RIDE THE TUBE HOW TO

You learn to use your shoulder to punch through the back (we call this the dolphin arch. You always have your shoulder to the wave because you change your arms whether you’re going left or right. If you’re boogieboarding you’re always riding backside. What I like about the experience on a boogie-board is that it teaches you to ride the barrel. You learn about explosions and what happens in there. I grew up boogie-boarding the shorepound and I got used to being comfortable pulling into closeouts and getting comfortable inside the barrel. I can’t speak for others and I’m not saying I’m the best faller but I feel like I get myself out of situations that look a lot worse than they are. I started getting pounded from an early age. Some people fall like cats, others like mice. Have you ever seen Kelly Slater, Shane Dorian or Joel Parkinson in an awkward wipeout? Nor have I. Mark Healey, Jamie Sterling – no offence, boys – but you guys manage to get yourself in the worst positions, ever. Unfortunately, I think falling off comes naturally.

The best surfers deal with bad situations with confidence.

RIDE THE TUBE HOW TO

The best tuberiders know how to fall. If you can get yourself out of dangerous situations, you get less hurt, catch more waves and surf with confidence. If you’re square you’re not getting sucked up the face or falling down into the trough.

Your board will point to the exit of the tube. If you’re squared up, you’re automatically aimed at making the tube. You can change your speed, your direction and deal with what the tube’s got to throw at you. If you’re square to the wave, you have control. Think of a good pig-dog as a really good stretch across your chest. Not the one that attaches your arm to the rail). Your shoulder is god. The single most important thing about backside tuberiding is your shoulder (the shoulder closest to the wave, that is.

Ride the tube