Strategic Intent: Riding the momentum of the "Big Wave" until the trend clearly breaks.
The Trend Surfer believes that the trend is your friend until the very end. They do not try to guess the top or the bottom. Instead, they wait for a trend to be established, "catch the wave," and stay on it as long as the momentum remains positive. They are the "Systematic Masters" of the trading world.
- Tactical Focus: Moving Averages, Donchian Channels, and Momentum Indicators (RSI/MACD).
- Psychological Profile: Disciplined, rule-following, and capable of ignoring the "noise" of daily market fluctuations.
The Blueprint:
- Logic: Trend Following (the assumption that trends persist longer than expected).
- Execution: Mechanical entry and exit rules based on mathematical signals.
- Risk: "Whipsaws" in sideways/choppy markets where no clear trend exists.
Legendary Archetypes:
- Richard Dennis: Created the "Turtle Traders" to prove that trend following can be taught as a system.
- Ed Seykota: A pioneer of computerized trend following who turned $5k into $15M over 12 years.
- Nicolas Darvas: The dancer who created the "Box System" to ride momentum in the 1950s.
- Cathie Wood: Modern trend surfer focusing on the "Innovation Curve" and long-term tech momentum.