Do a 360

[Shaunsy]

I know part of being a kneelmaster is not giving a s*&^ what people think so I would expect people to object and defend the noble 360.

Mal my fav kneelo moves are the big hits, snaps in the pocket, big airs that cover heaps of distance with little embelishment. If I could do some of the 360s u describe I would maybe like them a bit more. See you 09 - maybe I'll practise some of the moves you describe - because I'm pretty sure they would score well.

I just don't like spins for spinnings sake

The truth is if it is radical I like it - including Mals across the lip 360 floater.

toofast - if you like doing spinners, you're not going to stop them because I don't like them so go for it dude. And no points off for a spinner - just not many points on. And I have never been in a contest so I don't know whether I'm a good contest kneelo or not - find out in Nov at PI. I do however watch stacks of contests and I know what scores. And its not silly unnecessary turns.

I suppose what I didn't like is kneeboarders chasing the "oohs and aahs" - if you are spinning around on the spot because you want girls on the beach to notice you (not that there would be any girls on the beach in sheepland) - or so that other surfer will be impressed maybe you should, and I quote..."do a standup" or ride a lid. Where I surf kneelos are not noticed for cheap tricks, but rather for the fact that they are dedicated chargers.

[waka]

I like doing them spin things too and i like to hear the 'oohs

and ahhs'

I'm with you toofast....and just like having fun

cheap trick.......have all their albums

[Shaunsy]

I like hearing Ooohs and Aaahs - but not when I'm surfing.

If it satisfies your narcisistic urges - just keep spinning. As I said you're not going to stop spinning just cause I don't like them.

"Ooooh mummy did you see that man riding that surfboard on his knees. He's spinning round and round in circles. Is he OK?"

[toofast3]

Being my age, i`ll take all the oooh and aaahs I can get. Wait !!! I better start doing them same things EVERYONE else is doing. I wouldn`t want to stand out. I better also trade in all my boards in because they are different too !!! Anybody have a extra cookie cutter I can barrow ??

[C.P.Odom]

Toofast does 360's? I thought that he just had a poor sense of direction.

[Shaunsy]

It seems like I'm the only one who hates the dance moves anyway - so who is the one being different? Toofast - Maybe you should throw out your boards and get some sticks that carve and drive instead of going around and around.

While you are at it toofast and waka - go for a headstand or an el telefono. I've heard the girls like them.

My concern is for you attention seekers out there who are throwing silly party tricks for the audience. Maybe your mummies (mommies) didn't give you enough attention?

And why don't 360 spinners score in contest? - because they don't fit the judging criteria, are unimpressive to look at, and have no attached rationale or purpose.

But, as they say (whover they are) - if it feels good do it!!!!

[Scott]

I love the 360, the way it feels to drop backwards and feel the board spin back around; the sense that what I am doing is contrary to the natural fall line of the wave and how the board should be approaching it. If all surfing was like that it would be absurd, but it breaks things up from just traditional surfing: up down, back, forth, coverup, etc.

Usually, a 360 is done when there is not a lot else that would be happening at that exact time in "normal" surfing. For example, to come off the top and pull a 360 while dropping down into the trough on a softer wave. What spectacular thing would have happened there anyway if you hadn't done that 360? Or coming around on a big roundhouse immediately before hitting the foam--yes, I suppose you could just traverse that area straight before hitting the whitewater. Or blasting off the final lip on a closeout and spinning a 360 on the way down (no, I don't do that one, but I enjoy it): what else would have happened at that point, assuming you didn't have the speed to go up instead for some massive air?

It's unexpected when I see others do it and I always get kinda excited watching them do it.

On the "Sparrow and Friends" video, I love watching Simon at the Point (around Puerto Escondido) when he includes a fast, unexpected 360 after a lip bash going left on a 6' wave. How can ya not like that? What would he have done otherwise--just drop straight down into the trough and pull off another strong bottom turn? He did that anyway...

[Dr. Bronner]

There is a guy I see once in a while that rides backwards only. He's really good at it . Anyone else know "Backwards Kneerider"?

[Shaunsy]

I love the 360, the way it feels to drop backwards and feel the board spin back around; the sense that what I am doing is contrary to the natural fall line of the wave and how the board should be approaching it. If all surfing was like that it would be absurd, but it breaks things up from just traditional surfing: up down, back, forth, coverup, etc.

