Shane Beschen Explains: The Frontside Carve

Most of us can do an open-faced carve. In fact, it’s probably the first “maneuver” that we learn as surfers. And while the carve is visibly simple and highly functional, it can also be a giant-killing maneuver (see: Frederico Morais) when done correctly. But the fact remains that the carve, despite how mindless it may appear, can give even expert surfers grief. That’s why we’re grateful for Shane Beschen, a former World Number Two surfer and cutback guru, who broke down this maneuver for people like you, me, and Willian Cardoso. Watch above, read below, and replicate!

From Shane’s Insta:

This is the foundation of surfing and dates back to the beginning of surf……………………………………………………..

It seems like one of the easier moves to do on a surfboard, especially these days with the incredible aerial moves the kids are doing but there are some subtleties you want to pay attention to while improving this move……………………………………………

It all starts with a clean and controlled bottom turn, keeping your body still and compressed while holding your rail off the bottom. Minimal body movement definitely helps……………………………………….

As you’re coming off the bottom turn you want to lift up slightly and unweight from your front foot to your back foot. As you come to the top of the wave, compress on to your back leg. This frees up the front of your board so you don’t dig a rail and also gives you leverage to push your turn with power………………………………….

When you start your turn, pull your front arm and head towards the beach. Pulling your front arm will create space through your mid section allowing for more twist. The back arm will follow your front arm and as you wrap around the compressed back leg will push straight giving you that release at the end of your turn. ……………………………………

Happy carving.