The bottom turn
Ready when: Paddling out and green waves (i3) done.
What the coach teaches
Ride the drop down the wave without turning, then set the edge of the board (the rail) at the bottom with the balls of the feet, head and front shoulder turning to the face; later bending low and standing up through the turn; the turn with your back to the wave.
At home, safe only
Surfskate: pump and carve (i1) surfskate carving.
Ask the club
Small, clean conditions for this.
What you can see from the side
The surfer turns with the legs, not the upper body.
Self-check what the coach confirms
The instructor counts clean bottom turns in a session.
Stop and get a coach when
Shoulder or back pain.
Intermediate is done when the instructor judges the surfer can choose waves and share the line-up safely.
awiseathlete.com/sports/surfing/surfing-i4