The cutback is one of the most basic surfing maneuvers, however we dare not dub it as simple or easy to accomplish - in fact, it is demanding and requires a lot of practice a patience to perfect. Essentially, this maneuver allows the surfer to dramatically change direction, turning back toward the foam of the wave, and then returning to the original direction, giving the illusion of "ripping" or “cutting” the wave.

This is an essential and classic maneuver (dominating the time when the boards were too heavy for aerials), since in addition to being extremelly stylish to witness, it allows the surfer to reposition him/herself in the most powerful section of the wave.

The cutback can be done both on the front side and the back side and can be divided into three key stages:

1 – Get some speed and go to the top of the wave;

2 – Transfer your weight from your front foot to the heel of the back foot and start a U-turn using the front arm to help point you in the direction you want to turn;

3 - Go down and back up toward the foam doing the second turn and come back to the initial direction.