This is one of the first tricks we all try on a wakesurfer. But it can also feel like the hardest trick to master. It’s that dreaded 360. To some extent, it’s like riding a bicycle. Once you land it a few times, the feeling stays with you and you remember how to do it. But getting there can be frustrating. We like to think of water sports like school in a way. Study up in the off season and you’ll come back ready to ride. So, don’t worry. We are here to help you with landing your first 360 surface spin.
Three Steps to Land the 360
Our Store Manager Julia carves on a wake surf board.
The first step to landing your first 360 is getting comfortable on the surf board. Make sure you can carve back and forth. Then start to work the whole wave. Get to a point where you can leave the sweet spot of the wave, drift far back, and then get back into it. Once you are comfortable with your balance and carving, you’re ready to start practicing that dreaded 360.
The second step starts with drifting towards the back of the wave. You want to make sure that you have enough room in front of you to build a little speed before you try your 360. Put weight on your front foot so that the board picks up speed towards the front of the wave. You can pump a little bit too if you feel comfortable building speed that way as well. Do make sure that you have enough room from where you start your 360 to where you will finish your spin. That way you can get back to the sweet spot of the wave without much effort. However, you don’t have to get right up next to the swim platform in order to start your spin.
Landing the 360
The third step is the actual spin. Most people prefer a one-handed approach to initiating their spin. This can help you keep your weight centered over the board perhaps better than a two handed approach. Try both. Figure out what is most comfortable for you. Once you start your spin, you should feel the fins in the board break loose from the wave. Stay low on the board. At this point, try and spot the back of the boat by turning your head in the direction of your rotation. Be mindful of the board. Try and get a feel for the rotation. Spotting the boat will help stop the board from spinning. Once you feel you’ve come all the way around, stand up slightly. You’ll want to either get weight on your front foot or start to pump again to get back to the sweet spot in the wave.
Other Tips:
Have patience throughout the process! The surface 360 often results in many face plants and big splashes. Don’t let that discourage you. We’ve all been there. There are a few other things you can do to help aid you in this process.
If you’ve devoted a full day to trying out this trick and you’re not having much luck, take a break! There’s nothing worse than feeling like you’re not making any progress. Do you recall the definition of insanity? Trying the same thing over and over again expecting a different result? So, don’t be afraid to call it a day and walk away from the 360.
One key element in landing your first 360 is knowing when to take a break. You can always come back out and try it again later. Also, try switching between the one-handed spin and the two-handed spin. Often people are successful with one as opposed to the other. The other thing to keep in mind is how aggressively you’re pushing off of the wave. If you find that you’re over rotating, then perhaps try slowing down your spin or not pushing as hard on the wave.
Having Fun is the Most Important Part
At the end of the day, Wake Surfing is all about spending a fun day out on the water with your friends and family. If you’re really struggling, consider taking a lesson with us! Our ski school program runs 7 days a week from 9am-5pm. We also run a Surf Camp! This Tuesday / Thursday Night program allows you the chance to meet with other surfers in the area and hone a new skill. For more info, call us! (207) 693-3867. Feel free to email us! info@sunsportsmaine.com. Make sure to follow us on Instagram and like us on Facebook to get your fix of water sports content. And stay updated on all things summer related by reading our blog!
We will see you in the spring!