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Unlocking the Secrets of the Varial Surf: A Comprehensive Guide

The varial surf maneuver is a thrilling aerial trick that adds a dynamic edge to any surfer’s repertoire. It’s a move that blends the fundamentals of surfing with the creativity of skateboarding, resulting in a visually stunning and technically challenging feat. This guide delves into the intricacies of the varial surf, providing aspiring aerialists with a roadmap to mastering this exciting trick.

What is a Varial in Surfing?

In skateboarding, a varial involves a board spinning 180 degrees while the rider remains facing forward. The varial surf adaptation takes this concept to the water. It’s essentially a shove-it combined with an air. The board rotates 180 degrees under your feet as you launch off a wave, and you land back on the board facing the same direction you started.

Breaking Down the Varial Surf: Step-by-Step

Mastering the varial surf requires a solid foundation in surfing basics, including confident paddling, wave selection, and board control. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps:

Step 1: Building a Solid Foundation

Comfort in the Air: Before attempting a varial surf, you should be comfortable catching air on small waves and landing cleanly. Practice simple airs to get a feel for the sensation of being airborne.
Shove-It Proficiency: The foundation of the varial surf is the shove-it. Practice shove-its on flat water or mellow waves to develop the muscle memory required for the rotation.
Wave Selection: Choose waves that offer a clean face and a gentle ramp. Avoid steep, hollow waves, especially when learning.

Step 2: The Takeoff and Rotation

Approach: Approach the wave with speed and confidence, aiming for a section that will allow you to launch into the air.
Bottom Turn: Execute a smooth bottom turn to set yourself up for the air. Compress your body as you approach the lip of the wave.
The Pop: As you reach the lip, explode upwards, using your legs to generate lift. Simultaneously, initiate the shove-it motion by scooping your back foot behind you. This is where the varial surf begins to take shape.
Spot the Landing: Keep your eyes focused on your board and the landing zone. Visualizing a successful landing is crucial.

Step 3: The Landing and Ride Out

Sticking the Landing: As the board rotates, guide it back under your feet. Aim to land with your feet centered over the board.
Absorption: Absorb the impact of the landing by bending your knees. This will help you maintain balance and control.
Ride Out: Once you’ve landed, ride out the wave with confidence. Maintain a balanced stance and adjust your weight as needed.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Learning the varial surf can be challenging, and it’s common to encounter setbacks along the way. Here are some common mistakes and tips on how to avoid them:

Not Enough Rotation: If the board isn’t completing the full 180-degree rotation, focus on exaggerating the shove-it motion. Use your back foot to really scoop the board around.
Over-Rotation: If you’re over-rotating, try to control the spin with your front foot. Use subtle movements to slow the rotation down.
Leaning Too Far Back: Leaning too far back can cause you to fall backward. Keep your weight centered over the board.
Not Spotting the Landing: Failing to spot the landing can lead to a messy crash. Keep your eyes focused on the board throughout the rotation.

Training and Preparation for Varial Surfing

Consistent practice is essential for mastering the varial surf. However, there are also several off-water training exercises that can help you improve your technique and build the necessary strength and coordination.

Skateboarding

Skateboarding is an excellent way to practice the shove-it motion and develop your balance. Practice shove-its on flat ground and gradually progress to ollies and other tricks.

Trampoline Training

Trampoline training can help you improve your aerial awareness and coordination. Practice rotating your body in the air and landing in a controlled manner.

Strength Training

Strength training can help you build the power and endurance needed to perform the varial surf. Focus on exercises that target your legs, core, and upper body.

The Right Equipment for Varial Surfing

Having the right equipment can make a significant difference in your ability to perform the varial surf. Consider the following factors when choosing your board and fins:

Board Size: Choose a board that is slightly shorter and wider than your standard surfboard. This will make it easier to rotate the board in the air.
Board Shape: A board with a flatter rocker and a wider tail will provide more stability and make it easier to land.
Fin Setup: Experiment with different fin setups to find what works best for you. A thruster setup with smaller fins can make the board more maneuverable.

Advanced Varial Surf Variations

Once you’ve mastered the basic varial surf, you can start experimenting with variations. Here are a few ideas:

Frontside Varial: Instead of rotating the board with your back foot, use your front foot to initiate the spin.
Heel Flip Varial: Combine the varial with a heel flip for an even more complex trick.
360 Varial: Rotate the board a full 360 degrees for the ultimate challenge.

Inspiration from the Pros: Varial Surf Masters

Many professional surfers have incorporated the varial surf into their repertoire. Watching videos of these surfers can provide inspiration and help you visualize the trick. Look to surfers known for their progressive aerial surfing, such as [See also: John John Florence’s Air Game] or [See also: Gabriel Medina’s Aerial Prowess]. Analyzing their technique can offer valuable insights.

The Future of Varial Surfing

The varial surf is a constantly evolving trick. As surfers continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible, we can expect to see even more innovative variations emerge. With dedication and practice, anyone can master the varial surf and add a new dimension to their surfing. The varial surf isn’t just a trick; it’s a statement. It’s a way to express creativity and push the limits of what’s possible on a surfboard. As surfing evolves, so too will the varial surf, promising even more spectacular displays of aerial artistry. The varial surf is here to stay, inspiring surfers to reach new heights, one rotation at a time. Embrace the challenge, learn the fundamentals, and unlock the secrets of the varial surf. You can learn the varial surf with enough practice. The varial surf is a fun trick. Don’t be afraid to learn the varial surf. Make sure you practice the varial surf. The varial surf is a great addition to any surfer’s arsenal. Learning the varial surf takes time and dedication. Consider the varial surf as your next trick. The varial surf is always evolving.