How to keep your balance while riding an electric surfboard
Apr 29,2024 | JetFly
Electric surfboards are a kind of water sports equipment that combines traditional surfing and modern technology. It attracts a wide range of enthusiasts with its convenience and easy operation. However, how to maintain balance on an electric surfboard is a common challenge for beginners. Here are some key tips and steps designed to help you enjoy the fun of an electric surfboard while ensuring your safety and stability.
1. Choose the right equipment
The Right Surfboard: For beginners, choosing a wide and stable surfboard is crucial. Generally speaking, the larger the board, the better the stability. Avoid surfboards that are too narrow or too short as they are flexible but more difficult for beginners to control.
Safety equipment: Wear a suitable life jacket and helmet in case of emergency. Also, make sure your electric surfboard comes with reliable propellers and batteries, as well as easy-to-operate controls.
2. Correct standing posture
Standing posture: Your feet should be shoulder-width apart, your knees slightly bent, and your body's center of gravity tilted slightly forward. Keep your back upright and your head looking forward. Do not look down at the water below your feet.
Center of Body Weight: Centering your body's weight on the center line of the board will help maintain balance. Think of yourself as a stretched rubber band, maintaining tension from the top of your head to the soles of your feet.
3. Startup and acceleration
Accelerate slowly: When you start accelerating, increase the speed gradually to give your body time to adapt. Rapid acceleration can cause you to lose your balance.
Drive smoothly: During acceleration, try to keep your body stable and avoid sudden movements or turns.
4. Steering skills
Small Adjustments: Steering by shifting your center of gravity slightly rather than making large movements of your feet or hands. For example, if you want to turn left, you can shift your weight slightly to the left.
Anticipate turns: Before turning, anticipate the direction of the turn and adjust your body posture accordingly. This helps you make turns more smoothly.
5. Cope with waves
Go with the Wave: When a wave comes, don’t try to fight it, but move with its direction. This reduces the impact of waves on your balance.
Use the Waves: If possible, use the power of the waves to propel you forward rather than fighting against them.
6. Emergency handling
Familiarize yourself with the emergency stop button: Know where the emergency stop button is on your electric surfboard so you can stop quickly in an emergency.
Stay calm: If you feel like you're about to lose your balance, don't panic. Try to relax your body, let yourself float with the current, and then stand back up.
7. Practice and experience accumulation
Continuous practice: Only by continuous practice will your sense of balance become better and better. Don't be discouraged, even if you may fall a few times at first.
Watch others: Watch how other experienced surfers balance and learn from their techniques.
Reflection Summary: After each surf, review what went well and what needs improvement. Think about how to adjust your stance or movements to better maintain balance.
8. Stay focused
Concentrate: When surfing, it is very important to stay focused. Focus on your movements and surroundings and avoid distractions.
Precautions: Check all equipment before surfing to make sure there are no safety hazards.
9. Physical preparation
Core Strengthening: Strengthen your core muscles, such as your abdominal and back muscles, which are essential for maintaining balance.
Balance training: Perform some balance training, such as yoga or one-leg stands, to improve your overall stability.
10. Follow professional guidance
Seek a professional coach: If you are a beginner, find an experienced coach for guidance. They can provide professional advice and feedback to help you master the skills faster.
Take a training class: Take a local electric surfboard training class to learn and network with other beginners.
All in all, maintaining balance takes time and patience. Through continuous practice and learning, you will gradually master how to maintain stability on an electric powered surfboard. Remember, safety always comes first, so pay attention to your own safety at all times. Have a great time!