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THE STALL


There is a manoeuvre which is very new to Durban and which very few local surfers can do. Indeed, not many Durban surfers even know about this very important part of "trimming." It is the "stall."

Although from the shore it may look unnecessary, a "stall" is very functional when used at the right time.
It enables a surfer to get into a better position in the wave.

A "stall" is a way of slowing down the wave to wait for a section to build up ahead, or to stay in a section while it builds up and gives a faster ride.

A rider can often create conditions for a good nose ride by "stalling." Sometimes after a "stall" it is necessary to go right to the nose to attain maximum "trim" in a really "hot" section.

BUILDING UP
A "stall" should be used whenever the rider sees that the section he is in is building up or the section ahead is building up. If he does not wait he will pass through the section before it gets "hot." And the "functional" man always tries to be where it is "hot."

A "stall" is accomplished by lifting the nose of the board far out of the water and thus digging


              The Natal Mercury, August 27, 1964
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Bernard Wardell does a perfect "stall". He waited for the section he was in to build up and here he brings his weight back on to his front foot before starting to "walk". He made a "hot" little section which he otherwise would have missed.

Bernard (16) has been surfing for little more than a year and already he is one of the most promising surfers in Durban. His home beach  is  Addington but this picture was taken at "Dairy Beach", north of the West Street Groyne.
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the tail in. This causes the board to drag and slows it down. All the rider's weight is put on his back or trailing foot.

Great care must be taken not to dig the tail in too hard. If this happens the board will jerk up suddenly. The rider will fall off the back and the board, instead of being 'stalled,” will probably be “kicked out” in front of the wave.

After “stalling” long enough for the section to build up – a matter of seconds – the rider must get back to full “trim.” This is done by putting weight on the front foot and then “walking” the board. Some-times maximum “trim” can only be attained by “walking to the nose.”

Once Durban surfers master the art of the “stall” and realise its advantages they
are likely to become “stoked” on it. As happened with the “bottom turn” when it came to the notice of Durban surfers, the “stall” will probably be over-used.

The “stall” is a functional manoeuvre and should be used only when necessary.

Once the basic technique of the “stall” is learnt the surfer should let his unconscious take over and he should concentrate on the wave. In all aspects of surfing the rider should concentrate on the wave –  his foot reaction will be natural.

Surfing is an art and a  sport. When the art is mastered the sport can really be enjoyed.
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