How to Nose Ride in Surfing

Surfing is a recreational sport enjoyed along ocean shores the world over. With surfing's rich history, the list of tricks which have been invented by riders is long with tricks of varying difficulties for riders to attempt to master. A popular surfing trick is nose riding, which is performed by riders on long boards. To perform a nose ride, a surfer enters into a wave, then slowly works their way forward from the center of the board to the nose of the board while riding the wave.

Things You'll Need

  • Surfboard
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a long board when attempting to nose ride. Long boards are much easier to perform a successful nose ride on without losing control in comparison to a short board.

    • 2

      Choose a heavy board when nose riding. The heavier a board is relative to its length, the less of an effect the shifting of your weight will have on the board. While a light board will find its tail end pulled out of the water easily, a heavy board will allow you to edge forward for an aesthetically pleasing nose ride.

    • 3

      Paddle out to a wave and mount your board as usual. A good nose ride begins with catching the right wave to support you throughout the trick.

    • 4

      Begin slowly moving forward along the board until you are standing in front of the center line of the board.

    • 5

      Step your lead foot well out in front of you, but maintain the majority of your weight on your back leg. The closer to the front of the board that your weight is pressing down, the more lift it will have on the back of the board. So, by keeping your weight on your back leg, you can give the illusion of standing further forward on the board than the position your weight is pressing down, allowing you to move farther forward.