Learn an efficient technique to take off successfully and stand up on your longboard.
A proper takeoff technique makes it easier for you to stand up quickly with your feet in the perfect position. The pop up we’re about to show you has been the most successful with beginners at barefoot surf travel.
This technique works for long boards and foam boards.
Here’s the take off step by step…
first paddle until you have really caught the wave if you’re not sure if you caught it completely give two extra paddles. Once you’ve caught the wave place both hands flat on the surfboard next to your pectorals do a push up with your toes tucked on the tail of the surfboard.
This creates space between your body and the surfboard your knees, legs and waist should not touch the board. First slide your back foot forward on the board your back foot should be brought to the position of your opposite knee.
Then slide your front foot forward in between your hands notice that until now the surfer has always kept his hands on the board. Whilst doing his popper keeping your hands on the board helps stabilize a surfboard and maintains the speed.
Once you feel stable and comfortable stand up make sure your feet are well positioned before you take your hands off the board. Keep your knees bent and look where you want to go.
Common Mistakes When Learning How To Pop Up On A Surfboard
Don’t grab your rails, it makes it harder to keep your balance and creates drag underwater.
Keep your hands flat on your board don’t bring your knees on to the surfboard it will throw you off balance this is a bad habit because in bigger steeper waves you won’t have time to slide your knees before popping up.
Don’t bring your front foot first your feet will land too far back on your lawn board hitting the brakes and slowing you down.
Bringing your back foot first then your front foot is the easiest way to keep your speed and stay with the wave. Be sure to keep your knees bent and compress your lower body.
Don’t lock your knees because as soon as your legs are straight it becomes very hard to keep your balance. Don’t bend your upper body this is one of the most common mistakes we see in beginners trying to keep their balance.
One thing to remember is to paddle until you’ve caught the wave. Then push up, slide your back foot first slide your front foot in between your hands to stand up and keep your knees bent.
Be sure to look where you want to go. It’s just like when you drive a car, you look in the direction that you want to go. You don’t look down or in the rearview mirror. You’ve got to focus your eyes on where you want to steer.