HOW TO : LAYBACK SNAP

If this move was a dance step you would lose all the contents of your pockets when performing it (and risk a serious back injury too ;))! Reason why the layback snap is also referred to as a Drop Wallet

An unleashed version of the snap where the SUPer goes for broke in his top turn to the point of falling backwards, or almost falling… This theatricality makes this move one of the most spectacular top turns. Not to mention the buckets of water it throws in the air!

The first part of the layback snap is identical to a classic snap. Identify a fairly hollow section that will allow you to oppose your hull to the tail. You have to arrive with speed on a rather horizontal line. Prepare to hit the section by placing the weight on the front leg and pulling well into the paddle. Unlike the classic snap where the intention is essentially to burn speed to give the wave time to reform in front of you, the layback snap is about giving it you all by sending a maximum of water, at the risk of losing the tail.

Your back foot pushes hard and far. To the point of seriously shifting your center of gravity which is no longer above the board. Compensate with your paddle by leaning on its blade. If you have not disengaged the fins, the board will naturally resume its course by orienting itself again in the direction of the surf.

To be comfortable in this maneuver, the ideal gear is a fast shortSUP like the Alley with rocker and a round tail that provides grip in all angles.