Surf Floater Technique: How to Master This Manoeuvre in the Water

If you have been surfing for a while, you will definitely have heard of the floater. It is one of those manoeuvres that are not just useful, but also add a touch of style to your surfing. At Peña Txuri Surf Eskola we teach it every day, and today I am going to tell you how to master it on our beloved Sopelana beach.

What is a floater?

The floater is a manoeuvre where you slide along the crest of the wave, right where it is breaking. It is ideal for passing difficult sections and getting back to the open face of the wave. It sounds technical, but once you get the hang of it, it is great fun.

Why you should learn the floater

Mastering the floater lets you:

• Get more out of waves: You can pass sections that would otherwise leave you out of the game.
• Improve your style: It is a manoeuvre that, well-executed, adds points to your surfing.
• Build confidence: Facing tricky sections increases your self-assurance in the water.

How to do a floater

1. Generate speed

Everything starts with speed. Without it, you will not be able to get up on the foam and stay there. Work on your speed technique to build the momentum you need.

2. Choose the right section

Watch the wave and choose the exact moment when it starts to break. That is where you want to position yourself to ride up onto the foam.

3. Executing the floater

• Frontside: Press with your toes to push the board up onto the foam.
• Backside: Use your heels to climb the wave.
• Keep your balance: Once up there, distribute your weight evenly to avoid falling.

Peña Txuri tip: Practice on smaller waves first and keep your knees bent for better balance when landing.

Common floater mistakes

• Not enough speed: The most common error. Generate enough speed before approaching the section.
• Wrong body position: Keep your arms out for balance.
• Not bending your knees on landing: Bend your knees as you come down to absorb the impact.

Surfskate as training

Off the water, surfskate is an excellent tool for perfecting movements like the floater. It lets you work on balance and flow without needing waves.

Before practising this manoeuvre, work on how to generate speed on a wave. If you want guided feedback, explore our surf improvement lessons.

The floater is a manoeuvre that, once mastered, will change the way you read and surf waves. At Peña Txuri we love helping you reach new levels. See you on the waves!