Know How: Roundhouse Cutback

What is a roundhouse cutback?
How to with Jenny Boggis

A well-executed roundhouse cutback is a complex manoeuvre and is often referred to as two manoeuvres in one:

· A cutback to get close to the curl; and

· A re-entry to complete the manoeuvre.

The roundhouse cutback should be performed in one complete movement. Once the manoeuvre has begun there should be no stoppages in the manoeuvre.

Firstly you need to start with the cutback

1. Begin the cutback from out on the shoulder or flatter face of the wave.

2. Lower into a crouched body position. In this crouched position, it is extremely important to ensure you are bending sufficiently through your knees and waist.

3. For a forehand cutback lean backwards towards the white water in the pocket. For a backhand cutback, lean forwards towards the white water in the pocket. The reason for leaning is to put the board onto its rail thus reducing drag.

4. As you transition onto your rail you will need to simultaneously:

-look in the direction you want your board to go;

-rotate your shoulders by guiding them with your arms; and

-twist your torso back towards the pocket.

5. Hold your crouched body position throughout this part of the manoeuvre until you and your board are back into the more powerful pocket of the wave.

6. Once you see the impact point of the wave (lip or white water), you can straighten out of the turn.

7. This is the stage at which the roundhouse cutback is different from the standard cutback as you are adding in the second manoeuvre (re-entry). Just before hitting the white water, you throw your board up higher on the lip or white water whilst twisting your bodies’ trunk in the opposite direction (re-entry or rebound). You should maintain speed and power and flow throughout the manoeuvre.

8. Your board should now be facing back down the line in the direction you were heading before you began the roundhouse cutback.

9. Crouch to absorb the force of the impact.

10. Finally, centre over the string of the board in a crouched stance to successfully complete the manoeuvre.

TIP- to help you better understand the roundhouse cutback, try watching some surfing footage in slow motion whilst applying the sequences above.

Once you’ve mastered the roundhouse cutback you will experience the extra power, speed and dynamics the manoeuvre has to offer to your surfing repertoire.

Surf hard and catch you all next issue for more surfing technique tips.