If you’re just starting your surfing journey, you’ve probably seen experienced riders carve graceful arcs on the wave face, changing direction fluidly and stylishly. That move? It’s called a cutback—and it’s a rite of passage for any surfer looking to level up. While it might look intimidating at first, nailing your first cutback is totally within reach when you’ve got the right guidance, plenty of practice, and a little patience.
In this step-by-step guide, we’re going to walk you through everything you need to know to master the cutback, from body positioning to timing and tips on avoiding the most common mistakes. Let’s dive in!
What Is a Cutback, and Why Should You Learn It?
A cutback is a fundamental surfing maneuver that allows you to redirect your board back toward the breaking part of the wave (the pocket) after moving out toward the shoulder. It’s one of the most important tools in a surfer’s toolkit because it helps maintain speed, control, and positioning on the wave face. Executing a proper cutback not only looks rad, but it also opens the door to more advanced maneuvers down the road like snaps, roundhouses, and combinations.
Plus, it’s a heck of a lot of fun.
Step 1: Choose the Right Wave
A good cutback starts with the right wave. You’ll want to look for a soft, peeling wave that offers enough shoulder to work with but doesn’t close out too fast. Point breaks or slow beach breaks are great places to practice. If you’re in San Diego, spots like Tourmaline or La Jolla Shores on a mellow day might offer ideal conditions for beginners.
Step 2: Generate Speed
You can’t perform a cutback if you’re not moving fast enough. Use your bottom turns and down-the-line approach to build enough momentum. This means engaging your rails and using your body to pump through the wave sections. The more speed you have entering the maneuver, the smoother your cutback will feel.
Step 3: Spot Your Target
As you move down the line, keep your eyes on the shoulder ahead. Once you’ve passed the powerful section of the wave (the pocket), it’s time to redirect. Visualize the line you want to carve back on. Target a section of the wave where you’ll still be able to reconnect with the power source after completing your turn.
Step 4: Initiate the Turn
Now comes the fun part. Shift your weight onto your back foot to initiate the turn—this will pivot the board and begin your arc back toward the breaking wave. At the same time, rotate your shoulders toward the inside of the wave and follow through with your head and upper body. Your board will follow your body’s lead, so keep your movements fluid and intentional.
Tip: Imagine painting an arc with your board on the face of the wave as you guide it back to the power zone.
Step 5: Drive Through the Arc
This is where commitment matters. As the board begins to turn, keep your knees bent and stay low to maintain balance and control. Apply pressure evenly through your toes and heels depending on your stance (regular or goofy) and stay connected with the water. It’s common for beginners to either stand too upright or hesitate—this often causes the board to stall or wobble. Keep flowing.
Don’t forget to continue looking toward where you want to finish. Surfing is incredibly visual. Where you look is usually where you’ll go.
Step 6: Re-Engage the Pocket
As you finish the arc, shift your weight slightly forward to regain speed and get back into the pocket. Timing this right can set you up for another maneuver or keep you locked into the energy of the wave. This part of the cutback is crucial because it keeps your ride going. Re-engaging the power zone means you’re not just carving for style—you’re maximizing what the wave has to offer.
Advanced tip: Once you start feeling confident, you can begin adding a small snap or rebound off the whitewater to give your cutback more punch and flair.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Lack of Speed: Without enough speed, the cutback becomes sluggish and ineffective. Focus on good wave positioning and pumping before trying to carve.
- Over-Rotating: Going too far past the arc can cause you to lose the wave entirely. Keep it smooth and controlled at first.
- Bad Posture: Staying too stiff or standing tall kills your balance. Maintain a low, engaged stance throughout the maneuver.
- Poor Wave Choice: Don’t try to cut back into a closeout—it won’t end well. Choose waves that give you space to work.
Progress Takes Time
Like any solid surf maneuver, progression doesn’t happen overnight. Even seasoned surfers spend sessions refining their cutbacks. Record your sessions if possible, or ask a friend to film you—seeing yourself from the beach reveals so much about what you’re doing right (or not so right).
Don’t be afraid to take a few spills—every wipeout is a lesson wrapped in sea foam.
The Culture of the Cutback
Part of what makes surfing so addictive is the artistry involved, and the cutback is a perfect expression of that balance between control and flow. From Tom Curren’s silky arcs in the 80s to modern high-performance surfing, the cutback remains a statement of style. Learning it not only sharpens your technique, but connects you deeper to the soul of surfing—merging history, innovation, and self-expression on every wave.
If you’re catching waves in San Diego and want to continue progressing, nothing beats learning with experienced guidance. Take advantage of local knowledge through Surf Lessons in San Diego and get real-time feedback that accelerates your learning curve.
Want to learn how to surf? Check out the surfing lessons at San Diego Surf Lesson.
