Stalefish Meaning in Surfing

A stalefish is an aerial grab performed with the back hand of rider. The surfer reaches behind the legs to grab the heel rail. This maneuver requires a lot of flexibility in the back and shoulders. It is considered a very stylish and difficult grab to execute cleanly. The body must twist slightly to reach the back edge of boards. This grab helps the surfer hold the board during a rotation. A surfer performs a stalefish grab during a backside air rotation. Releasing the grab at the right time ensures a smooth water landing. One athlete shows off a stalefish while flying over a large wave. This move adds a unique and technical look to any ride.