The great thing about SUP, is that depending on the conditions it can be a mixture of soul cruising or hi-performance ripping all in one package. In this issue we gonna turn it up a notch and get some spray flying as we take a closer look at How To initiate a Power Turn cutback on a Stand Up board.

Boards are available in a wide range of sizes, so whether you are on a 11’6 Cruiser type of board or an 8ft SUP Quad, you can apply the same principals to perfect the Power Turn. For this illustration I’ll use an in-between board size which is the Coreban 10ft Icon.

As with any water sport, be it Kite boarding, surfing or windsurfing, speed is the essence to making a move not only look good, but also effective. The Power Turn cutback is an important part of progressive SUP riding as it will allow you to maintain speed while riding a wave and setting up for your next manoeuvre. Being able to turn prevents you from travelling too far along the wave face and allows you to stay near the peak where the most power is.

So you’re up and riding, board flying across the wave face and feel it’s time to lay it all down for a Power Cutback. First and most important key is to ensure that your paddle is on the side of the wave to which you are turning. This will allow you to apply pressure and result in added balance.

As you’re about to turn, put your back foot as far back on the tail of your board and begin to apply pressure on your back foot. At the same time dig the blade of your paddle into the water right next to you - this will act as a pivot point but be ready for the added pull on the paddle and also make sure that you have a strong paddle before attempting the move as there is huge amounts of pressure that will be applied to the shaft at this stage.

Depending on your board size the board will begin to turn quite fast, but with boards over 10ft be aware that you will have the front rail to contend with. At times it will feel like your board wants to dig a rail and track forward. At this stage it’s commit or die - begin to apply more pressure on your paddle and actually lean off your board and over the water onto your paddle until the rail breaks loose - if you are on a smaller board this step will be a lot faster.

Important key is to begin to twist your body in the direction you are heading and at the same time watch where you are going - where your head goes, your body will follow. Keep pressure on the paddle and on your back foot to drive all the way through. Holding a little wider on the paddle is an option and allows for more stability and control.

As you complete the turn, switch your paddle to the other side. You can either be prepared to rebound off the whitewater or simply shift your weight towards your front foot and redirect your board in the direction you were going and prepare for your next move.

The best thing about SUP riding is that apart from being the best core work out, it’s loads of fun and easy to perfect so keep on trying and most of all stay away from other beach users and keep it safe. Aloha.

Ivan van Vuuren

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