How to Stand Up on a Surfboard

The "takeoff" - catching the wave, standing up, gaining control and turning toward the shoulder of the wave - is the most critical skill in surfing. Once you're up, the rest is relatively easy. Here's how to take a stand.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Surf board

1. Paddle hard in the same direction as the force of the wave until you can feel the wave propelling you forward.

2. Plant your hands on the sides of the surfboard just below the level of your shoulders when the wave has you.

3. Push your body up with your arms and knees, and spring to your feet.

4. Put your left foot forward if you're "regular" footed, or place your right foot forward if you're "goofy" footed.

5. Keep in mind, the positioning of your feet depends on the size and shape of your board, but the position should enable you to instantly turn and control your board.

Tips & Warnings

• Standing up on the board is a "feel" thing that takes practice.
• Do it fast.
• Know the right-of-way rules and don't take off in front of another surfer.
• Surfing is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.

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[surfsider]

on 2/17/2007 The often unspoken key to popping up is that you need to bring your front foot up to where your hands are while your hands or finger are still on the board or just starting to leave the board (your back foot will move up similtaneously but just a short distance to your tail pad or just beyond a shoulder width from your front foot). You can still do this and keep your hips low and in an athletic crouch. You will find that the push down effect and leverage your hands provide by remaining on the board until your feet are in place will greatly improve your stability, will allow you to not have to drag a knee, and also works for shortboards where you have no toe leverage.

on 8/8/2006 Keep your butt down. So many people pop up and look like their touching their toes -- you want to squat, and stand from there, keeping your bottom pointing down.

Also, when doing pop-ups, you don't grab the board at shoulder-level like you're doing a push up. Grab it further back (about on level with your chest).
Imagine a line down the middle of the board, nose to tip. You want to be on that line, otherwise you'll tilt.

If you're having trouble while on the waves, try getting to one knee first, and work from there.

on 11/22/2005 When you have gotten up, realx. If you stay bent over, or crouched people are going to think you are a bad surfer. Stand up straight and bend your knees when turning. Don't bend your back.

on 11/22/2005 There is a critical moment to catch a wave and stand up. Just when you feel you and the wave going the same speed, jump from prone to standing position before the wave breaks.

on 11/22/2005 You can practice hopping up from a prone position to your feet ("pop-ups") anywhere. Do it until it's reflexive. The temptation for a beginner is to leave the back knee on the board, but you have better balance with both feet planted.