The Cobra Pose

Why the Cobra Pose Matters

Longboards need precise weight distribution. The cobra pose is your fine-tuning control: it helps prevent pearling while keeping speed and angle.

Why Longboards Need Special Techniques

• More prone to pearling
• Slower response window — more time to adjust and to err
• Require deliberate weight distribution to maintain control

Entering the Cobra Pose

1) The Setup

• Get low during takeoff
• Deep knee bend; chest up; core engaged
• Hands ready to grab rails

2) The Low Stance

• Get very low (knees ~90°)
• Weight centered over the board
• Low stance helps prevent pearling

3) Ready Position

• Hands ready for rail grabs
• Shoulders square; eyes down the line
• Stay balanced and responsive

Rail Control in Cobra

• Front-side rail grab: control for bottom turns and holding angle
• Back-side rail grab: balance and control with back to the wave
• Dual rail control: two-hands for maximum control in critical sections

Applying Pressure in Cobra

• Nose control via front hand and rail pressure
• Speed control via tail pressure with back hand
• Balance maintenance using both hands together

Cobra vs Other Stances

• Upright: speed maintenance; less ideal for sharp turns/anti-pearling
• Cobra: sharp turns, anti-pearling, precise control, angling
• Transitional: move fluidly between stances as needed

Common Mistakes

• Not getting low enough
• Leaning too far forward (invites pearling)
• Not using rail control
• Staying in cobra too long — transition when appropriate

Practice Drills

• Basic cobra reps on small waves; focus on low stance and control
• Rail control drills while in cobra
• Transition drills: upright → cobra (turn) → upright
• Angling drill: use cobra while angling down the line

Pro Tips

• Get lower than you think
• Use your hands actively for rail control
• Stay centered and keep chest up
• Practice smooth transitions; use cobra when you feel pearling risk

The cobra pose is your fine-tuning mechanism for longboard control.