In this section, we will provide a brief overview of the different Waveski surfing moves and have provided video clips of some of Australia's surfers demonstrating the critical elements of some of these manoeuvres. This will help you to visualise how to plan each move well in advance. You can observe the manoeuvre in action and replay the video clip when needed.

There are many web based, written and video descriptions of the different Waveski surfing moves. Rather than repeating the same information in detail, you can get more detailed graphical and technical information on all of the following manoeuvres in the book "All About Waveskis". Or check out the video and handbook on "The Beginners Guide to Waveskiing" available through Wavemaster.

FOR BEGINNERS
Beginners should learn the following basic manoeuvres before trying the more advanced ones below. These first moves will develop a beginners sense of timing and ability to read the waves increasing control of waveski and eventually allow the surfer to try the advanced manoeuvres.

The Roll
The roll is the biggest and most important stumbling block that a beginner has to overcome. Being able to roll removes the need to undo the belt when you fall off and avoids possible injury to yourself and other surfers.

Practice your roll in a swimming pool with a friend to help you with paddle positioning. Try using goggles to help you to see the paddle position better.

There are two types of rolls. The put across roll and the screwroll. Try the put across roll first as the increased leverage makes it easier to learn than the screw roll. Later on when you have mastered the put across roll try the quicker screw roll. This roll uses the same techniques but less extension of the paddle and the hands don't change from the normal paddling position.

For a detailed graphic description of the two types of rolls, get a copy of "All about Waveski's". For an video clip of how a roll is done, go to the Waveski Info site, the Wavemaster site or the Irish waveski site.

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The Take-Off

The take-off is the successful entry point of a wave and sets up the first manoeuvre on a wave. Its important to place yourself in the right take-off area at the right time. The initial paddling needs to be vigorous until the wave energy takes over.

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Bottom Turn

The Bottom turn produces direction change and allows the surfer to create acceleration from the power section of the wave, assisting the surfer to climb to the top of the wave or negotiate a fast or breaking section. After a drop straight down the wave face, the surfer banks and turns hard into the wave trough, and then rises back up onto the face to continue surfing.

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Top Turn

The top turn produces a change in direction after climbing to the top section of the wave and can be also used as a stall technique for regaining the power section of the wave. Again body position and paddle placement are important factors to keep in mind in addition to speed and timing.

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Trimming

Trimming is when a surfer planes along unbroken sections of a wave and trims the position of the waveski in order to maintain or increase down the line speed. This is achieved by applying slight pressure to the inside rail and leaning forward to maximise speed.

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ADVANCED MANOEUVRES
These manoeuvres require strength and fitness.

Cutback

The cut-back is performed when a surfer reaches a slower section of the wave and changes direction 180 degrees back towards the white water and away from the wave peak regaining the power section of the wave.

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Slash

The slash is a rapid directional change in the pocket. The main objective is to shift as much water a possible making a dramatic visual spray.

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Re-entry

The re-entry is when the surfer reaches the top of a breaking wave and 're-enters' the wave, using the crumbling/pitching lip as a power source to aid redirection and turning back towards the base of the wave. Another method or regaining the power section of the wave.

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Aerial

The aerial is when the surfer extends the re-entry to the point of leaving contact with the top of the wave allowing the surfer to turn in mid-air.

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Pushing the Limits

Cutting edge moves that go beyond the norm, check out some past and present world champions pushing the limits on the sport.

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