If you are anywhere near being a good longboarder, you’ve got a good cross-step in your back pocket. It’s a fundamental part of riding a longboard, but not only because it looks great when done properly. Like anything in surfing, whether its longboarding, shortboarding, or anything else, the movement needs to be functional. Bella Eberz knows this, and Bella Eberz can cross-step with the best of them.
“The reason why you would want to learn to cross-step is to move up and down the board efficiently,” she explains. “With the ultimate goal of reaching the nose and getting a hang five or a hang 10, a more advanced maneuver. It could seem more stylish compared to shuffling.”
Eberz, who grew up surfing on Oahu’s East Side, spends most of her time in Waikiki. Her home break is Queens — a perfect wave for someone like her — and it’s clear on watching her that she draws inspiration from some of the greats.
“Bella’s surfing style is smooth, quick, agile, and powerful,” wrote T&C Surf. “That’s a result of drawing inspiration from the great surfers she sees on a daily basis. Among her favorite surfers, Kelis Kaleopaa and Joel Tudor are at the top of her list because of their style.”
The teenager has been making a name for herself in the last few years especially, winning numerous HSA and NSSA events, including the HSA event held at Queens for longboarding. She’s got big goals, and she’s making her way towards them one step at a time.
