Coco Ho Shreds: 20 Minutes of Epic Boardriding

Coco Ho’s XO Coco Boards Prove Versatility in Global Surf Reel

Coco Ho had a standout 2024,prioritizing simplicity and performance in her surfing approach.”Last year,my approach to surfing was to keep life really simple,” Ho shared. “Pack one board bag with teh same three to four models that I love and put them to the test around the world in so many different conditions.”

The quiver, featuring twins, quads, and thrusters, all came from XO Coco, the board label she co-founded with Matt Parker (of Album Surfboards) last year. Now, as the brand marks its frist anniversary, Ho has released a captivating highlight reel documenting her travels and demonstrating the designs’ adaptability in a wide range of waves and under the feet of some of surfing’s top talent.

from the powerful waves of Rocky Point to the unique conditions of Abu Dhabi and the renowned J-Bay, Ho appears to be surfing at the peak of her abilities – faster, sharper, and looser. The boards consistently deliver, handling everything short of the most critical slabs or massive step-up waves. Ho herself rides a diverse range,from a compact 4’9″ Tryst Fish to a 6’4″ Halcyon Twin,showcasing her signature style and consistent execution.

The XO Coco boards also received rave reviews from professional surfers Stephanie Gilmore, Harry Bryant, Noah Beschen, Juliette Lacome, and Eithan Osborne. While initially focused on providing more options for women surfers, the brand’s boards are proving equally capable in the hands of male surfers.

“Being able to share these boards with my friends and family has been the most gratifying part of this whole experience,” Coco said. “Just seeing everyone’s approach, where they place turns, their genuine happiness when they’re paddling into waves, and their shock on their first waves, how fun they are, and the freedom it brings has been the most fun for me.”

As SURFER reported in an interview with ashtyn Douglas-Rosa last year, Coco explained how diversifying her board quiver – moving beyond a lifetime of riding thrusters – fundamentally changed her surfing. “I just feel like it’s a little more precise,” she explained.”It’s definitely a lot freer, due to me riding more twin fins. Twins are just fast and free but still really drivey, so it’s brought a lightness to my surfing. I haven’t been this happy with surfing in all conditions in a very long time. now I want to surf in all conditions because now I’m equipped for it. Even if it’s terrible out there, I’m like, ‘Oh it’s ok, I have the right board for this.”

With one year under its belt, XO Coco is clearly making waves. The anticipation is already building for the 2025 reel.

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What specific strength training exercises would best replicate the core and leg power demonstrated in coco Ho’s surfing?

Decoding Coco Ho’s Power Surfing

Coco Ho isn’t just a professional surfer; she’s a force of nature. Known for her powerful rail game, innovative maneuvers, and unwavering commitment to progression, watching her surf is a masterclass in modern surfing. But what specifically makes her riding so impactful? This article breaks down key elements of Coco Ho’s style, focusing on how you can apply similar principles to your own surfing, even in short, focused sessions. We’ll explore techniques, board choices, and training philosophies that contribute to her “epic boardriding.”

The Anatomy of a 20-Minute Power session

Twenty minutes might not seem like much, but a highly focused surf session can yield notable improvements. Here’s how to structure a session inspired by Coco Ho’s approach:

1. Warm-up (5 minutes): Dynamic stretching on the beach focusing on shoulders,back,and legs. Paddle drills – long, smooth strokes, and short, powerful bursts.
2. Power turns (7 minutes): Focus on generating speed into the turn, not just during it. Coco Ho excels at using her body weight and rail to maintain speed through critical sections. Practice bottom turns and cutbacks, aiming for a powerful, drawn-out arc.
3. Aerial Attempts (5 minutes): Coco Ho isn’t afraid to push the boundaries with aerials. Even if you’re not aiming for full rotations, practice generating lift and compressing for a potential air. Focus on the pop and landing.
4. Cool-down (3 minutes): Gentle paddling and stretching to prevent soreness.

Key Techniques Inspired by Coco Ho

Coco Ho’s surfing isn’t about flashy tricks; it’s about powerful, controlled execution. Here’s a breakdown of techniques to emulate:

Rail-to-Rail Transitions: coco Ho seamlessly transitions from rail to rail, maintaining speed and control.This requires strong core engagement and precise footwork.Drill: Practice switching your weight smoothly between rails while riding a flat section of the wave.

Body Positioning: Her low center of gravity and forward lean allow her to maintain control in steep conditions.Focus on bending your knees and keeping your back straight.

generating Speed: Coco ho doesn’t just react to the wave; she actively creates speed. This involves pumping on the wave face and utilizing the wave’s energy.

Late Takeoffs: She consistently takes off on late drops, showcasing her confidence and wave reading ability. This is an advanced technique, but practicing paddling harder and committing to the drop is key.

Board Selection: Matching the Equipment to the Style

Coco ho’s board quiver reflects her versatile surfing style. While she rides a variety of boards, certain characteristics are consistent:

Slightly Wider Outline: Provides stability and allows for easier rail-to-rail transitions.

Moderate Rocker: Balances maneuverability with paddling speed.

Performance Tail: Square or squash tails offer hold and responsiveness for powerful turns.

Fin Setup: Typically a thruster (three-fin) setup for all-around performance,but she’s also been seen experimenting with quad fins for added speed and drive.

Consider your own skill level and wave conditions when choosing a board. A board similar to a high-performance shortboard, but with slightly more volume, can be a good starting point.Consult with a local surf shop for personalized recommendations.

Training Regimen: Building the Foundation for power

Coco Ho’s surfing is underpinned by a rigorous training regimen. Key components include:

strength Training: Focus on core strength, leg power, and upper body endurance. Squats, lunges, push-ups, and pull-ups are essential.

Cardiovascular Fitness: Running, swimming, and interval training improve stamina and recovery.

Flexibility & Mobility: Yoga and stretching enhance range of motion and prevent injuries.

wave Specific Training: Utilizing wave pools or focusing on specific maneuvers during ocean sessions.

Analyzing coco Ho’s Turns: A Deeper Dive

Let’s break down a typical Coco Ho power turn:

1. Approach: She angles towards the section she wants to attack,maintaining speed.
2. Bottom Turn: A deep, powerful bottom turn sets the stage for the maneuver. She uses her rail