Albee Layer hucking an alley oop 540 in his newest film, Attractive Distractions.
For those who don’t know, Albee Layer is the first person to land a 540 rotation on a surfboard. The guy is simply a phenomenal surfer. He epitomizes the definition of man-turns and I’m absolutely convinced he has rubber ankles (judging from the insane airs he stomps). With Kelly Slater’s mind-blowing, yet questionable “720” still burned into the minds of every surfer, an informative elucidation of the 540 is an absolute necessity. Who better to hear from than the pioneer himself? Here are the 5 key ingredients for hucking a double spin (540) according to Albee Layer:
Speed
The number one key ingredient to every air is speed. Without speed it’s impossible to project from the surface of the water. It is pretty simple math, really. A double spin requires a big air, a big air requires more speed, and more speed comes from bigger and steeper waves.
Timing
Timing is another essential component in the 540. It’s what makes the difference between a shit air and the best air. In all airs, and especially in executing a 540, timing is just as important as speed. All the speed in the world can instantly dissolve if you hit the wrong part of a section. The 540 requires hitting the precise location on the lip which allows the maximum projection into the air. Also, bad timing is how accidents tend to happen. Flying too far into the flats, broken boards, broken joints, and fin lacerations of all sorts are all results of poor timing.
Wind
Windy conditions are often associated with the deterioration of waves. However, the proper wind speed and direction can be quite advantageous. The proper wind is required for stomping a trick like a double spin (frontside, backside, or alley oop). Everyone has their own preference of wind conditions that are conducive to airs, but I prefer a 45 degree, side/off shore wind. This particular wind is great because if you push your air out into the flats, more than likely the wind will hold your board to your feet. I also personally like the wind very strong. I would venture to say, the stronger the better.
Commitment
Commitment comes into play especially on the alley oop 540 because you are landing blind (opposed to Kelly’s air, whose landing was in front of him). After the first half of the air you have to decide whether or not you are going to try and see it the whole way through or bail out. To pull a 540 you have to be super committed to landing it.
Flexibility
Flexibility and strength are important components to possess in order to mitigate chances of being injured. Because of the fact that it takes a lot of persistence to stomp a big trick of any kind, it’s important to be able to take the falls without getting hurt.
Speaking of persistence, check out this bonus footage of Albee playing the poster child for the idiom “no guts, no glory”.
