Improve Your Noseriding
You bottom turn, set your rail and take 1...2...3... cross-steps to the nose. You reach your right foot out (left foot if you're a regular-footer) and plant it firmly to the nose of your longboard, curling your toes just slightly over the nose. The board beneath your feet lifts momentarily and settles into the pocket, the waist-high wave peels just beneath your outstretched hand.
As you feel the board accelerate, you take 1...2...3 cross-steps back to the middle of the board, setting your inside rail again to re-find the pocket of the wave.
This rhythm of finding the pocket of the wave, finding the nose, and then finding the pocket again is an exhilarating sequence, repeated as often as possible by surfers who have developed the skills to do so.
Mastering the ability to comfortably get to the nose and back requires three things:
- The ability to read the wave (and know when to go).
- The technique to get to the nose (and back).
- The right equipment to make it all possible.
Reading the Wave
The first thing that has to cooperate in order to noseride is the wave. You want to be positioned deep in the pocket on a peeling wave that isn't going to close out in front of you—ideally around waist high.
Look at Andy here as he stalls his board in order to find the pocket of the wave:
Cross-Stepping Technique
Once he is deep enough (close to the breaking section) he can begin his ascent toward the nose. He takes small steps, one over the other, with his eyes fixed on his destination.
Read: Simple Tips to Improve Your Cross-Step
The Right Equipment
Just because a board is close to 9 feet in length, does not mean it is a "noserider". Andy prefers the full outline and boxy rails of the Walks on Water model. This board is designed for maximum stability under foot and encourages active footwork by the rider.
As a world-class surfer, Andy could probably noseride a door, but the right equipment makes all the difference; particularly when you are building confidence and honing your skills.
If you are looking to add noseriding to your surfing repertoire this year, take a close look at Andy's signature noserider, the Walks on Water.
And don't just take our word for it, this model has 21 verified customer reviews and every single one of them is 5-stars.
Equip yourself with the proper equipment to take your surfing to the next level this year.
Not sure which board you need?
