Cross Stepping

[PonoBill]

If you're regular foot going backward of course it's easier to cross your left foot behind your right. That's what you're supposed to do. I got a lesson in cross stepping from Jimmy Lewis about ten years ago and it made it so much easier to move around on my boards.

Starting from a surf stance, start cross-stepping forward by taking a half-step back with your front foot and put it across the board at right angles to the stringer with your weight centered between heel and toe. Then back foot across the toes, next foot across the heel, etc. The half step back at the beginning brings your back up straighter and centers your weight between your feet. Before you take the half step your weight will be mostly on your back foot. If you try to make that first long step with your weight on your back foot you'll upset the hell out of the board and won't get far. Stand up and try it right now and you'll see exactly what I mean. The way you start to cross step determines how smoothly it works.

If you're trying for the nose the half-step back will help stall the board a little which is exactly what you need to do.

To go backward, starting from a surf stance closer to the nose, bring your back foot forward a half step then bring your front foot behind your heel, next step in front, etc. Again, the half step forward centers your weight and actually lets you lighten the pressure on your front foot to start your stepping.

[Quickbeam]

O.K., thanks Surfcowboy and Ponobill. Sounds like I finally discovered what most were already aware of. I never did get any lessons on cross stepping, so on that I was self taught.

Something so simple, yet it makes such a difference. Lesson learned. As they say, better late than never. 

Thanks again.

[clinto]

I find it more difficult going to the nose for some reason. I am a back foot dominant surfer so my balance is always weighted more to the rear which i think that plays a part in it. I can cross step back with no problem and feel like the board is sliding below me more than me walking back. If you watch longboarders that are really quick at getting to the nose and back, there is more of the board moving under them than them moving on the board. Its harder to do this on a large SUP of course. The  half step that pono mentioned is key. Once you have momentum and you are committed to cross stepping its flows much easier but getting started can easily through off your balance.

[eastbound]

yep---forward backward? move the board under you, dont move you on the board

[Tom]

Pono's half step back then forward makes a lot of sense. I'm looking forward to trying it. The best advice I got was from a friend who told me "its only walking forward and back". On land, practice walking with your shoulders facing forward and walking forward and back while keeping your feet on a center line.  Next, keep doing that but with your shoulders turned to the side. Nothing to it.

[connector14]

How about a video tutorial in slow motion from one of you guys that is proficient at it?
I am having a hard time visualizing it......Candice moves too fast!

[supthecreek]

How about a video tutorial in slow motion from one of you guys that is proficient at it?
I am having a hard time visualizing it......Candice moves too fast!

Just found this in my archives
Board: Classic Starboard Cruiser 12'6 (still have it)

[connector14]

Just strowling.......just plain very cool!  You make it look darn easy too!

[NEplay]

smoooooooove

[surfinJ]

Practice on land. Cross step along the curb while your walking. Really works.

[WhatsSUP]

Definitely a work in progress for me but I'm getting there slowly but surely.....yesterday was super super super small ankle biters but still good practice to mess around in...here's a quickie short clip. 

[supthecreek]

Whats^, you own that now!
The quick and crisp walk back is proof it's becoming natural to you!v

[surfinJ]

I agree. Once we are going it is not so different than the longboarders.
Check this out and you will see that as creek says, you are on it.

[supnsurf]

I practice on a longboard skateboard, really helps

[WhatsSUP]

Thanks Creek & J.  I'll get it wired...I've got a few dozen clips of moving up and back from the last several months that I like to study. I can especially see when I start cross stepping early or late - results are pretty much immediate.     ...such a fine line and of course each wave is different.  I figured out kinda early on that starting forward at the end of a slight turn, even a little one, is key for me in that the board slows a bit and the tail sinks making for what appears to be one the perfect times to start moving up.  Also, I tend to move up somewhat slower and cautiously...not sure why - almost like walking a curb or balance beam and I'm trying to be sure footed.  Conversely, cross stepping back (for me) tends to feel pretty natural and I go it quite a bit quicker than going forward.  I don't really think about what I'm doing going back.  I plan to include this clip as one in a long series as part of a video I'm planning capturing my quest to the nose....still very much a work in progress.