Recreation
Big spin
A combination trick pairing a 360-degree shuv-it of the board with a 180-degree body varial in the same direction.
Big spin is a term from limnology — the scientific study of inland waters. The detailed explanation below covers the definition, why the concept matters to lake water-quality interpretation, and how it intersects with the LakeGrade rubric. Reading Big spin alongside the LakeGrade rubric helps make the rubric's structure intuitive — each grading parameter maps directly onto an established limnological concept.
The per-lake pages on LakeQuality always show the specific Big spin value for that lake, so you can move from the general concept to the specific lake without leaving the site.
What It Means for Your Lake
A big spin combines two rotations at once: the board does a 360-degree shuv-it while the rider's body does a 180-degree spin, both turning the same way. The result is a coordinated, full-looking spin that is a marquee skim-style freestyle trick. Backside and frontside variants differ by rotation direction. Because it stacks board and body rotation together, the big spin is a clear step up from learning the shuv-it and body varial separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is big spin?
A combination trick pairing a 360-degree shuv-it of the board with a 180-degree body varial in the same direction.
Why does big spin matter for lake health?
A big spin combines two rotations at once: the board does a 360-degree shuv-it while the rider's body does a 180-degree spin, both turning the same way. The result is a coordinated, full-looking spin that is a marquee skim-style freestyle trick. Backside and frontside variants differ by rotation dir...
Related Terms
Spinning only the board 180 (or 360) degrees beneath the feet while the rider's body stays facing the same direction.
Jumping and spinning your body 180 degrees while the board stays pointing in the same direction.
A full 360-degree rotation of board and rider, most commonly performed flat on the water's surface in skim style.
A wakesurfing discipline using flatter, thinner, low-rocker boards with little or no fin, built for spins, shuv-its, slides, and skateboard-like freestyle.
Source: EPA National Aquatic Resource Surveys, 2026.