggested. I just can’t seem to put it together like I would like, would you mind if I sent them to you for a look? Thank you so much:)”
IMG_0248
Firstly, it appears that those hips are still too parallel with the rails. You can see it pretty clearly in the still pic, despite the fact that you can see that you are leading with the forward arm, which I like. I think what may be happening is that your back foot isn’t staying at the right angle and actually turning a bit so that it then turns the knee forward, which, in turn, turns the hip. I’m gonna do a video demo to try to help give more clarity. Gimme a day or two…! (baby chicks currently taking over my office!)
Check out this video comment on how to fix parallel hips while cross stepping.
Saw the feedback, but just went back and saw that you posted a short vid as well. Super helpful, thank you. A strange observation I had in the water – while going left(backside) it felt more organic to walk on the board. This surprised me, especially since I am generally more comfortable going right. Is this something you have noticed with other students? Just a random curious question..
Another question – how many balance disks do you have under your board while on land? I’m using a 9 4..
My guess is you’re feeling it a bit easier on your backside because you’re naturally leaning back more… Do you find it’s easier to go forward or backwards backside and then perhaps forward or backwards going front side? I remember when I was first beginning it was much easier for me to cross step back then it was forward.
As for discs… anywhere between 4-6. Leave at least 6” between each disc.