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Unlocking the Secrets of the Varial Surf: A Comprehensive Guide

The varial surf maneuver, a blend of aerial innovation and traditional wave riding, represents a thrilling progression in surfing. Mastering the varial surf trick allows surfers to add a dynamic and visually impressive element to their repertoire. This article delves into the intricacies of the varial surf, covering everything from foundational skills to advanced techniques, ensuring you have a comprehensive understanding of this exciting move.

Understanding the Varial Surf

The varial surf maneuver, at its core, involves rotating the surfboard 180 degrees in the air while simultaneously rotating your body in the same direction. Successfully landing the varial surf results in riding away switch stance. Unlike a simple air, the varial surf requires a precise combination of timing, board control, and body coordination. It’s a challenging trick that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible on a wave.

The Origins of the Varial Surf

The varial surf has its roots in skateboarding, where the varial kickflip is a common trick. Surfers adapted this concept to the water, creating a similar but unique maneuver. The exact origins are somewhat murky, but it’s generally accepted that progressive surfers looking to emulate skateboarding tricks pioneered the varial surf. Over time, it has evolved into a staple of modern surfing, inspiring countless variations and combinations.

Why Learn the Varial Surf?

Learning the varial surf isn’t just about adding another trick to your arsenal; it’s about expanding your understanding of wave dynamics and board control. The varial surf forces you to think critically about your body position, timing, and the relationship between you and your board. This improved awareness translates to better surfing overall, even when you’re not attempting aerial maneuvers. Furthermore, successfully executing a varial surf is incredibly rewarding, boosting confidence and inspiring further progression.

Prerequisites for the Varial Surf

Before attempting the varial surf, it’s crucial to have a solid foundation of surfing skills. Trying to learn this trick without the necessary prerequisites can lead to frustration and potential injury. Here are some essential skills you should master before tackling the varial surf:

Solid Bottom Turns: Consistent and powerful bottom turns are essential for generating speed and setting up the aerial.
Basic Airs: Comfortably performing basic airs, such as straight airs or small grabs, will help you get a feel for being airborne.
Pop and Ollie Technique: The ability to pop the board off the water is crucial for initiating the rotation.
Balance and Coordination: Excellent balance and coordination are necessary for controlling the board during the aerial rotation.
Understanding of Wave Sections: Knowing how to read waves and identify suitable sections for aerials is key to success.

Step-by-Step Guide to Performing the Varial Surf

Once you have the necessary prerequisites, you can start practicing the varial surf. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to help you learn this exciting maneuver:

Find the Right Wave: Look for a wave with a clean, open face and a slightly rampy section. Avoid waves that are too steep or too crowded.
Generate Speed: Perform a strong bottom turn to generate speed and set yourself up for the aerial.
Approach the Lip: As you approach the lip of the wave, compress your body and prepare to pop the board.
Pop and Rotate: As you reach the lip, explode upwards and initiate the rotation by flicking your back foot. Simultaneously, rotate your upper body in the same direction.
Spot Your Landing: Keep your eyes focused on the landing area throughout the rotation. This will help you maintain balance and control.
Stomp the Landing: As you come down, try to land with your feet centered over the board. Absorb the impact by bending your knees.
Ride Away Switch Stance: If you land successfully, you will be riding away in switch stance. Maintain your balance and continue riding the wave.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learning the varial surf can be challenging, and it’s common to make mistakes along the way. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Not Generating Enough Speed: Insufficient speed can make it difficult to get enough air and complete the rotation.
Incorrect Body Position: Poor body position can throw off your balance and make it harder to control the board.
Hesitating During the Rotation: Hesitation can disrupt the flow of the maneuver and lead to a failed landing.
Looking Down: Looking down can throw off your balance and make it harder to spot your landing.
Landing Too Far Forward or Backward: Landing too far forward or backward can cause you to lose control and fall.

Advanced Varial Surf Techniques

Once you’ve mastered the basic varial surf, you can start experimenting with advanced techniques to add more style and difficulty to your maneuvers. Here are some advanced variations to try:

Grabs

Adding a grab to your varial surf can significantly increase the difficulty and visual appeal of the trick. Common grabs to try include:

Indy Grab: Grabbing the outside rail between your feet with your back hand.
Mute Grab: Grabbing the inside rail between your feet with your front hand.
Stalefish Grab: Grabbing the outside rail behind your back foot with your back hand.

Spins

Combining the varial surf with a spin adds another dimension to the trick. Try incorporating a 360-degree spin before or after the rotation for an extra challenge.

Combinations

The varial surf can be combined with other aerial maneuvers to create complex and innovative tricks. For example, you could try combining a varial surf with a frontside 360 or a rodeo flip.

Training and Practice Tips

Consistent training and practice are essential for mastering the varial surf. Here are some tips to help you improve your skills:

Start Small: Begin by practicing on small waves and gradually work your way up to larger waves.
Use a Trampoline: Practicing your rotation and landing on a trampoline can help you develop the necessary muscle memory and coordination.
Visualize the Trick: Mentally rehearsing the varial surf can improve your focus and confidence.
Film Yourself: Filming your attempts can help you identify areas for improvement.
Learn from Others: Watch videos of professional surfers performing the varial surf and try to emulate their techniques.
Be Patient: Learning the varial surf takes time and effort. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t succeed right away.

The Future of the Varial Surf

The varial surf continues to evolve as surfers push the boundaries of what’s possible. With advancements in board design and technique, we can expect to see even more innovative and challenging variations of the varial surf in the future. The trick’s adaptability ensures it remains a key element in progressive surfing. [See also: Best Surfboards for Aerials] The dedication of surfers to mastering the varial surf and its related maneuvers promises an exciting future for aerial surfing. The varial surf itself may even evolve into entirely new tricks. [See also: Advanced Surfing Techniques] The commitment to pushing boundaries in surfing is evident in the continuous refinement of the varial surf and its variations. The varial surf is more than just a trick; it’s a symbol of innovation in surfing. The ongoing development of the varial surf reflects the progressive spirit of the surfing community. The pursuit of mastering the varial surf embodies the drive for improvement in surfing. The evolution of the varial surf highlights the dynamic nature of surfing as a sport. Exploring the varial surf provides insights into the future of aerial surfing. The varial surf represents the ongoing quest for innovation in wave riding. The varial surf is a testament to the creativity and skill of modern surfers.