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Varial Surf: Mastering the Aerial Rotation in Surfing

The varial surf maneuver is a thrilling aerial trick in surfing that combines the pop of an ollie with a 180-degree rotation of the board. Unlike a simple air, the varial surf involves spinning the board beneath your feet, adding a significant level of complexity and style to your ride. This move is not for the faint of heart and requires a solid foundation in both basic surfing skills and aerial techniques. For surfers looking to elevate their game and push the boundaries of what’s possible on a wave, mastering the varial surf is a must. This article will delve into the intricacies of the varial surf, covering everything from the fundamental techniques to advanced tips for sticking the landing consistently.

Understanding the Varial Surf

Before attempting a varial surf, it’s crucial to understand the core mechanics involved. The maneuver begins with approaching a suitable section of the wave, typically a ramp or a steeper face that allows for ample airtime. As you approach the lip, you’ll need to compress your body and prepare for the pop. The pop is similar to an ollie on a skateboard, where you use your back foot to snap the tail of the board downwards, generating lift. Simultaneously, you initiate the 180-degree rotation by twisting your shoulders and hips in the desired direction.

The key difference between a regular air and a varial surf is the rotation of the board. In a standard air, the board typically stays relatively aligned with your body. However, in a varial surf, the board spins independently beneath you. This requires precise timing and coordination to ensure that you land back on the board in a controlled manner. The rotation should be smooth and controlled, avoiding any jerky movements that could throw you off balance.

Prerequisites for Attempting a Varial Surf

Attempting a varial surf without the necessary skills is a recipe for disaster. Several prerequisites must be met before even thinking about trying this advanced maneuver. These include:

Solid Surfing Foundation: You should be comfortable riding a variety of waves, performing basic turns, and generating speed.
Ollie Proficiency: The ollie is the foundation of many aerial maneuvers, including the varial surf. Practice your ollies on flat water or gentle waves until you can consistently generate lift and control.
Air Awareness: Familiarize yourself with being airborne on a surfboard. Start with small airs and gradually increase the height and complexity as you gain confidence.
Body Awareness: Understanding where your body is in space is crucial for landing the varial surf. Practice off-water exercises like jumping and spinning to improve your body awareness.

Step-by-Step Guide to Performing a Varial Surf

Once you’ve mastered the prerequisites, you can begin to work on the varial surf. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Approach the Wave: Identify a suitable section of the wave that offers a ramp or a steep face. Approach the section with speed and confidence.
Compress Your Body: As you approach the lip, compress your body by bending your knees and lowering your center of gravity. This will allow you to generate more power for the pop.
Initiate the Pop: As you reach the lip, use your back foot to snap the tail of the board downwards, generating lift. Simultaneously, begin twisting your shoulders and hips in the direction you want to rotate.
Control the Rotation: Focus on controlling the rotation of the board. Use your arms and core to maintain balance and ensure a smooth spin.
Spot the Landing: As the board completes the 180-degree rotation, spot your landing. Focus on aligning your feet with the board and preparing for impact.
Stick the Landing: Absorb the impact by bending your knees and maintaining a balanced stance. Ride away smoothly and celebrate your success!

Tips for Improving Your Varial Surf

Mastering the varial surf takes time and practice. Here are some tips to help you improve your technique:

Practice Regularly: Consistency is key. The more you practice, the better you’ll become at timing the pop, controlling the rotation, and sticking the landing.
Film Yourself: Filming your attempts can help you identify areas for improvement. Analyze your technique and make adjustments accordingly.
Watch the Pros: Study videos of professional surfers performing the varial surf. Pay attention to their body positioning, timing, and overall style.
Use a Trampoline: A trampoline can be a valuable training tool for practicing the rotation and landing of the varial surf.
Start Small: Don’t try to go too big too soon. Start with smaller airs and gradually increase the height and complexity as you gain confidence.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Several common mistakes can hinder your progress when learning the varial surf. Avoiding these pitfalls can significantly improve your chances of success:

Not Enough Pop: Insufficient pop will result in a low-amplitude air with little to no rotation. Focus on generating a powerful ollie.
Over-Rotating: Rotating too much can lead to landing behind the board or losing control. Focus on a controlled 180-degree rotation.
Leaning Back: Leaning back during the rotation can throw you off balance. Maintain a centered stance.
Not Spotting the Landing: Failing to spot the landing can result in a blind landing and a higher risk of falling.
Hesitation: Hesitation can lead to a loss of momentum and a failed attempt. Commit to the maneuver and go for it with confidence.

Advanced Varial Surf Variations

Once you’ve mastered the basic varial surf, you can start experimenting with advanced variations. These include:

The Reverse Varial: Rotating the board in the opposite direction (frontside instead of backside).
The Double Varial: Completing a full 360-degree rotation of the board.
Adding Grabs: Incorporating grabs during the rotation to add style and complexity.

The Future of Varial Surf

The varial surf is a constantly evolving maneuver. As surfers continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible, we can expect to see even more innovative and challenging variations emerge. The future of varial surf is bright, with endless possibilities for creativity and progression. [See also: Surfing Aerial Techniques]

Conclusion

The varial surf is a challenging but rewarding maneuver that can significantly enhance your surfing repertoire. By mastering the fundamentals, practicing consistently, and avoiding common mistakes, you can unlock the thrill of aerial rotation and take your surfing to new heights. So, get out there, practice hard, and embrace the challenge of the varial surf!