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.
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Instructions
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Paddle hard in the same direction as the force of the wave until you can feel the wave propelling you forward.
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Plant your hands on the sides of the surfboard just below the level of your shoulders when the wave has you.
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Push your body up with your arms and knees, and spring to your feet.
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Put your left foot forward if you're "regular" footed, or place your right foot forward if you're "goofy" footed.
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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.
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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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Comments
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surfsider
Nov 01, 2008
Surfers with relatively long arms and short legs can usually just swing or pivot their legs under them easily to a pop up position. However, I have short arms, very long legs, and a short torso. This makes it very difficult to pop up cleanly on a short board even after 12 years of surfing (10 on a longboard). Unlike a surfer who pops up easily and gracefully, I am unable to get my front foot to a position somewhere near and between my hands while my hands are still on the board (which is what most good surfers do). If anyone out there has the same problem and has learned to correct it, I would I love to have some advice. I want to be able to pop up swiftly and cleanly (please no step-up technique suggestions) Thanks. -
surfsider
Feb 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.
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surfsider
Feb 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.
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Nov 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.
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Nov 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.
