AGE: 26
LIVES: SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA
HEIGHT: 1M77
WEIGHT: 79 KG
BOARD: 6’1” X 181/4” X 21/4”
SPOT: VIETNAM

Sure, the surfing world might be split into two groups; those who think tricks are for kids, and those who are pulling these off pretty much every sesh. But just in case you aren’t a member of either club, Mike Losness walks us through the fundamentals of this Vietnamese backside varial.

Shot 1. Right here is the start of a backside no grab varial. Every time I see the lip to attempt this trick no matter what I’m nervous about my board flipping over and getting the fins up my ass. So after you surpass that you start by getting your weight on your back foot, and lean into the wave while at the same time kicking out your back foot to spin the board.

2. Here the board is starting to spin. the tail is higher than the nose. you have to position your body right above your board making sure that the motion of spinning the board doesn’t spin you as well. Also, you’re starting to look at your landing.
3. At this point you have to be perfectly centred over your board so that the landing will be a clean one. Both arms are spread like wings to help with balance, your feet are back on your board.

4. Here’s where the spin starts, now that you are back on your board. The tail is going forward so you have to lean slightly backwards so that the fins don’t check and spin you off.
5. Once again here you are just focusing on your landing having your feet back on your board. You’re almost about to spin and your almost done. You’re really just hanging on right here hoping for the best.
6. Now you bend your legs and start to ride back into the wave. This landing was easier than others because I landed into the white wash. It allows a softer landing as apposed to landing on the flats or on top of the lip.
7. Here I’m really bending over because I’m at the that point where I’m either going to pull the manoeuvre, or just fall over and off the board. The rotation is spinning me back around. It’s all about balance here and not getting knocked off by the whitewash.

8. Still spinning right here and focusing on the whitewash around me trying to bump me off my board. Keeping your balance is vital, you’ve completely landed the trick here, so there is no giving up. If you fall here you’re going to be mad at yourself because you got so close. No falling!
9. PULLED IT. STOKED!

Mike’s further Varial tips…

Overcome the initial fear of your board flipping over, which first of all, is easier said than done.

Be sure to pick the right section on the right wave to try this kind of trick, one with rolling whitewash, rather than an exploding lip.
Try to concentrate on keeping your balance
on the landing.

Definitely watch vids of some of the younger Aussie surfers like Wade Goodall when looking for pointers, and remember anything is possible. You have to start somewhere if you want to conquer this move, so just go for it.