Surfing Tutorial UCPA #9 - The Aerial

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The aerial is the basis of any aerial manoeuvre that has appeared in the last 30 years – this consists of using the wave like a springboard and lifting your board from the water to execute manoeuvres above the water rather than on the water.
Before anything else, use the advice on how to gain speed because this manoeuvre requires a certain amount of speed if you hope to fly off the wave. The other secret is the timing: when you hit the lip of the wave to take off.
With each wave being different from one another, you will have to try again and again in order to feel this particular timing.
The end of the wave seems to be an easier spot to start practising that manoeuvre. Actually, you will be able to anticipate the last section and the closing of the wave more easily, rather than trying aerials in the open wave right away – which requires an even more precise timing.
But be careful with the landing at the end of the wave, there is often less water and it is thus easier but more dangerous for you and your board.

Considering your bearings and your driving manoeuvres, try to un-weight the most when you ride up the wave. You should choose the best adapted trajectory, either long or short, according to the section you want to ride.
Let your board lift up under your feet and slide along the water until it reaches the top of the wave. At that moment, your arms and your upper body are going to be your “engine”. With the control of your hands, use the weight of your head and upper body in a movement upward and forward the wave. For a larger radius, bend your knees under your body when your board lifts you, thus it will lift you higher and the manoeuvre will be better executed.

As you ride down, your hands and your arms help you keep your balance. You will have to soften the impact when your board lands back upon the water.

To sum up, get maximum speed, un-weigh as you ride up, hit the lip at the right place, you must spring both upward and forward. Eventually, keep your legs bent during the take-off and soften the landing.