How to Pop Up on a Surfboard
Like a Pro
How to Pop Up on a Surfboard Like a Pro
If you’ve ever watched a surfer glide effortlessly into a wave, spring to their feet, and ride it like it’s second nature, you’ve probably thought: How do they make it look so easy? The truth is, that smooth “pop-up” motion is a skill honed through repetition, timing, and proper technique. Whether you're brand new to surfing or just looking to clean up your pop-up, here's how to do it like a pro.
First Things First: What’s a Pop-Up?
The pop-up is the movement that takes you from lying flat on your surfboard to standing up. It happens fast within a second or two but it sets the tone for your entire ride. A strong, clean pop-up gives you balance, control, and the confidence to ride the wave.
Step-by-Step: Mastering the Pop-Up
1. Start with the Right Position
Lie flat on your board, centered with your chest just above the midpoint. Your toes should just touch the tail of the board, and your hands should be placed under your chest, palms flat on the board like you're about to do a push-up. Keep your elbows tucked in.
Pro Tip: Keep your head up and eyes forward. Looking at your feet or the board makes you unstable.
2. The Push-Up
Using your arms, push your upper body off the board like you’re doing a cobra pose in yoga. Your hips should stay low don’t push them up too early. This moment is all about getting your chest off the board while keeping your core engaged.
3. Bring Your Feet Under You
This is the tricky part. In one quick motion, bring your back foot to where your back knee was and your front foot to just behind your hands. Ideally, your front foot should land between your hands or just slightly back.
Think of it like this: push, pop, plant.
It’s fast, it’s smooth, and it should land you in a crouched, balanced stance.
4. Find Your Surf Stance
Once you're on your feet, stay low with bent knees, arms out for balance, and your weight centered. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart, with your front foot pointing slightly forward and your back foot perpendicular to the board.
Common Mistake: Standing too tall too quickly. Stay low surfing is all about stability.
Practice Makes Perfect
Pro surfers don’t just practice in the water. Dry land pop-up drills are a secret weapon. Do reps at home on a yoga mat or soft surface to build muscle memory. Start slow, focus on form, then add speed once it becomes natural.
Adjust for Your Fitness Level
If you're struggling with a full pop-up, start with a beginner pop-up: push up, bring your back knee forward, plant your front foot, then stand up. It’s a bit slower, but safer for beginners or those building strength.
Final Thoughts
Popping up is part technique, part timing, and part confidence. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t nail it right away, every surfer has wiped out (a lot). With consistent practice and patience, you’ll be popping up like a pro and riding waves with style.
