Frontside vs. Backside: Master Both Turns

Every surfer has a more comfortable side — but mastering both frontside and backside turns opens up the wave and your skill set. Frontside turns usually feel more intuitive since you’re facing the wave, while backside requires a different body mechanic and awareness.

In this guide, we’ll break down the core differences, strengths, and techniques for both frontside and backside surfing so you can feel just as confident turning either way.

Frontside vs. Backside: Key Differences

Here’s a clear breakdown of how frontside and backside surfing differ in positioning, visibility, control, and technique.

Tips for Mastering Both Turns

To become a versatile surfer, you’ll want to dedicate time to improving both turning directions. Each demands different technique and awareness.

Frontside:

• Keep knees bent and lean slightly into the wave face
• Use your leading hand to guide turns down the line
• Engage your toe edge while applying pressure with your back foot
• Watch the wave face to time cutbacks and re-entries

Backside:

• Twist your upper body toward the wave using your shoulders
• Use your heels to dig in for turns
• Keep your eyes over your leading shoulder for awareness
• Lower your center of gravity for better control

Expert’s Advice

Pro surfers often emphasize the importance of staying relaxed, especially on your backside. Tension in your shoulders or hips makes transitions jerky and harder to recover from. Instead, focus on staying loose and letting the board flow with the wave’s shape.

Another expert tip: frontside turns are where you build confidence, but backside turns are where you build skill. Don’t avoid them. Spend dedicated sessions riding waves backside only, even if it means more wipeouts. The payoff in control and variety is huge.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Trying to apply the exact same movement on both sides is one of the most frequent errors. What works frontside won’t always translate directly to your backside, especially when it comes to shoulder rotation and weight distribution.

Another mistake is avoiding backside turns entirely. The more you avoid it, the harder it feels. Instead, treat it as a skill to build intentionally — one that will ultimately unlock more of the wave and your potential as a surfer.

Beginner Tips for Frontside and Backside Turns

Learning to turn smoothly on both your frontside and backside takes time, but getting the basics right early on will set you up for much better flow and control as you progress. These tips are designed to help beginners feel more confident with both types of turns, no matter which direction the wave is peeling.

Here are some helpful pointers to improve your frontside and backside turning technique:

• Keep your eyes on the direction you want to go: Your head leads the turn — look down the line, not at your board or feet.
• Use your shoulders and arms: Initiate turns by rotating your upper body — this helps your lower body follow naturally.
• Bend your knees, not your back: A low, centered stance gives you more balance and control through the turn.
• Practice carving on both sides: Don’t just favor your frontside — spend extra time on your backside to build comfort and symmetry.
• Start wide, then tighten: Make your turns big and flowing at first, then work on tightening them up as you gain control.
• Feel your rail: Learn how your board responds when you shift weight onto the toe or heel edge — this is the foundation of turning powerfully.
• Practice on a skateboard or surf trainer: Dryland tools can help you mimic the movement patterns and build muscle memory for both types of turns.

Takeaway

While it’s natural to favor one side, surfing really opens up when you master both. Improving frontside and backside turns makes you a more complete surfer, able to ride any wave with control and creativity. Commit to balanced practice, and your surfing will evolve from reactive to refined.