JettyGirl School of Sick Tricks with Kyla Langen - JettyGirl Online Surf Magazine

jettygirl school of sick tricks with kyla langen

JettyGirl School of Sick Tricks. This month: a massive frontside snap taught by Kyla Langen.

kyla langen throwing her hair back JettyGirl School of Sick Tricks - Photos: Chris Grant/JettyGirl.com
This Month: The Frontside Hack by Kyla Langen

We've been meaning to do this for quite some time now but finally it's underway...our first edition of the JettyGirl School of Sick Tricks. Each month we'll be bringing you a new move with helpful tips from the surfer that pulled it. We realize everyone has a different learning style...and since we aim to please, we'll take a three-pronged approach by utilizing a photo sequence, a video clip and perhaps the best of all, the written word. Enjoy! --Chris Grant

The Frontside Hack - by Kyla Langen

Surfing is so subjective, and so free from rules that there is no 'wrong' way to complete a turn. Every surfer and every section is unique, making no two shwacks alike. Sure, some hacks may be bigger, smoother, or faster than others, but as long as you're hitting the lip and expressing yourself however feels right, you’re getting it done. Power, control, timing and style, however, can measure the satisfaction and visual pleasure derived from top turning, tailsliding, laying back, etc.

Momentum and strength dictate how much you can rotate your turn without losing the wave. Having a low center of gravity always helps. Eye the lip or section you want to bank off and pay close attention to the contour of the wave. A faster, suckier wave requires you to start bottom turning sooner than on a slow wave - although lip-to-the-face is comical for spectators. Hold ample speed through your bottom-turn then unleash your power as you smack the section with your board. Make sure your whole body gets into the action – hands, legs, hips, shoulders, head, all should rotate with your board. Push hard with your back foot to displace a fan of water. Once your board is perpendicular to the wave, release your tail, feeling weightless as you allow it slide out and around. Make sure to stay low and centered over your board - not leaning too far forward or back. Compress and rotate yourself as much as speed and strength allows. I often grab my rail for stability. Then finish it! Use your leg muscles, waist, and shoulders to quickly and smoothly redirect yourself back down the line, staying low and strong as you regain control. Then smile, you did it! Wasn't it fun? Now try it again but this time with more rotation, speed, power, control and flow. Repeat and enjoy.

"Surfing is so subjective, and so free from rules that there is no 'wrong' way to complete a turn. Every surfer and every section is unique, making no two shwacks alike. Sure, some hacks may be bigger, smoother, or faster than others, but as long as you're hitting the lip and expressing yourself however feels right, you’re getting it done."

Click above for QuickTime video of Kyla Langen

Slide Show Format: Flash

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Caption Index

1. As soon as Kyla wheeled around on this right, I knew something special was mere moments away.
2. Shoulders perfectly balanced and parallel to her rail, Kyla Langen with textbook form.
3. Straight away, I loved this shot! Incredible positioning by Kyla. The nice round fan is a bonus!
4. Staying low and adding a light rail grab helps Kyla through the recovery phase of the snap.
5. As the remainder of the section throws out, a subtle shift of weight to the back foot keeps her from pearling.
6. Most surfers come unglued at this point. Kyla's concentrating on riding it out.
7. Success! Kyla finishes off an amazing snap while promises of future opportunities loom out the back.

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