Cool sh!t
NOHO surf trainer - a surfing product review
Instead of busting your head open with an Indo Board, a great new product to try (or buy for a logger near you) is the NOHO Surf Trainer, with damn cool video shown here. Invented by Mark Carlson, the California-designed product consists of four pod-like-things strapped to the bottom of your board. The pods are made of rubber, as are the straps, and there’s no danger of dinging your board. So what’s the point? Said Carlson: “The biggest barrier to improving my surfing technique was the difficulty of doing enough repetitive training while out in the water. A crowded line-up, poor surf conditions, or a busy schedule kept me away from my goal of becoming a skilled surfer.” Crowded line-up indeed.
Enter the NOHO surf trainer. This is one surfing simulator that works.
I gave it a go this past weekend. At first, I felt very, very kooky on one of my most familiar longboards. In fact, the sensation was similar to getting on a surfboard for the first time. Totally wobbly, not very coordinated. Carlson suggests that you practice with something to hold on to, and at first, I was glad I did. After about 30 seconds of getting used to the balance features, and trusting my own surfing ability, I was off an running. Or at least, cross-stepping. If you tend to break out a longboard on flat days, I don’t think there’s a better surfing simulator out there. Cross-stepping? Check. Drop-knee turn? Check. Pop up, walk up, cheater five then toes on the nose? Check, check and check.
You’ll learn a whole lot about your own surfing with the NOHO surf trainer. I, for one, had never developed a great feel for the stinger on my board, just trusting my feet to find the right footing. With the NOHO surf trainer, I was able to get more of a foot-on-board sensation, giving me the opportunity to fine tune my foot placement without having the sensation of water running over them. I also spent some time self-diagnosing my popup, foot versus fins placement and cross-stepping.
Without a doubt, the NOHO surf trainer makes for a great training device for beginner surfers at surf schools, weekend warriors, or those seeking to refine their skills such as getting all 10 on the nose. Every surf school should have a couple of sets to practice technique on land - it’ll make it that much easier to get students up and riding in short order. It’s a must have.
Coming in at $159 plus shipping for four pods, or $99 for two (and the shortboarder in you), the NOHO surf trainer is a highly recommended Christmas gift for surfers. Check it out here.
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No no no,
waste of $$$ - go home get a 4″ wide plank (no more than 6″) about 9-10′ long. Simply put a round post under the front about 12-15″ from the nose end of the plank and go for it.
Shortpoarder? Just get a shorter plank and put the post in the middle.
Not to diss these guys, but the majority of foot placement has to do with what the wave is doing. I can’t see this helping much, but mad props to the guys who developed it. It’s a great idea just not sure if it’s functional.
I would love to hear Lewis Samuels’ take on this piece of crap.