This distinction, Frontside and Backside, originated in surfing culture and later influenced skateboarding and other board sports. Unlike skateboarding, where tricks are relative to obstacles, surfing defines Frontside/Backside based on your stance and the wave’s direction (waves go left or right).
It is important to learn how to surf both Frontside and Backside because wave conditions vary greatly. Whether you’re at a point break with only lefts or rights, or a beach break offering waves in both directions, knowing how to surf Frontside and Backside allows you to make the most of any surf session.
What is left and right in surfing
When discussing surfing Frontside or Backside, it’s crucial to understand that the terms “left” and “right” refer to the surfer’s perspective while riding the wave. Specifically, it’s about whether the wave is breaking to the surfer’s left or right as they ride it. This can be a bit confusing for beginners because, from the beach observer’s viewpoint (facing the ocean), the surfer often appears to be moving in the opposite direction. For instance, when a surfer is seen moving to the observer’s right, the wave is actually breaking to the surfer’s left, making it a “left” wave. Conversely, if the surfer is moving to the observer’s left, the wave is breaking to the surfer’s right, classifying it as a “right” wave. Therefore, the key is to always consider the surfer’s point of view when determining wave direction.
What is surfing Frontside and surfing Backside
Your stance on the surfboard determines whether you’re surfing Frontside or Backside:
- Frontside (Forehand): Surfing with your chest and toes facing the wave.
- Goofy-footers (right foot forward): Frontside on left-breaking waves.
- Regular-footers (left foot forward): Frontside on right-breaking waves.
- Backside (Backhand): Surfing with your back and heels to the wave.
- Goofy-footers: Backside on right-breaking waves.
- Regular-footers: Backside on left-breaking waves.
Regarding Regular and Goofy (Regular-footers and Goofy-footers) stance I wrote on the blog post “Best way to pop up and take off on a surfboard for beginners“:
Regular vs. Goofy Stance
In surfing as in other board sports, there are two possible stances:
- Regular (or Natural) Stance – Left foot forward, right foot back.
- Goofy Stance – Right foot forward, left foot back.
If you already practice other board sports like skateboarding or snowboarding, your stance in surfing will most likely be the same. It’s very rare for someone to be Regular in one sport and Goofy in another
Frontside and Backside Differences
Frontside Surfing
When surfing Frontside, you have the advantage of facing the wave directly, which provides better visibility and makes it easier to read the wave’s movements. Your body mechanics naturally align with the wave’s direction, allowing for a more intuitive weight distribution. By leaning forward with an open chest, you can engage the rail smoothly, facilitating better control and maneuverability on the wave face. Surfing Frontside is generally easier for beginner surfers as the body position is more natural and that helps build confidence.
Backside Surfing
Surfing on your Backside presents a unique set of challenges and techniques. The primary difference is the limited visibility, as you must rotate your head and shoulders to view the wave, requiring constant awareness and anticipation. Body mechanics in Backside surfing involve more upper-body rotation to stay oriented with the wave. Additionally, you need to shift your weight to your heels to prevent the rail from bogging down in the water. This heel-side pressure is crucial for maintaining control and executing turns while surfing with your back to the wave.
We also wrote on this post about left-breaking and right-breaking waves. If you want to know more about rights and lefts in surfing then read this.
FAQs
Q: Should I prioritize Frontside or Backside as a beginner?
A: Start with Frontside to build confidence, but integrate Backside practice early. Our surf lessons and surf camps alternate wave directions so you can learn both.
Q: How does stance (goofy vs. regular) affect my surfing?
A: The surf stance determines which waves are Frontside to you. No stance is better, experiment with your stance to find your natural footing.
Q: Is the surf stance related to my dominant hand (the hand I use to write)?
A: The surf stance not relates to the hand you use to write. Your surf stance is personal to you and and you for instance, you may write with your right hand and be either Goofy-footed or Regular-footed.
Join our Surf School in Costa da Caparica, Portugal
At Breakthrough Surf School, our surf coaches will help you learn to surf in Frontside and Backside during our surf lessons. In group surf lessons you will be able to learn how to surf in the company of other surfers and during the private surf lessons you will have a personalised and exclusive, 1 on 1 surf lessons with your surf coach.
We are located near Lisbon in Nova Praia, Costa da Caparica.
Ready to advance your skills? Book a lesson and join our community of stoked surfers and don’t forget to subscribe to receive more posts like this in your mailbox.
See you at the beach!
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