This episode, surf coach Pepijn Tigges breaks down a game-changing technique to make your board turn if you have difficulties with it. And it's so much simpler than a lot of people think.
Most surfers fall or struggle to turn simply because they’re standing in the wrong place.
Pepijn shares:
- Why body rotation is more important than muscle effort
- What your stance says about your board’s reactivity
- The simple adjustment that makes your board actually follow your turn
- How to practice better foot placement before you hit the water
- Why tail pads, pillows, and bigger boards can all help you progress faster
- Whether you're falling on bottom turns or struggling to carve, this episode will change the way you think about body-mechanics and board control.
(00:00) Intro & Common Issue – Falling mid-turn or board not responding to input
(01:30) Step 1: Look Where You Want to Go – Vision initiates rotation & sets direction
(02:15) Step 2: Point With Arms – Extends the line of intention and begins upper body twist
(03:00) Step 3: Rotate Shoulders, Chest & Hips – Body chain engages full rotation
(04:00) Step 4: Throwing a Ball Analogy – Using kinetic energy via rotation, not strength
(05:50) Step 5: Full-Body Lean Creates Pressure – Not about forcing it with legs
(06:45) Step 6: Why the Board Doesn't React – Board doesn't respond if back foot is too far forward
(08:15) Step 7: Move Back on the Board – Positioning back foot over the back fin increases control
(11:30) Step 8: Avoid Too Much Tail Pressure – Must offset back-foot pressure with front-foot weight
(13:00) Step 9: Practice With a Tail Pad or On Land – Train positioning + feel off-wave
(14:45) Step 10: Use Bigger Boards for Feedback – More speed + control = better learning conditions
Follow Pepijn and his coaching:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/pepijntigges
Website: https://iampepijn.nl
Online coaching program - Surf Academy Pro: https://www.surfacademypro.com/