Tag: how to shortboard surf

Level Up Your Surfing & Stoke with a Surf Coaching Trip to Sumatra Indonesia

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surf with amigas advanced retreat indonesia

If you’re craving a surf trip that actually helps you improve with waves that challenge you and coaching that empowers you, then a SWA retreat in South Sumatra, Indonesia might just be next on your list!

Located on the southwest coast of Sumatra, this zone is world-renowned for its consistent, quality waves that range from hollow beach breaks to long, peeling reef points. Think long left point breaks that keep you challenged yet frothing, plus a whole cornucopia of other options.

We’ll be staying out front of a world-class beach break with hollow rights and lefts, but also just a short drive away from a mellow right-reef break. No matter what the conditions are, we will find waves! We also will be going in the shoulder season, which means the waves won’t be too gnarly yet still plenty challenging and fun, and likely with fewer people in the lineup.

But here’s the ultimate piece: you don’t have to be thrown into hectic lineups with intimidating bros to get the most out of this place. Instead, picture a lineup filled with the ultimate girl gang to cheer you on and high-quality surf coaching to boot. This isn’t your typical surf camp where you’re left to fend for yourself in a crowded lineup. Surf With Amigas offers this Indonesia retreat as a high-level coaching experience designed for intermediate to advanced surfers who want to deepen their skills in a supportive, focused environment.

What Makes This Different

Surf With Amigas offers a unique experience that meets you wherever you’re at. Here are just a few of the perks you may experience at the South Sumatra Indonesia Surf Retreat:

  • Daily individualized in-water coaching — you’re guided through sessions with real feedback tailored to you.

  • Post-session video coaching — seeing yourself surf on video is one of the fastest ways to improve!

  • Consistent, world-class waves — waves, waves and more waves! From beach breaks right out front to world-class lefts just around the corner.

  • Intimate group size – you’ll be able to froth out and connect with other rad humans, in and out of the surf. This retreat maxes out at 10 participants.

  • Extra perks – daily yoga and jungle explorations to complement surfing your brains and bodies out.

Beyond the Waves

This is still Indonesia, so after the surf sessions you get to sink into slow afternoons, fresh meals, sunsets, and genuine connection with other amazing Amigas who are up for adventure! There are other activities besides surfing, including an epic float down a river on inner tubes and swimming in a nearby waterfall to name a few. This trip is great for those who want a balance of challenge, stoke, and presence for the ultimate well-rounded surf trip.

To check for available spots and learn more about SWA retreats in South Sumatra, click here!

Improve Your Frontside Cutback: What to Look For and How to Turn

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The frontside cutback is a very important maneuver in surfing, whether you’re riding a longboard or a shortboard. It’s not just about style—it’s a way to stay in the most powerful part of the wave, link your turns, and keep your ride flowing. We just released a new video surf tutorial all about “How To Do a Frontside Cutback on a Shortboard”. In this video Holly breaks down exactly why we do cutbacks, when to do them, and how to make them look smooth and controlled. Here’s the step-by-step approach, plus some troubleshooting tips pulled straight from her breakdown.

Why Do a Cutback?

The cutback helps you reconnect with the power source of the wave when you’ve raced too far ahead, or the wave is slowing down or losing power in front of you. If you’re out on the shoulder where the wave is softer, a cutback lets you redirect back toward the pocket. In this video tutorial, Holly emphasizes that the best time to cut back is when you notice the wave losing steepness. That’s your signal to look back toward the pocket and reset your line.

Step 1: Spot the Section

As you trim down the line, pay attention to the top third of the wave. That’s where the energy lives. Holly explains in the video that if the shoulder looks slopy and you’re starting to lose speed, it’s the perfect cue to set up a cutback. If the wave is jacking up or looks curvy, avoid doing a cutback in this section.

Step 2: Initiate the Turn

Your eyes lead the way—look first, then shift your weight slightly onto your heels and point your hips where you want to go as you start to angle back towards the whitewater.

Step 3: Compression and Rotation

Bend your knees to stay compressed, then rotate and open up your shoulders and hips back towards the pocket of the wave. Think of drawing a smooth arc. Push your weight through both feet to begin to redirect towards the power source. When initiating the cutback, it’s important not to get too low on the wave, because you’ll lose your speed. Try to stay in the top third of the wave.

Step 4: Redirect Back to the Pocket and Flow Down the Line

As you finish the turn and see and/or reach the whitewash, lean back onto your toe side and your back foot to help pivot the board back around. This lets you release the turn smoothly and aim back toward the breaking part of the wave. Don’t forget to shift the weight back onto the front foot again after completing the turn to help you accelerate back down the line!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Looking down at your board instead of the wave. Keep your eyes on the top third where you want to go.

  • Trying to cut back on a steep, fast section. Save it for the slopy, slower parts.

  • Forgetting to compress. Staying tall makes it harder to control your turn.

The frontside cutback is all about timing and flow. Use it when the wave starts to get softer, stay in the top third of the wave, and lead the turn with your hips. For a full visual breakdown, including what not to do and how to troubleshoot common problems, check out Holly’s “How To Do a Frontside Cutback on a Shortboard” video tutorial. With practice, the frontside cutback will become second nature and can transform your surfing!