How to Hang Ten
The Original Surf Lifestyle
HOW TO
HANG TEN.
Ten toes over the nose. One of longboarding’s most iconic moments – and the maneuver that gave Hang Ten its name. When done right, it looks almost effortless. Getting there is all about timing, balance, and reading the wave.
Learn the basicsThe Maneuver
What does “Hang Ten” actually mean?
A Hang Ten is performed when a longboarder walks all the way to the nose and gets all ten toes over the front edge at the same time as the board continues to glide on the wave.
It’s not just about walking forward on the board. The board, the wave, and the surfer must work together. The tail needs to lie stable in the wave while the surfer maintains balance on the very front of the nose.
The Basics
THREE THINGS MATTER MOST.
01
Timing
Move forward when the board feels stable and the wave is providing enough support to the tail. Too early or too late, and the nose becomes significantly harder to control.
02
Position
A clean, open wave and a good trim line give you space to walk forward. Stay near the part of the wave that provides power instead of getting too far out in front of it.
03
Weight Distribution
Small changes make a big difference. Keep your movements smooth, stay relaxed, and feel when the board is ready for the next step.
Move with the board
Cross-step. Don't rush.
Classic longboarding relies heavily on cross-stepping: moving forward and backward by crossing one foot over the other rather than shuffling along the board. When done right, your upper body stays calmer and weight transfer becomes more controlled. Feel free to practice the movement on land first, then take it out into small, manageable waves.
From trim to nose
TEN STEPS TO THE NOSE.
01. Choose a clean, manageable wave with an open wall.
02. Catch the wave early and find a smooth trim line.
03. Position the board where it can maintain speed without outrunning the wave.
04. Wait until the tail feels stable before you start walking forward.
05. Cross-step toward the nose with calm and controlled steps.
06. Keep your upper body calm and your eyes focused along the wave.
07. When the board feels stable in the line, move your front foot toward the nose.
08. Move the back foot forward only as long as the board remains stable.
09. Place all ten toes over the edge when timing, balance, and position in the wave align.
10. Move back before the section loses power or closes out. Find your balance again and start over.
Practice with control
Style follows control.
Noseriding requires repetition. Start in conditions suitable for your level, give other surfers plenty of space, and use safety equipment appropriate for the conditions and local regulations.
The goal is not to force yourself to the nose. It’s about feeling when the wave, the board, and your body are working together – and then making the movement look effortless.
Why Hang Ten?
TEN TOES.
ONE ICONIC IDEA.
Few maneuvers capture the classic California surf culture as clearly. Hang Ten is about balance, timing, confidence, and freedom – the same surf spirit that has been part of the brand since 1960.