This week on WSL Surf 101, we break down the building block to any surf highlight reel, the Best Maneuver. Often on the Championship Tour, this means air time.
The top surfers know that the biggest scores and loudest cheers from the beach come from punting big airs. Barrels and critical turns are loved as well, but nothing gets fans more excited than taking flight. Blasting a huge air anywhere on a wave takes skill, nerves of steel and equal parts body and board control.
And to really get the fans' attention a full rotation -- where you land with your nose pointing directly at the beach -- is the maneuver to master. When it comes to judging these maneuvers, judges are looking for size and progression - the higher, more stylish and critical the air the better.