Click here for the french version of the article.

In bodyboarding, the first figure that is usually learned is the 360, which is quite different from a rotation of the board. Even if this one looks to be a basic maneuver, it can be more complicated than expected to execute in a critical section of the wave, with a lot of speed or on a hollow and powerful wave.

It can also be declined as "Belly Air" on a higher level, by rotating in the air, above the surface of the wave.

There are two ways to perform the classic 360, the first is facilitated by the use of your hand, the second requires more training and technique. 

With the hand

First of all, it is important to place yourself well on the board. Your body must be flat on the board, for not losing balance. Before starting, be sure the speed is not excessive or too low so that the maneuver can be carried out in a complete rotation and smoothly.

When you get a right, move your body slightly forward at the front of the board and keep your left hand on the nose. Place your right hand in the water, raise your legs and orientate your look clockwise. Your look is the main point for the rotation being perfectly executed. When you have turned 360 degrees, put your legs back in the water to go back in a straight trajectory, in the axis of the wave.

Without the hand

To improve and gain in technique, we explain you the classic 360 version without the use of the hand.

For this one, it will be necessary to position your body on the front of the bodyboard, keeping one hand at the level of the rail, then the other on the side of the nose. The legs will have an essential role in the propulsion of the maneuver, so it will be necessary to spread the legs, then plant the right palm in the water by bringing back both legs so that they can cross above the water, like scissors. Crossing your legs is a stylistic element, which is appreciated. The more your legs will be crossed, the more stylish the figure will be.

Your look must always be turned in the way of rotation to be able to follow it.

Arriving at the 360-degree point, you will have to drop your legs in the water, it is this process that will stop the rotation and help you get back the trajectory in the direction of the wave.

The 360 reverse

The reverse is a rotation in the opposite direction of the classic 360, more complicated to perform, because it is done in the opposite direction of the breaking wave.

To start this figure, it will be necessary to put weight on the external rail of the board, and raise the nose to use it as a pivot point. It will be necessary to turn your look in the direction of the desired rotation, while keeping your back straight and the chin up.

You can also use the legs, to give an impulse in the water and crossing them above the water, exactly like the classic spin.

Now that you have read these few tips, be ready for action!

LET’S MEET IN THE WATER!

You can’t stop progress

Sniper Bodyboards Team