Ever wonder why your nose rides always fall short, even when the conditions are perfect?

In this episode, Devon Howard breaks down what most surfers get wrong about nose riding—and it’s not just about your board. From subtle shifts in ankle engagement to trusting the wave's energy pocket, Devon shares how traditional longboarding is less about force and more about finesse.

• Discover how body positioning, footwork, and mental confidence create successful nose rides.

• Learn the surprising importance of ankle awareness and how land-based balance training can revolutionize your surfing.

• Understand why the right board design (yes, single fin logs) is non-negotiable for hanging ten with grace and control.

Press play now to transform your nose riding technique with proven, practical wisdom from one of traditional longboarding’s most respected voices.

Key Points

• The importance of proper head and body positioning, particularly in the ankles and feet, for effective longboarding and nose riding is discussed.

• The differences in body development and muscle usage between longboard and shortboard surfing are highlighted.

• The use of balance boards and cross-stepping techniques to improve longboarding skills and nose riding is explained.

• The significance of equipment, specifically the type of board and its design, in enhancing nose riding performance is emphasized.

• The role of hand placement and its functional benefits in maintaining balance and control during nose riding is discussed.

• The subjective nature of style in surfing and its importance in longboard competitions is explored.

• The value of trusting one's instincts and the potential pitfalls of disregarding them in surfing scenarios are highlighted.

• The challenges of surfing in crowded conditions and the need for individual responsibility and spatial awareness are addressed.

• The excitement and continuous learning in surfing, even at an advanced age, and the role of innovative equipment in enhancing performance are discussed.

For more surfing tips visit: www.surfmastery.com 

Appropriate equipment:

https://www.waynerich.com/

https://www.thomassurfboards.com/collections/boards/products/surfboard-06

Devon Surfing:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17bG-BJgEec

https://www.instagram.com/devon_howard/?hl=en

Ep 70: Devon talks Mid Lengths - 

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0q8ZgURoPpIC8FsKhOsX22?si=404mq0Q5QNqtm3RQEy7xkw

For the passionate surfer—whether you're a weekend warrior, a surf dad, or an older surfer—this podcast is all about better surfing and deeper stoke. With expert surf coaching, surf training, and surfing tips, we’ll help you catch more waves, refine your paddling technique, and perfect your pop up on a surfboard. From surf workouts to handling wipeouts, chasing bigger waves, and mastering surf technique, we’re here to make sure you not only improve but truly enjoy surfing more—so you can get more out of every session and become a wiser surfer. Go from Beginner or intermediate Surfer to advanced.