Beginner Tips - Turning and Spinning

Initially you’ll be turning the board slowly by stroking away from the board, but this is the slow way around. This is fine for calm flat water, but too slow for surf or wind driven waves.

The faster way to turn is to put weight on the back of the board and stroke forwards with the paddle on one side of the board to pivot the board. Put one leg in front of the other and start practicing this turn by putting weight on your back leg. This works even better if you take a step backwards. If you're not turning easily, step farther back. Depending upon the design of your board, if you step too far back it'll sink so much that you may fall off. You need to lean on the paddle a bit to optimize these moves. Once you can spin the board 360 degrees you’re ready for choppy conditions and surf.

Check out this How To Pivot Turn Video.