TIPS & TRICKS | "How to Air" with John Akerman

John Akerman has one of the best airs in the game. There’s no denying that! Whether it’s surf or skim, John is always going above the lip. So get a few tips from the man himself on how to add pop to your airs! Check out his tips now.

Step #1: STANCE

Where you are positioned on the board is very important for learning airs. You need to have your back foot all the way back against the block of your traction pad to initiate the pop. Make sure your front foot is in the middle of the front pad because this maneuver works best with a wide stance. 

Step #2: APPROACH/ SPEED

You will need to learn how to stall on your back foot to fade to the back of the wave. Then, lean forward over your front foot to learn how to accelerate on the wave towards the boat. Keeping your shoulders and hips parallel to the wave and the nose of the board pointed at the back of the boat helps build speed too. 

Step #3: PUMPING

Pumping is a technique that works as a bonus to building speed.As you approach the boat, press on your toes rapidly and lift the board up and down the wave while pushing on your front foot as you come down the wave to build speed.This is important because you need as much speed as possible to catch air.

Step #4: THE OLLIE/POP

The ollie is the pop motion that brings you into the air. Ride to the top of the wave and wait until the nose of your board reaches the crest of the wave. Then, press quickly and firmly on your back foot and immediately lift your front foot followed by your back foot. Make sure to lift your knees as high as possible to increase height. 

Step #5: THE LANDING 

Keep your knees bent for the landing, the lower you are the more balanced you will be. Drag your back hand in the wave to stay over your board or slow down if needed.

Looking to ride just like John? Pick up his AHIand MVP boards now!