Angling your take-off is a key skill that sets up your ride and helps you build speed, control, and smooth transitions.
It means choosing the right angle as you catch the wave so that you can generate speed, avoid nose-diving, and smoothly enter your first turn.
Instead of coming in straight on, you start to point your head, chest, and board toward your intended line of travel.
In other words, it's the process of positioning your body and surfboard at a slight diagonal as you transition from paddling to riding the wave.
It can also work as a shortcut to riding down the line when the wave is too steep, and the bottom turn is not an option.
The early adjustment allows you to:
- Avoid a Wipeout: If the wave is collapsing fast and you need a late take-off, angling might be the only option available;
- Generate Speed: The angled entry helps trim the board on the wave's face, redirecting water flow to build momentum;
- Set Up Your Maneuver: A proper angle gives you a head start on your bottom turn and guides you into the section of the wave you want to surf;
- Prevent Nose Dives: By engaging the inside rail with a slight lean, you keep the board from diving into the water;
- Surf More: the sooner you take off on a wave, the longer you'll ride;
When To Do It
The decision to angle your take-off depends on both the wave and your positioning.
Begin by paddling perpendicular to the incoming wave until you are close to catching it to ensure you're not too deep or too far out on the wave's shoulder.
Ideally, the angling begins during the last three paddle strokes when you're sure you're on the wave.
You should also watch the wave's shoulder, peak, and speed.
High or fast-breaking waves require an earlier and stronger angle, while slower, softer waves may need only a slight adjustment.
The size and shape of your board affect your timing.
Longboards with more paddle power might allow for an earlier angle, while shortboards require you to catch the wave right at the peak.
You will learn more about that below.
How to Angle Your Take-off
A well-angled take-off involves four decisive, coordinated movements:
1. Catching the Wave
Paddle straight on (perpendicular to the wave) until you're confident you have caught it to build the necessary speed before you begin angling.
Then, decide whether you want to go left or right by reading the wave's curve. Your choice will set your positioning for the rest of the ride.
2. Watching and Leaning
As you approach the wave, start looking toward your target area and lean your upper body slightly in that direction during the final paddle strokes.
Often, your body will naturally start to follow your gaze. This gentle lean is the first sign of angling without overthinking the process.
3. Raising Your Upper Body
Once you're on the wave, place both hands on the board under your chest and lift your upper body into what is sometimes called in yoga the "cobra pose."
Remember to point your head and chest toward where you want to go.
If you plan to turn left, for example, put extra weight on your left hand to press the inside rail (the part of the board closer to the wave's center) - this step readies the board to trim along the wave.
Lastly, a brief, extra lean just before you pop up helps increase the angle and further engages the rail.
4. Taking Off
As you stand up, ensure that your head and chest continue to point in the direction you want to go. This helps maintain the line you set during the paddling phase.
A proper take-off means that you remain centered on the board, preserving speed and control as you transition into your bottom turn.
Body Coordination and Speed Generation
Effective angling isn't just about arm and board movement - it's about coordinating your entire body.
Everything requires upper and lower body coordination.
Generating speed often relies on a twisting motion, where your lower body drives a compression and extension cycle.
The movement is similar to a "speed pump" where your eyes lead your body by looking from the top to the bottom of the wave.
Then, eyes are your guides. You should keep them focused.
Keep your eyes focused on where you want the wave to take you. As your gaze shifts, your body will naturally twist and follow.
Ultimately, you may practice off the water. For instance, a skateboard can be used to simulate this twisting motion.
Practicing a "scoop and clap" movement on a skateboard can help you get a feel for coordinating your upper and lower body.
Board Differences and Their Impact
Different boards react differently during the take-off.
Longboards have faster paddle power, so they allow for earlier angling, giving you more time to set your line.
Obviously, there's a higher risk of nose-diving. Due to their size and lower rocker, longboards can pearl if not angled correctly.
Also, they provide more flexibility in positioning - longboarders can catch waves further from the peak but must use a more exaggerated angle to maneuver.
On the other hand, with shortboards, you must take off right at the peak; there's little room for error.
The shorter, curvier rails offer better control for quick turns, making timing even more critical.
Shortboarders often need to paddle perpendicular longer, angling only in the final moments to avoid missing the wave.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced surfers can struggle with the nuances of angling the take-off.
Watch out for being too deep or too far out on the shoulder, which makes it hard to match the wave's speed.
Then, an angle that is too early can cause you to miss the wave, while too late can force you into the whitewater.
Never let your head and chest stray from your target. A quick distraction or looking down at your board can derail your entire take-off.
Finally, excessive effort to catch the wave can lead to poor positioning. That's why it is important to stay relaxed, read the wave, and commit to your chosen line.
Tips for Mastery
There are a few things you could do to improve your surf angling skills.
Knowing how to read waves is paramount. So, learn to identify the wave's peak, shoulder, and speed early in your session.
It will pay off for knowing exactly when to start angling.
Then, stay relaxed - avoid stress while paddling. A calm approach lets you absorb the wave's cues and respond naturally.
Focus on where you want to go instead of the bottom of the wave. Let your eyes lead your body.
Experimenting with different boards could also help. Understand how your board's size and rocker affect your take-off, and adjust your technique to match.
At last, pick up a skateboard. Off-water practice can help you develop the necessary twists and coordination between your upper and lower body.
Words by Luís MP | Founder of SurferToday.com
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