20 Quick Tips to Get You In & Out of More Barrels

Barrel riding is one of the most thrilling parts of surfing, but it comes with its challenges. In this guide, Clayton Nienaber breaks down 20 essential tips from his years of experience to help you master the art of getting barreled. These insights cover everything from positioning and mindset to technique and safety.

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1. Positioning

One of the biggest problems in surfing is positioning. People are often afraid to sit deep because they worry about how much energy is being sucked up. They end up paddling on the shoulder and trying to stall and slow down against this wall of water. As a result, they miss the barrel. When you’re paddling into the wave, water needs to draw up for it to barrel. The more lift there is, the safer and wider the barrel becomes. Instead of pulling back when you feel the lift, realize you’re in the perfect spot to get barreled.

2. Ejecting Safely

If things go wrong, you need to know how to eject safely. Keep your hands up—if your board bounces, it will hit your hands instead of your face. If necessary, dive through the back of the wave rather than getting slammed into the sandbank or reef.

3. Commitment

Many surfers get stuck worrying that the wave is too steep, too powerful, or too fast. But all you need to do is commit to taking the right line. The wave needs to suck up and throw down quickly, so by committing to that line, you’ll make the barrel.

4. Don’t Worry About the Drop

When barrel riding, the wave sucks up and throws the lip down fast. Looking straight down can make the drop seem too steep, but if you look across the wave, your board will fit into that line better, and you’ll get more time. Focus on your line and commit to it.

5. Barrel Posture

A common mistake is bending your back, sticking your bum into the lip, and leaning your head onto the wave face. This posture makes you wobble through the barrel. Instead, keep your head close to the wave face so you can feel where the barrel is. This keeps you stable because the wave supports you, allowing you to pick a clean line.

6. Avoid the Guillotine Effect

When the wave breaks, don’t be at the bottom of the barrel where the lip will land on your head. The safest place to be is higher up and away from the breaking lip. Stay closer to the wave face to avoid getting hit.

7. Wait for the Draw

Watch the bottom of the wave. Just like a tree needs a base to stand, a barrel needs a solid base to form. Wait for the wave to draw up, and as it does, stick your head and ear close to the wave face. This helps you stay safe and ready for the barrel.

8. Head Position

Many surfers expect to get hurt and adopt a low, defensive posture. This can push your head into the water, causing your buoyant rails to bounce back and hurt you. Keep your head closer to the wave face, hands up, and be ready to dive through the back if needed. This keeps you safer.

9. Keep Your Head Over Your Hips

Inside the barrel, water draws up and throws down. If you keep your head over your hips and your posture straight, you’ll have more control. Bending your head forward or sticking your bum out causes wobbling, making it harder to stay in the barrel.

10. Anticipate Acceleration

Barrel riding comes with rapid acceleration. If you don’t anticipate this, you’ll end up dropping to the bottom of the wave, right where the lip will land. Apply pressure to your front foot, knife into the wave, and keep your head close to the wave face to manage acceleration.

11. Bigger Waves are Safer

Many think starting with small barrels is safer, but they break in shallow water, making wipeouts riskier. Bigger barrels break in deeper water, giving you more room to move and adjust. This makes bigger barrels safer and less traumatic for learning.

12. Trust Your Positioning

If you think you’re too deep, you’re probably in the perfect spot. If you think you’re in the right spot, you’re likely too far out. Trust that being deeper is often better for making the barrel.

13. Navigating the Wave’s Energy

Not every wave is a perfect barrel. Sometimes you need to fade down and around the wave’s energy to set up properly. Waves can be lumpy, and you might have to adjust to get the right positioning.

14. Body Language and Intention

Your posture should reflect your intention. Point your knees, chest, and hands where you want to go. This communicates to the wave that you want to make the barrel and helps you stay on track.

15. Lift and Compress

Angle your nose slightly down to stay in control as the wave lifts you. Adjust by lifting and compressing to maintain your line inside the barrel.

16. Keep Your Head Still

Moving your head too much disrupts balance and makes it hard to control your line. Keep your head still and focused on the best path through the barrel.

17. Takeoff Intention

Set your intention before the takeoff. Look where you want to go and visualize making the barrel. This mindset helps you commit fully.

18. Fight Stance

Adopt a fight stance: knees bent, hands up, and ready to move. This gives you the flexibility to adjust your balance and stay in control.

19. Breathe and Relax

Take a deep breath before pulling into the barrel. Staying relaxed helps you move better and enjoy the ride. Holding your breath makes you tense and more likely to eject early.

20. Backside Barrel Riding

For backside barrels, avoid squatting with your knees pointing out. Instead, tie your shoelace, stick your ear to the wave, keep your back straight, and lift your hand to exit cleanly.

Wrap-Up

Barrel riding is all about mindset, positioning, and technique. Trust the process, stay relaxed, and commit to the line. With these tips, you’ll improve your barrel riding and start experiencing the thrill of getting slotted more often.

For a visual guide, watch the full video: 20 Quick Tips to Get You In & Out of More Barrels.

See you in the barrel‍

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