The surfing maneuver in which a surfer turns back toward the breaking part of the wave is called a cutback.
A surfer performs a cutback after moving toward the open shoulder, the unbroken part of the wave. The turn redirects the board toward the pocket near the breaking foam, where the wave usually has more energy. The surfer then changes direction again to continue down the line.
The cutback is both a functional and stylistic maneuver. Functionally, it keeps the surfer close to the wave's power source. Technically, it requires pressure through the rails, controlled body rotation, and a smooth change of direction. A cutback can be made on either the frontside or backside of a wave.
It is often confused with a bottom turn, which is the turn made near the bottom of the wave to redirect upward. An aerial, by contrast, involves leaving the wave's surface.