The secret to CARVING TURNS I wish I knew long ago

After reviewing footage of CJ Nelson I uncovered some great tips that have helped me tremendously. Enjoy!

Brian James
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Full video of CJ Nelson.

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Drone footage by Apex Drone Photography (Chris the drone pilot)
INSTA: @apexdronephotography

Location: New Jersey, Longboard Surfing
Board: Clean Ocean Surfboards: 9'6" Chingona

[telldamien]

1st video I have seen of yours, and I will be watching more! I have been surfing LB & SB for 42 years. The past 5 years I have been the local high school team coach. Riding parallel will take style and turns a lot further! I noticed your back foot does not open as much as your shoulders, get those toes going forward and your turns will come alive! The best part about parallel surfing is your a 1/2 click away from switch stance... Otherwise big improvement on your turns, and great advice you are giving on this vid!

[stevitosgay]

For me the key has always been to come off the bottom and then just SSSSHWAAA into a WABAAASSSH!!

[joeroberts]

Well done…I agree. I would add that it takes a particular wave, or “section of” a wave, to swing a turn in exactly that way. These longboards wanna go straight. It’s up to the surfer to tickle, pet, or massage her into and out of each turn. When you treat her right it’s a beautiful thing.

[twidmer]

I have a cj neo classic in 10 ft, and I use a big ol rudder heritage. Tail rocker, pin tail shape and sharp edges in the back make it very able to turn. Amazing board.

[jackd]

Nice! What I noticed is that weighting the back foot close to the fin box allows you to pivot your longboard. This pivoting motion keeps the board's nose up and out of the water allowing that tight pivot like turn. Dropping your shoulder as you indicated helps you open your hips, as your body rotates and commits to the turn. But you need speed! I watch Joel Tudor carve out beautiful turns on his longboard. But I notice he gets to the top of the wave and then accelerates down it as he pivots and carves. All easier said then done but it is all part of becoming a better surfer. Keep up the great video's and insights. Cheers

[flatwavemike]

One thing that you’re innocently leaving out is that CJ is riding an involvement style log that he calls the Apex. It turns on a dime. CJ is one of my best friends and I am fortunate enough to have his friendship and inadvertent master teaching. You can get some good turns on your traditional log. But more pivot turns than the type of turns that CJ is getting out of that board in his video. I hope that helps.

[geoffhenson]

Thank you for another awesome video. I'll be heading out shortly 430am here in Aus and giving that drop knee style turn a try. Cheers

[EmilyLongboards]

Cj's the legend! Lives right down the street from me and still surfs like a pro. Anyway great video, awesome break tru. I'll have to try this next sesh.

[thestow]

Love your content and approach
And humility in sharing your learnings

[charlynnchock]

Hey it all takes time, , that's what I love about longboarding, style proficiency grows as you learn the mood of the ocean especially at your break., And it others as well.. Love to watch these videos

[ShaneOConnorRec]

another way to think about it is rail engagement. CJ is sinking his rail in the back 18 inches and using that as a pivot point, instead of turning with the fin as the pivot point. This also allows for bigger upright fins to be used with sweeping cutbacks.

[billytuchscher]

Great observation! ...I'm implementing pronto! (CJ is a gem!)

[legendphos]

I would recommend looking into OMBE surf's content. While they tend to focus on shortboards the same body movements are important across the board, although sometimes implemented in different style... What they talk about a lot is rotating the hand on the shoulder on the inside of the turn out so as to open up your shoulder allowing your shoulders in general to pivot and your hips then follow etc. Just dropping the shoulder might add to balance issues, but dropping and rotating your shoulder into the turn and away from you makes it tremendously easier.

[haemojz]

You are flexing at your hips and hunching over with your upper body. Also not facing forward enough when initiating the turns. Btw thoroughly enjoyed watching your progression over the year. Keep it up!

[boltup]

I think foot placement is important too. I used to try this from the middle of the board and bogged rail every time. I'll bet CJ's foot is right by the tail block.

[nlotze]

If you have to search for the feel generally it never comes. Your reaching a skill level with contact and speed that now a bit of instinct to rip comes in to play.
I believe over half of all long board riders can't ever get a fluid falling shoulder.
I am one.
If you take another step back with both feet on the rise gently lift the nose first then turn .
This is the other way to turn a board with torque .
Your upper body gives lots of freedom for Persol expression
I've learnt quite a bit and have shared it to few good Aussie riders
Live your work the approach just needed someone with a bit of Stoke skill and digital savviness.

[adamfrankel]

Opening up your shoulder is correct, but I think more about my trailing hand to drive the turn - like steering a wheel in a car.

[timotheos]

Grabbing rail will help with commitment

[cornishrider]

Thanks for the tip I'll try it next time I'm out!

[johnb]

I think I would recognize the big ass hotel in spring lake from space