Bottom Turn

Term from Surfing Instruction industry explained for recruiters

A Bottom Turn is one of the most fundamental and important moves in surfing. It's the turning maneuver a surfer performs at the bottom of a wave that sets up all other surfing moves. Think of it as the foundation move that connects different surfing actions together - like a crucial transition step in a dance routine. When reviewing surfing instructor resumes, this term indicates that the candidate understands and can teach core surfing techniques. It's similar to how a dance instructor needs to know basic steps before teaching advanced moves.

Examples in Resumes

Specialized in teaching Bottom Turn techniques to beginner and intermediate surfers

Created video tutorials demonstrating proper Bottom Turn mechanics for online surf school

Developed assessment criteria for evaluating students' Bottom Turn progression

Typical job title: "Surf Instructors"

Also try searching for:

Surfing Coach Water Sports Instructor Surf School Instructor Surfing Teacher Ocean Sports Instructor Watersports Coach

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you adjust your teaching of the Bottom Turn for different wave conditions?

Expected Answer: A senior instructor should explain how they adapt teaching methods for different wave sizes, speeds, and shapes, and how they ensure student safety while maintaining progression.

Q: How do you create a progression plan for teaching Bottom Turns to groups?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of group teaching dynamics, safety management, and how to structure lessons from beach demonstration to water practice with multiple skill levels.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What are the most common mistakes students make when learning Bottom Turns?

Expected Answer: Should identify typical beginner errors like poor weight distribution, incorrect timing, and wrong positioning on the wave, plus how to correct these issues.

Q: How do you teach Bottom Turns to children versus adults?

Expected Answer: Should explain different teaching approaches based on age groups, attention spans, and physical capabilities, while maintaining safety and engagement.

Junior Level Questions

Q: Can you explain the basic components of a Bottom Turn?

Expected Answer: Should be able to break down the fundamental elements of body position, board control, and timing needed for a basic Bottom Turn.

Q: What safety considerations do you take when teaching Bottom Turns?

Expected Answer: Should discuss basic water safety, appropriate wave selection, and proper progression steps for beginners.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic surfing techniques demonstration
  • Fundamental safety protocols
  • Basic wave reading ability
  • Simple teaching methods

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Advanced technique analysis
  • Group lesson management
  • Multiple teaching methods
  • Emergency response handling

Senior (5+ years)

  • Advanced coaching techniques
  • Surf school program development
  • Instructor training capability
  • Risk management expertise

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Inability to demonstrate proper Bottom Turn technique
  • Lack of basic water safety knowledge
  • Poor communication skills
  • No formal surf instruction certification
  • Limited understanding of wave dynamics