Angling Down the Line

The Philosophy of Angling

Angling down the line isn’t just going sideways — it’s reading the wave’s energy and positioning to harness it. A straight drop-in fights the wave’s flow; angling works with it for more control, style, and power.

The Angling Spectrum

• 100% drop + 100% bottom turn: classic drop then hard bottom turn; powerful but energy-heavy
• 50% angling + 50% bottom turn: balanced, fits most conditions
• 100% angling + 0% bottom turn: pure directional riding from takeoff; most efficient and stylish

Longboard Technique: Push/Pull Method

1) The Setup

• Slightly forward on the board as the wave approaches
• Weight centered and ready to shift
• Look down the line where you want to go

2) The Push/Pull

• To angle left: pull left hand, push right hand
• To angle right: pull right hand, push left hand
• Keep core engaged and shoulders square

3) Nose Control

• Use push/pull to direct the nose down the line
• Keep slight forward weight to maintain control
• Let board length work for you

Longboard Control: The Cobra Pose

The cobra pose adds fine control and prevents pearling while maintaining angle. Use it to:

• Prevent pearling by keeping weight centered
• Direct the board with precise rail pressure
• Maintain balance during direction changes

Advanced Rail Grabbing Techniques

• Front-side rail grab: maximum control for bottom turns and cutbacks
• Back-side rail grab: maintain balance/control when back to the wave
• Dual rail control: two-hands for sharp changes and stability

Reading the Wave for Angling

• Look for the shoulder: the unbroken section offers best angles
• Read the wave’s energy: left or right, longest ride potential
• Timing: begin angling during takeoff, not after the drop

Common Mistakes

• Over-angling early: start with small angles and build up
• Looking straight down: eyes guide the board — look down the line
• Fighting the wave: work with the wave’s direction
• Poor weight distribution: stay centered and ready to shift

Practice Drills

• Basic angle reps: 10°, 20°, 30° on small waves; feel differences
• Rail control: practice grabbing rails riding straight before angling
• Spectrum practice: try straight drop → 50% angle → 100% angle

Pro Tips

• Start small before bigger waves
• Read and follow the wave’s natural direction
• Use your hands — primary control for angling
• Practice the spectrum and master rail grabbing

Angling is about working with the wave’s energy, not against it.