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by Erika Togashi May 17, 2023 3 min read
We sat down with coaching extraordinaire Jessie Carnes, aka Surf Simply Head Coach aka SEPTEMBER Ambassador to hear her thoughts and tips on developing perhaps the most useful and most used maneuver at the typical surf breaks we tend to frequent…the cutback.
Jessie has been product testing our swimsuits since 2020 and is an accomplished high-performance surfer; winning the Women's East Coast Championship in 2008. Jessie helps to give us feedback on the mobility and performance of our swimsuits particularly when under pressure through surf maneuvers. Living on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, we also gather the long-term durability data of the luxury Italian #Econyl material, to ensure resistance from day-to-day and long-term salt and UV exposure.
Hi Jessie, thanks for letting our readers pick your brain today. So if you don’t mind, let's set the scene and give us your take on what a cutback is, and why we might use them so often…
JESSIE: So we use the cutback in both longboarding and shortboarding and the whole purpose of doing a cutback is so you can stay on the wave longer by ‘cutting back’ or redirecting the board back into the pocket and power of the wave. This leads you into surfing the rest of the wave a lot longer with more speed and more opportunity for later maneuvers.
Ok, so now we know why and when let's talk preparation and the setup of the cutback…
JESSIE: To prepare for the cutback first you want to pick a wave that is going to allow you the opportunity to cutback. What I mean by this is don't pick a close-out or fast-breaking wave. Choose a wave that's going to have more of a softer, slower shoulder on the side of the peak.
So we’ve got our wave, what's next?
JESSIE: A tip I like to give is to start high and end high. So start the cutback at the top of the wave, and as you move through the turn, aim to finish at the top of the wave also. You're trying to achieve a 180-degree direction change, and the higher you stay on the wave the more speed you will maintain through the turn.
Is there anything you would have wanted to know when you were developing this maneuver? Any secret tips you wish you knew?
JESSIE: I’d say the biggest common error I see when I'm surf coaching is that surfers don't hold the turn all the way back to the whitewater. A big tip when you're thinking about cutting back is to make sure you're cutting all the way back towards the power source at the whitewater, and not turning before then on the open face. This will help to maintain more speed. You're going to get stuck in the whitewater a couple of times and it might feel a little frustrating but it's going to help in the long run when you finally get projected back down the line with loads of speed.
Thank you Jessie and before we sign off, do you have a favorite SEPTEMBER swimsuit?
My favorite SEPTEMBER swimsuit for shortboarding has to be the Grace top and Elise bottoms. They have an elastic band under the bust and the waist and they never come down or move around, especially in big surf. Plus I like that they’re simple black and not flashy and just let me surf without thinking about them.
Jessie is surfing in the Grace top and Elise bottom in the above serious of her performing a cutback.
SEPTEMBER: Designed by women, for women.
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by Erika Togashi March 11, 2024 3 min read
by Erika Togashi March 04, 2024 4 min read 1 Comment
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Fits very snug, do not have to worry about falling out.
This is my signature top for surfing and I have bought this style in multiple beautiful colours. The smooth lines and cut fit perfect on my athletic build and smaller chest. This top absolutely stays on in the surf and also looks great with my fave pair of high waisted jean shorts. Paired with the Lucky Bottom, it's perfection!
The lucky bottom is a style I have been wearing since the beginning of SEPTEMBER. Erika truly understands what a true surf bikini needs to look and fit like. This bottom is extremely flattering on all body types and absolutely stays on in the surf. I have recommended this bottom to many surfer friends who also all love the style. They are simply elegant and beautiful.
Absolutely in love with the Hustle Leggings. They are flattering and designed with a luxurious silky fabric that doesn't jeopardize performance. I have used these leggings for intense dry land training as well as in the water surfing for the ultimate sun protection. As with all the SEPTEMBER products the quality of the leggings is top stitch, wash very well and after much abuse look like the day I first put them on. Highly recommend for all athletic activities and water sports.
I don't typically wear one pieces but from the moment I put this one on I was in love. The low scoop in the back is so pretty I often even wear it as a onesie with a pair of jean shorts outside of the water. I've been wearing it in the surf too- if you like cheekier suits this one is for you!
I've been using this suit in all types of waves and it does not budge! The perfect coverage and the back cutout is soooo cute! I get compliments every time I have it on.
This has been my go-to suit for almost four years of surfing, swimming, and beach hangs. I've put it through a lot and it has held up way better than any swimsuit I've ever owned!!
This top is so supportive and yet it feels like butter when you wear it - so soft! Fits true to size.
Holds up in the biggest swell!
Super comfortable, flattering and well made. Beautiful color!
Lola Fig is my absolute favorite suit at the moment. I’ve taken it everywhere with me in the past year - surfing, free diving, jumping into rock pools. No matter what I’m doing it always stays on. This timelessness of the suit means I can still wear in the years to come and the color fig really suits my skin tone both when I’m super tanned or when I’m pale and out of the sun for a while. Also being 5”2 the higher cut makes my legs seem longer and makes me look taller which is a great plus for me ;)
I love my Sumatra surf suit! It is so flattering, and I never, ever need to adjust it in the water. I feel protected from the sun alll the way up to my neck and I can roll the sleeves up or down depending on how I'm feeling. It's just the right cut in the back. I forget I have it on and feel super confident and balanced on my board - the two layers of fabric don't slide around when I'm turning to catch a wave, as I've experienced with some other surf suits. So grateful to have found this - it is my daily companion in the water, so well made and looks great. Thank you, September!!
I luv e in Costa Rica and this suit is perfect for my sunrise surf sessions…and any of my surf sessions. I love it. It stays in place and it’s super comfortable. It fits really well.
I found that I wanted another sports bra option (in addition to the Isa) for my exercise and love the Training Sports Bra! It works for my runs without the extra cell phone pocket so it doesn't feel as "thick" which is nice and it's perfect for spinning, yoga, and weight lifting! It's easy to get on, supports me for all my exercise...including running and I'm so glad to have another September sports bra.
Like the Isa, it is so comfortable on my body and doesn't irritate my skin (I have eczema). The material is so soft and the sports bra is really well made. Can't wait to get another in a different color.
I have always run in shorts but wanted a pair of shorts that I could exercise in and not have my legs rub and these are it!! I want to order more! They stay comfortably on my waist, have 2 side pockets that I put my phone in and didn't notice as well as a gu. Neither felt like they were adding weight or bouncing around. The material is soft and snug which felt great. They didn't sag and I felt so free running with them on. I also found that I was just putting them on to wear around the house and again, they didn't rise up around the leg nor fall down around the waist. They are really well made with a lot of attention to detail.
If you want something not just for running but also wearing around the house or to yoga that feels like your second skin...these are them!! Love them!