Unlocking the Secrets of the Varial Surf Maneuver: A Comprehensive Guide
The varial surf maneuver is a dynamic and visually striking trick that has captivated surfers for decades. It’s a combination of an aerial and a rotational move, requiring precision, timing, and a solid understanding of wave dynamics. This comprehensive guide aims to break down the varial surf, providing insights into its history, technique, and progression, enabling surfers of all levels to understand and potentially master this exciting trick.
The History and Evolution of the Varial Surf
The varial surf didn’t appear overnight. Its roots lie in the evolution of surfing itself, from traditional longboarding to the shortboard revolution and the emergence of aerial surfing. The varial surf can be seen as a natural progression, blending the rotational aspects of skateboarding tricks with the power and flow of surfing.
While pinpointing the exact originator is difficult, many credit early innovators like Christian Fletcher and Matt Archbold for pushing the boundaries of aerial surfing in the 1980s and 90s. Their aggressive style and willingness to experiment paved the way for more complex maneuvers like the varial surf. As board design improved and surfers became more athletic, the varial surf gained popularity and became a staple in professional surfing competitions.
Understanding the Mechanics of a Varial Surf
At its core, the varial surf involves rotating the surfboard 180 degrees in the air before landing. However, the execution is far more complex than it sounds. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements:
- Approach: A good varial surf starts with a strong approach. Look for a clean, open face with enough speed and projection to launch an aerial.
- Pop: The ‘pop’ is crucial. It involves compressing your body and then explosively extending your legs to generate lift. The timing of the pop is essential for achieving the desired height and rotation.
- Rotation: As you leave the wave, initiate the rotation by twisting your shoulders and hips. Keep your eyes focused on the landing zone to maintain balance and control.
- Landing: A smooth landing is the key to completing the varial surf. Aim to land with your weight centered over the board, absorbing the impact with your knees and ankles.
Breaking Down the Technique: A Step-by-Step Guide to Varial Surf
Learning the varial surf requires patience and practice. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you progress:
Step 1: Mastering the Ollie
Before attempting a varial surf, you need to be comfortable with the ollie. The ollie is the foundation for almost all aerial maneuvers in surfing. Practice ollies on flat water or small waves until you can consistently get air.
Step 2: Practicing Shuv-Its
A shuv-it is a skateboard trick where the board rotates 180 degrees without the rider rotating. Translating this to surfing involves getting a feel for rotating the board beneath your feet. Start by practicing small shuv-its on flat sections of the wave.
Step 3: Combining the Ollie and Shuv-It
This is where the varial surf starts to take shape. Combine the pop of the ollie with the rotation of the shuv-it. Focus on keeping your body aligned with the board as it rotates. Start with small rotations and gradually increase the rotation as you become more comfortable.
Step 4: Taking it to the Air
Once you’re comfortable with the ollie-shuv-it combination, it’s time to take it to the air. Find a small ramp or section on the wave and try to land the varial surf. Focus on spotting your landing and staying balanced.
Step 5: Refining Your Technique
Practice is key to perfecting the varial surf. Experiment with different approaches, pop techniques, and rotation speeds. Watch videos of professional surfers performing varial surf maneuvers and analyze their technique. [See also: Professional Surfing Techniques]
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Learning the Varial Surf
Learning the varial surf can be challenging, and it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- Lack of Speed: Not enough speed will make it difficult to get air and complete the rotation.
- Poor Pop: A weak pop will result in a low and unstable aerial.
- Over-Rotation: Rotating too much can lead to a messy landing.
- Looking Down: Keep your eyes focused on the landing to maintain balance.
- Hesitation: Commit to the rotation. Hesitation can lead to a crash.
Equipment Considerations for Varial Surf
The right equipment can make a difference when learning the varial surf. Consider the following:
- Board Size: A shorter board can be easier to rotate, but a longer board may provide more stability.
- Tail Shape: A wider tail can provide more pop and stability.
- Fins: Experiment with different fin setups to find what works best for you.
- Traction Pad: A good traction pad will provide grip and control.
The Varial Surf in Competition
The varial surf is a crowd-pleasing maneuver in professional surfing competitions. It demonstrates skill, creativity, and risk-taking. Surfers who can consistently land varial surf maneuvers often score higher points and impress the judges. [See also: Surf Competition Scoring]
Beyond the Basics: Advanced Varial Surf Variations
Once you’ve mastered the basic varial surf, you can start experimenting with variations. Some popular variations include:
- Reverse Varial: Rotating the board backside instead of frontside.
- Double Varial: Rotating the board 360 degrees.
- Grabs: Adding a grab to the varial surf.
The Future of Varial Surf
The varial surf continues to evolve as surfers push the boundaries of what’s possible. With advancements in board technology and training techniques, we can expect to see even more innovative and complex varial surf variations in the future. The varial surf remains a testament to the creativity and athleticism of surfers around the world. [See also: Future Trends in Surfing]
In conclusion, the varial surf is a challenging but rewarding maneuver that can elevate your surfing to the next level. By understanding the mechanics, practicing consistently, and avoiding common mistakes, you can unlock the secrets of the varial surf and add this exciting trick to your repertoire. Remember to always prioritize safety and have fun!
