How to Master the Surfing Pop Up Technique: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

Introduction

The pop up is one of the most fundamental skills in surfing. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your technique, nailing your pop up will transform your time in the water. In this tutorial, we break down the pop up into simple, repeatable steps so you can get to your feet with confidence.

What Is the Pop Up?

The pop up is the motion of going from lying flat on your board to standing in your surf stance in one fluid movement. It sounds simple, but it takes practice to make it smooth and consistent.

Step 1: Find Your Stance

Before you even hit the water, figure out whether you're regular (left foot forward) or goofy (right foot forward). A quick way to test this: have a friend gently push you from behind — whichever foot you step forward with is your lead foot.

Step 2: The Paddle Position

Lie on your board with your chest slightly raised, hands flat on the deck beside your lower chest — like the top of a push-up. Your feet should be together and your toes pointed. Keep your weight centred to avoid nose-diving or dragging the tail.

Step 3: Feel the Wave

As the wave approaches, paddle hard with strong, deep strokes. When you feel the wave pick up the board and propel you forward, it's time to pop up. Timing is everything — too early and you'll stall, too late and the wave will pass you by.

Step 4: The Pop Up Motion

In one explosive movement:

1. Push up with both hands simultaneously (like a push-up).
2. Bring your back foot up first, planting it over the fins.
3. Slide your front foot forward between your hands.
4. Rise to a low, balanced stance — knees bent, arms out for balance.

The key is to do this in one smooth motion, not in stages. Practise on the beach (called a dry land drill) until it becomes muscle memory.

Step 5: Your Surf Stance

Once you're up, your feet should be roughly shoulder-width apart, perpendicular to the stringer (the central line of the board). Bend your knees, keep your back straight, and look where you want to go — not down at your feet.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Looking down — always look ahead at the wave.
• Popping up in two stages — knees first, then standing. Aim for one fluid movement.
• Feet too close together — this kills your balance. Shoulder-width is your friend.
• Hands too far forward — this throws your weight onto the nose and causes a wipeout.

Dry Land Drills

Grab a board (or even just a towel on the floor) and practise your pop up daily. Set a timer for 10 minutes and repeat the motion until it feels natural. The more reps you put in on land, the faster it'll click in the water.

Final Thoughts

The pop up is the gateway to everything else in surfing — turns, cutbacks, riding the face of a wave. Be patient with yourself, stay consistent with your practice, and enjoy the process. Every surfer, no matter how experienced, started exactly where you are now.

Now wax up that board and get out there. 🤙