Section 1. Preparing To Surf
Ocean Observation
I spend time on the beach studying the ocean before surfing?
I know the type of waves I want to catch before paddling out?
I can recognize surf conditions suitable for training my surfing?
Identifying Landmarks
I select landmarks on the beach before paddling out, that can help me position myself better once in the lineup?
I regularly use these selected landmarks or align myself with other landmarks once in the line-up?
I re-check my position in relation to my landmarks after each wave ridden?
Accessing The Break
I look for the easiest access to the line-up as part of my pre-surf preparation?
I use rips, channels, or I jump off a pier/headland to access surf breaks?
When available, I use rips or channels when returning to the line-up after waves ridden?
Section 2. Positioning & Catching Waves
Positioning In The Lineup
Depending on the surf spot, I know the different types of positioning I could employ to catch good waves? (inside, wide of the peak, on the peak, etc.)
I know where I will position myself once I paddle out to start my surf?
Once in the line-up, I can position myself well in relation to the other surfers, helping me catch and ride quality waves?
Catching Waves
I mostly catch the waves I paddle for?
I know when to say "NO" and don't paddle for inferior waves? (flat or closeout waves)
The waves I choose to paddle for and then catch, mostly allow me to perform combinations of manoeuvers?
Pop-up & Taking-off
I have a fast pop-up?
I mostly take-off on the peak, where a wave initially breaks?
I have a good entry into my waves, and rarely do I get "hung-up" in the lip on take-off?
Section 3. Surfing Waves
Creating Speed
I can create speed on take-off by driving a high line when I need to make a long first section?
I can create speed between maneuvers when I need to get to the next manoeuvre quickly?
I surf rail-to-rail in flat sections, instead of bouncing/hopping to maintain my speed?
I can surf fast in small waves?
Bottom turns
I can perform powerful FOREHAND bottom turns that allow me to drive up the wave face with speed and control?
I can perform powerful BACKHAND bottom turns that allow me to drive up the wave face with speed and control?
I know that different bottom turns are used for horizontal and vertical manoeuvres, and I can vary my bottom turns to suit the situation faced?
Re-entries
I perform FOREHAND re-entries successfully, hitting the lip or the foam high and hard?
I perform BACKHAND re-entries successfully, hitting the lip or the foam high and hard?
I exit out of my re-entries with speed and flow (without getting caught in the lip) when performing my re-entries?
Cutbacks
When I perform a FOREHAND cutback I get back to the power zone without losing speed?
When I perform a BACKHAND cutback I get back to the power zone without losing speed?
When performing my FOREHAND cutbacks, I try to rebound off the foam?
When performing my BACKHAND cutbacks, I try to rebound off the foam?
Carves
I can perform FOREHAND CARVES with drive, power, and control in the pocket section of the wave?
I can perform BACKHAND CARVES with drive, power, and control in the pocket section of the wave?
I can recognize when SNAPS and CARVES need to be performed to suit the wave and maintain my speed and flow?
Snaps
I perform FOREHAND SNAPS with power and control in the pocket section of the wave?
I perform BACKHAND SNAPS with power and control in the pocket section of the wave?
I know that there are three snap variations that can be performed depending on the section faced?
I can vary my snaps to suit the different pocket sections encountered – so that I maintain my speed and flow?
Floaters
I perform FOREHAND floaters when faced with a long section and connect with the next manoeuvre opportunity down the line?
I perform BACKHAND floaters when faced with a long section and connect with the next maneuver opportunity down the line?
I can vary my floater's length when faced with longer sections? [increase the "hang" time on the lip]
Finishes
I mostly finish the waves I ride on my FOREHAND?
I mostly finish the waves I ride on my BACKHAND?
I can vary my finishes to suit the finishing section faced? [re-entries, floaters, "lipline" finishes in suckey sections]
After performing my finishing manoeuvres, I usually kick-out purposely?
Section 4. Advanced Surfing Skills
Advanced Skills
I can mostly maintain my speed and flow between major manoeuvres?
I can vary my manoeuvre combinations as needed?
I can perform Vertical re-entries?
I can perform layback snaps?
I can perform finbust manoeuvres?
I can perform aerial manoeuvres?
I can mostly perform difficult finishes with success? [pitching lip finishes for example]