soul arch
Upright, chest-out, back-bending surf pose, meant to denote mastery in a way that can be either subtle or arrogant, depending on the rider. A soul arch is usually done while in trim across the wave face or during a frontside bottom turn. The expression "soul arch" originated in the early 1970s, and the move was made famous by 1976 world champion Peter Townend, who later confessed that he stole it ...
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Peter Townend, 1976. Photo: Laurie McginnisSubscribe to view
Kemp Aaberg, 1959. Photo: John SeversonSubscribe to view
Skip Frye, Pacific Beach Point, 1965. Photo: Brad BarrettSubscribe to view
Gerry Lopez, Pipeline. Photo: Art BrewerSubscribe to view
Rell Sunn. Photo: Craig FinemanSubscribe to view
Derek Hynd, 1998. Photo: Lance SlabbertSubscribe to view
Peter Townend, 1976. Photo: Laurie Mcginnis
Kemp Aaberg, 1959. Photo: John Severson
Skip Frye, Pacific Beach Point, 1965. Photo: Brad Barrett
Gerry Lopez, Pipeline. Photo: Art Brewer
Rell Sunn. Photo: Craig Fineman
Derek Hynd, 1998. Photo: Lance Slabbert