I've made very good progress in the last year and am comfortable on strapless surfboards.

What I am still struggling with though is switching my feet before (or after) changing directions.
It's become my first serious obstacle and although someone explained it to me I still have not once mastered it, yet been practicing a fair bit. Can anyone reexplain or provide a video or anything that shows it?
Also is it easier to switch on heelside (before the turn) or on toeside (after the turn)?

How did you master this skill?
Cheers.

Thanks for the tips mate, those guys make it look so easy in the video.

Kajo said..
I've made very good progress in the last year and am comfortable on strapless surfboards.

What I am still struggling with though is switching my feet before (or after) changing directions.
It's become my first serious obstacle and although someone explained it to me I still have not once mastered it, yet been practicing a fair bit. Can anyone reexplain or provide a video or anything that shows it?
Also is it easier to switch on heelside (before the turn) or on toeside (after the turn)?

How did you master this skill?
Cheers.

Goofy or natural?
Im natural, and when riding left foot forward I switch feet after turn.
But when riding right foot forward I switch feet before the turn.
i find it easiest this way,but everyone is different.

I do it by riding heel side I then point my board cross down wind basically aiming at the kite. Then I switch feet to toeside. I can then stay toe side or most often I bring my kite across carve so riding heel side the other way. This works for me but you will no doubt find your own version.

Agree Tony, I need to practice this in flat water more. Also I'd think that practicing on strapless would be easier.
I've tried on my strapped baord and having to slip out of the straps first adds another level of complexity too it lol.

Kajo said..

How did you master this skill?

Windsurfing...

In all seriousness, switching feet before or after the turn. It can be as simple as...
I put my front foot an inch or so back, get the kite to not pull as much but still enough that I can keep an edge. Then put my back foot in front of my front foot and already perpendicular to it. If you'd grab a still photo of me in that position, I'd look really silly. Then I transfer weight to the new front foot, turn the upper body at the same time I put the now back foot to the back of the board.

If you're practicing on strapped board, take your back foot out first and in front of the back strap. Take your front foot out of your front strap and place it behind the front strap, so you have your strap open for your back foot. Then the technique is same as the above, just when you put your back foot in front, go directly into the strap. And then work your way into your back strap as you've already turned.

Thanks for all the great tips. Time to go practicing :)