to get the feel cross-step up to trim and then while crossed instead of stepping out/forward of the cross, pivot on both feet. Now your switch foot.
I’ve done it when I cross step up towards the nose and then chicken out on taking that last step all the way to the nose. So I take the half step and pivot to switch and then back as I cross step retreat off the nose. Fun way to get that extra step to the nose when you don’t think you can stay there.
The drop knee turn is a pivot turn suited more to the old school 50/50 railed boards.
If you have ever riden on of these boards you will know that they don’t respond to turns the way a modern hard railed longboard will at speed. I can not make a modern longboard do a DKT but on a old school board no problem.
It is not an easy process to try and explain. Basically you start the turn in the same spot on the wave as you would a regular cutback. Your back foot needs to be over the fin and parallel to the stringer and slightly to the side of the board in which intend to turn. (Regular footer left of stringer. goofy to the right) As you start to turn, drop your back knee and shift your weight backward. Now, throw your arms into the air above your head. This makes you look cool. It also helps you to balance through the turn. At this stage the tail should be buried and the board pivoting. When you think you are ready to start to turn back toward the shoulder, shift your weight forward, your back leg will straighten and turn the board toward the section ahead. Try and have the white water breaking over the back of the board as you are doing this, as it will counter balance your weight as you head for the nose.
When I learning how to do a DKT I practiced going left ( i’m a regular foot) as I was getting to my feet I would keep my back leg bent in the as if I were doing a DKT on the take off. Once I was use to this feeling I started doing it when cutting back. I broke it down into segments getting comfortable with part. Then I combined all the parts. Now I do them with out realy thinking about it. Still can’t do them on modern hard railed boards. I hope this all makes sence.platty.
Thanks Platty, it’s clearer now. I do ride a old school 50/50 railed board but where I surf I seldom get lefts (and I’m goofy foot) so drop knee turns will mostly be bottom turns rather than cutbacks. Therefore I guess your tip about practising on take offs would be usefull as I could try to turn from top this way.
park the nose on a sandbar next to a deep spot…stand on the nose facing into a stiff breeze,this has to be a floatie board like a 12’er or so…slowly back peddle [walk backwards] until the nose lifts off the sand , allow the wind to blow you backwards stand stock-still as you gain backward speed the board will do a 180 then walk forward two steps then back 4 steps then forward 6 steps then back six then foward again and back until you fall off…feet in a T-stance is better than duck foot or perpendicular to he stringer stance w/ both feet doth of which stances compound problems with knee integration…this training excercise is water oriented and will speed your comprehension…ambrose…learning to walk on a 21’’ skate board makes for closer interval walking
thanks everyone for the input… went out today and finally made it to the nose with some style… shuffled back, but it felt great to cross-step up there. Soulstice, I tried the cross-steppin up to a girl in tha club idea, and after she stopped laughin, i got tha digits. Apparently, style is appreciated out of the water too… ahahha, thanks again everyone, and ill keep u posted on my progress…
Howzit kba05, Now you've done the easy part, it's the back stepping that takes a little more practice, and practice makes perfect. Next thing you know you'll be a stylemaster at cross stepping. Aloha,Kokua
DKT on take off… I find it helps to fade away from your drop knee turn and then DKT to your backside. You need a little time for it to happen. This also makes it feel more like a cut back. I also find it key to get you hips and shoulders turned so you are facing the nose instead of the sideways stance.