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Unlocking the Secrets of the Varial Surf: A Comprehensive Guide

The varial surf maneuver is a captivating and challenging trick in surfing, blending the aerial dynamism of skateboarding with the fluid grace of wave riding. It involves a 180-degree rotation of the board while airborne, followed by a clean landing back on the wave. Mastering the varial surf can significantly elevate a surfer’s repertoire, adding a visually stunning and technically demanding element to their performance. This guide delves into the intricacies of the varial surf, covering everything from foundational skills to advanced techniques, equipment considerations, and tips for consistent execution.

Understanding the Varial Surf: More Than Just a Spin

At its core, the varial surf is a rotational aerial. Unlike a simple air, where the board remains oriented towards the wave, the varial surf necessitates a deliberate spin. This rotation is initiated by a combination of body positioning, board pop, and a coordinated flick of the feet. The goal is to complete a clean 180-degree rotation before making contact with the water, landing smoothly, and continuing the ride.

Many surfers find the varial surf challenging because it requires precise timing and board control. The margin for error is small; an incomplete rotation, incorrect landing angle, or loss of balance can easily lead to a wipeout. However, with dedicated practice and a solid understanding of the mechanics involved, the varial surf can become a reliable and impressive trick.

Prerequisites: Building a Solid Foundation

Before attempting a varial surf, it’s crucial to have a strong foundation in basic surfing skills. This includes:

Solid Take-Offs: Consistently catching waves and popping up quickly is essential.
Basic Turns: Comfortably performing frontside and backside turns provides the necessary board control.
Ollies: The ollie is a fundamental skateboarding trick that translates directly to surfing. Mastering ollies on flat ground and then on a surfboard is highly recommended.
Small Airs: Practicing small airs and re-entries helps develop the timing and coordination needed for aerial maneuvers.

Having these skills dialed in will significantly increase your chances of success with the varial surf. Attempting the trick without a solid foundation can lead to frustration and potentially dangerous falls.

The Mechanics of the Varial Surf: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

The varial surf can be broken down into several key stages:

Approach: Select a wave with a clean, open face that offers a good ramp for launching. Approach the wave with speed and maintain a balanced stance.
The Pop: As you approach the lip of the wave, compress your body and prepare to pop off the water. Similar to an ollie, use your back foot to generate upward momentum.
Initiating the Rotation: As you leave the water, initiate the 180-degree rotation by flicking your back foot and twisting your upper body in the desired direction. Use your arms for balance and control.
Spotting the Landing: Throughout the rotation, keep your eyes focused on the landing area. This will help you maintain your balance and orient yourself for a smooth re-entry.
Landing: Aim to land with your feet centered over the board and your knees slightly bent to absorb the impact. Prepare to adjust your weight and stance to maintain your balance as you reconnect with the wave.
Ride Away: Once you’ve landed, immediately focus on riding away smoothly. Use subtle adjustments to your weight and stance to maintain your line and avoid washing out.

Equipment Considerations: Choosing the Right Board

The type of surfboard you use can significantly impact your ability to perform a varial surf. Shorter, wider boards with a flatter rocker are generally preferred for aerial maneuvers. These boards provide more lift and are easier to rotate. Consider the following factors when choosing a board for varial surf:

Length: A shorter board (typically 5’6″ to 5’10”) will be easier to rotate in the air.
Width: A wider board provides more stability and makes it easier to land.
Rocker: A flatter rocker allows the board to generate more speed and lift.
Tail Shape: A squash tail or swallow tail can provide more release and maneuverability.
Fins: Experiment with different fin setups to find what works best for your style and the type of waves you’re surfing.

In addition to the board, consider using a leash that is slightly shorter than your board length to prevent it from getting tangled during the rotation. A good traction pad is also essential for maintaining grip and control.

Training and Progression: Building Confidence and Consistency

Mastering the varial surf requires consistent practice and a progressive approach. Start by practicing the individual components of the trick on smaller waves. Focus on getting a clean pop, initiating the rotation, and spotting the landing. As you become more comfortable, gradually increase the size of the waves you’re attempting the trick on.

Here are some helpful training tips:

Practice on Trampolines: Trampolines can be a great tool for developing the muscle memory and coordination needed for the varial surf. Practice the rotation and landing on a trampoline to get a feel for the movement.
Visualize the Trick: Before attempting the varial surf, visualize yourself successfully completing the trick. This can help improve your confidence and reduce anxiety.
Film Yourself: Filming your attempts can provide valuable feedback and help you identify areas for improvement.
Learn from Others: Watch videos of experienced surfers performing the varial surf and pay attention to their technique.
Be Patient: The varial surf is a challenging trick, and it takes time and dedication to master. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right away. Keep practicing, and you will eventually succeed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid: Troubleshooting Your Varial Surf

Several common mistakes can hinder your progress with the varial surf. Being aware of these mistakes and actively working to avoid them can significantly accelerate your learning curve:

Not Committing: Hesitation is a common killer of aerial maneuvers. Commit fully to the rotation and trust your instincts.
Incomplete Rotation: Ensure you complete the full 180-degree rotation before landing. An incomplete rotation will likely result in a wipeout.
Leaning Back: Leaning back during the rotation will throw off your balance and make it difficult to land. Keep your weight centered over the board.
Looking Down: Looking down at the board can disrupt your balance and make it harder to spot the landing. Keep your eyes focused on the landing area.
Using the wrong board: Trying to learn a varial surf on a board that is too long, heavy or has the wrong rocker will make it much harder.

Advanced Techniques: Taking Your Varial Surf to the Next Level

Once you’ve mastered the basic varial surf, you can start experimenting with advanced techniques to add style and complexity to your maneuvers. These include:

Grabs: Incorporating grabs, such as a tail grab or rail grab, can add style and control to your varial surf.
Tweaks: Tweaking the board during the rotation can add visual flair and difficulty to the trick.
Variations: Experiment with different variations of the varial surf, such as the reverse varial surf (rotating in the opposite direction) or the double varial surf (completing a 360-degree rotation).

The Future of Varial Surf: Innovation and Progression

The varial surf, like all aspects of surfing, is constantly evolving. Surfers are continually pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, developing new variations and combinations of aerial maneuvers. As equipment technology improves and training methods become more sophisticated, we can expect to see even more innovative and impressive varial surf variations in the years to come.

The varial surf represents a fusion of athleticism, creativity, and skill. Mastering this trick is a testament to a surfer’s dedication and ability. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, the varial surf offers a challenging and rewarding goal to strive for. So, grab your board, hit the waves, and start unlocking the secrets of the varial surf. Good luck and happy shredding!

[See also: Surfing Techniques for Beginners]

[See also: Choosing the Right Surfboard]