How to Carve a Sick Barrel

Any surfer will tell you that there is nothing more satisfying than carving a sick barrel or tube. Carving a barrel is when a surfer drops down on a wave and rides as the wave curls over him, forming a barrel. Although this is a advanced surfing maneuver, with lots of practice you can learn where to position your board and your body to ensure you carve through the barrel and out the other side successfully.

Instructions

    • 1

      Begin paddling on your surfboard, using your hands to gain speed as the wave approaches you. Pop up on your board as the wave begins to pick you up. Use your hands to push off the surface of the board and land both of your feet on the board at the same time.

    • 2

      Lower your back knee as the wave begins to barrel so it almost touches you surfboard.

    • 3

      Face toward the opening of the barrel. Turn your chest to face straight ahead and parallel to the wave. Point the nose of the board slightly downward as you ride to control your speed. The more you point down the faster you will go. Point the board straight ahead or up the wave to slow down.

    • 4

      Position yourself and your surfboard roughly on the center of the face of the wave. Reach out with your front side hand to try to touch the face of the wave. If you can't touch the wave, you are too positioned too low.

    • 5

      Ride the barrel as long as you can staying on the center of the face of the wave. As the barrel begins to break apart, turn downward toward the wave to gain speed and ride through the barrel.