Usually, a 360 is done when there is not a lot else that would be happening at that exact time in "normal" surfing. For example, to come off the top and pull a 360 while dropping down into the trough on a softer wave. What spectacular thing would have happened there anyway if you hadn't done that 360? Or coming around on a big roundhouse immediately before hitting the foam--yes, I suppose you could just traverse that area straight before hitting the whitewater. Or blasting off the final lip on a closeout and spinning a 360 on the way down (no, I don't do that one, but I enjoy it): what else would have happened at that point, assuming you didn't have the speed to go up instead for some massive air?

It's unexpected when I see others do it and I always get kinda excited watching them do it.

On the "Sparrow and Friends" video, I love watching Simon at the Point (around Puerto Escondido) when he includes a fast, unexpected 360 after a lip bash going left on a 6' wave. How can ya not like that? What would he have done otherwise--just drop straight down into the trough and pull off another strong bottom turn? He did that anyway...

Nice post Scott - an an interesting take on the 360 - you like it cause it feels good - that is the most important thing. I also like that counter-intuitive feeling of going backwards - usually a result of an over-rotated tail slide. I never take it all the way round though - just swing it back where it came from.

Your point on Simon - you love it - I hate it - you describe exactly what I want him to do - just take it back down for another bash instead of doing pirouettes. Theres always something else you can do - pick your nose - put your hands over your eyes - how about a headspin on your kneeboard - whilst doing a foam climb - spectacular - yes functional -no - this is where I am drawing the line.

Personal opinion I know - but thats an internet forum for ya!!!

My point is that is I don't like to watch them or do them - thats all. And I know that there others who agree with me.

I'll just keep stirring the pot.

[waka]

Must keep that in mind Shaun...never do spinners in contests

[DYdamo]

Shaunsy,

You're digging a very BIG hole and I dont think you'll be able to get yourself out of it

[toofast3]

Shaunsy....... You talk about getting the ooohs and aaaahs. Its kind of funny that you say that. I see guys do the "contest" moves and they oohs and aaahs. I see stand ups do them and I`ll say OOOh and aaaah. So whats the difference ??
Scott , I think the nail on the head. Doing a 360 is unexpected.. Shaunsy, I do agree with you that you can always do something different. Thats what makes us all different. If everyone did the same moves the same way at the same time, why surf, why have contests. You would be seeing the same stuff over and over. Boring. But because "we" have a choice, everyone thinks differently, It comes down to what "you" want to do at what time and how you do it.. That simple...

Also, I have been know to do a head stand before.

[Shaunsy]

I'd like to keep digging this hole till it so deep I can't see the light of day.

My original comment was I don't like spinners - and I have not deviated from that point.

Lots of people like doing them - some folk said they like the oohs and aahs that a spinner generated - others do them because they feel good - which as I have constantly reiterated throughout this thread is the most valid reason that I can extract from this lively little debate.

My undying scorn to the ooh and aah folk - the joy seekers I can relate to.

Do your contest spinners if you like all you contest-heads but its a waste of energy.

If you like we could get back to helping Malaga do a few girly-twirls.

[Kev]

... i love a down the line, bottom to top, kinda surfing and i catch crap for that! who cares! ...

oh yeah ... I like that too
use the bottom turn to catch just the right speed for the section that looms
and as the board comes up into the power section the board accelerates
no need for the pump or bob
keep the board riggling around that perfect trim
and match board speed with the crumble ... run the hand across the lip if you like

the occasional top to bottom to set for the next section, if there is one
exit the wave with great speed
and just a little bit of air as you move from knee to prone
keeping that speed for as long as posible before putting the arms in for the paddle back out
economical surfing with the minimum of effort

is this a 70's thing ? .. is this how MR used to do it ?

paddle back out with a smug look on your face
cos, you don't care if anyone is watching

[mal]

right then im goin to start doing functional 360s in the hope of scoring in contests.
hay shaunsey if someone does an invirted 360 air ... or a "clown around"(not quite a 540 rodeo clown, think kelly sl8r), in the world kneelo final, would they get any cred would it be functional? i think every one would ooh and ahh. and they would win or at least they should win.

two years is a long time to practice aye, im going to clown school.