The goal: To stay on the tip while riding through the soup (white-water of the wave).

I am a strong believer in setting goals. Therefore, I have picked "Tipriding Through the Soup" as our first goal because it demonstrates what the more sophisticated surfers can do, yet shows the subtlety of tipriding in one of the most difficult situations. Yes, there are other difficult situations in which to tipride but this one demonstrates how to finesse the tip to overcome the wave and can be used in relationship to other situations. If you are just starting to tipride don't try this. I just want you to get it in your head that this can be done.

Tipriding is advanced surfing and the tipriding lessons herein assumes that you already know how to paddle on a surfboard and get through waves to the line up, catch a wave, stand up, turn, trim, cutback and stall, as well as understand types of waves and conditions that change the shape of the wave. Furthermore, I do not explain terms, but only with a few exceptions (do a search for surf jargon).

In future steps I will show you the basics of tipriding and explain the technique used to walk-the-board (both forward and backward), hang ten, hang heels, get tubed on the tip, stall and cutback from the tip, all while facing the wave or with your back to the wave.

Finally, I'll show you how to design your own tiprider and the importance of knowing how a tiprider functions so you can maximize on your desires.

RULE #1: Generally, keep your eyes looking ahead and be very aware of what's behind. I call this 360 degree visioning. Your peripheral vision registers a lot of information. Try not to look down because that's where the wave wants to take you. Trust your instincts and always keep an unobtrusive distance when yielding to a priority surfer riding in the hook.

TIPRIDING THROUGH THE SOUP

Picture #4 in the sequence

This is one of the most difficult tipriding maneuver's to accomplish and it must be in your psyche because you can accomplish this too. Make it part of your "Tiprider" constitution.

I've seen some of the most advanced surfers back off the tip before they hit the soup because they think that they will pearl once entering the soup. And, they just might, however, take note of the sequence of pictures (above and below with explanations) and you will see that with minor adjustments of shifting your weight, utilizing your hands to paddle and balance, as well as bending your legs to absorb the surfboard rising and dropping, you too can manage to ride through the soup on the tip.

Each picture, in the above or below sequence, shows the adjustment to positioning on the board and in the soup. The soup tends to force your board down, so you have to finesse the board to keep it up. You'll work to get the board up toward the top line while the wave will try to keep you going down toward the bottom line and you'll compromise by riding around the middle line.

Picture #1: On the tip

As you see a section crop up in front of you and you are on the tip, you must gain speed by climbing and dropping, so you impact the soup/section as fast as you can while aiming for the bridge line that will cut through the soup to the other side of the section, at the necessary speed. Make the bridge line an arch and aim for the highline first. WARNING: If the wave tubes tuck into it, otherwise the lip may take your board.

Picture #2: Penetrating the soup

When first hitting the soup, shift your back-foot back, to prevent the fin from popping out. Also, use your hands on the surface of the soup to paddle, balance, stay light on your feet and keep up the speed.

Picture #3: Going with the flow

Let the wave raise or drop the board and bend your legs accordingly. Keep your knees bent at all times while doing this maneuver. Make sure to maintain speed and balance by paddling the surface of the soup.

Picture #4: Stay parallel to the wave, not the board

It's critical that you stay parallel to the wave, not your board. Do not stand parallel on your board! Many, if not most accomplished surfers believe it is easier to stay on your board in a parallel stance while pushing through the soup. I've found that a parallel stance is defensive and slows you and the board down. Then your board becomes subject to the wave's current, not yours, and you give up the aggression needed to reach the other side of the soup.

Picture #5: Keep paddling the soup

Keep paddling as you climb or drop. It will make a difference in your attitude to get past the soup and it will help you maintain your balance.

Picture #6: Let go or push

In this picture you can see that I've un-weighted from the board by bringing my knees up toward my chest and the board raises up under me. Remember, I want my board to go toward the top line in the wave as I push out of the soup.

Picture #7: Stay in the hook

Also, remember that you are in a speed mode, so once you've reached the other side, don't go far beyond the hook and where the juice is. Prepare to stall or cutback. Most often the hook is where the juice is and the best place to ride the tip.

NOTE: If you are riding backside to the wave, do everything I suggest but don't try paddling the soup. These instructions are meant to add knowledge to your experience. These instructions do not suggest in any way that you should harm yourself or your equipment. Any damage or harm caused by trying to follow these instructions rests solely with the individual trying these techniques. I urge you to take any precaution to prevent any harm or damage to occur to yourself, your surfboard or others in the water or on the waves with you. Please surf safely and always show consideration to others. Nature blessed us with all the waves we need. Be U naturally. Ma halo