MASTER YOUR POP-UP

Arles surfing in Rincon, Puerto Rico.

One of the biggest milestones in surfing isn't catching your first wave—it's getting to your feet with confidence.

The truth is, there isn't just one "correct" way to stand up on a surfboard. Every surfer has different strengths, flexibility, mobility, and athletic backgrounds. What works perfectly for one person may not feel natural for another.

The key is practice. The more you repeat these movements on land, the more automatic they'll become in the water.

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This is the classic pop-up you'll often see experienced surfers using.

Instead of stepping one foot at a time, both feet land on the board almost simultaneously in one explosive movement.

How to Do It:

1. Start lying on your board with your hands underneath your shoulders.

2. Look forward toward where you're going—not down.

3. Push your chest off the board.

4. Drive through your hands and core.

5. Bring both feet underneath you at the same time.

6. Land in your surf stance with bent knees and balanced weight.

This technique breaks the movement into two simple steps.

Instead of jumping both feet at once, you'll move your back foot first, followed by your front foot.

Many beginners find this easier because it slows the movement down while helping build muscle memory.

How to Do It:

1. Press up with your hands.

2. Step your back foot underneath your body first (about 1 foot print up).

3. Shift your weight forward.

4. Bring your front foot between your hands.

5. Stand into your surf stance.

This technique is commonly used because it allows surfers to establish balance early before sliding the back foot into place.

Many beginners naturally find this movement the most comfortable.

How to Do It:

1. Push your upper body off the board.

2. Bring your front foot between your hands.

3. Shift your weight onto your front foot.

4. Slide your back foot into surfing stance.

5. Bend your knees and find your balance.

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Which Technique Is Best?

The answer is simple:

The one that gets you standing consistently….

Don't worry about which technique looks the coolest. Surfing is about efficiency, confidence, and repetition.

As you continue surfing, your pop-up may naturally evolve over time. Many experienced surfers started with a step-up before eventually developing a full spring-up.

There's no prize for getting up the fastest if you lose your balance. Focus on standing up with control and confidence first.

Practice Makes Permanent

The best surfers don't just practice in the water—they practice on land.

Spend just 5–10 minutes a day rehearsing your pop-up. The more repetitions you complete on dry land, the more natural it will feel when you're paddling into a wave.

Remember:

• Slow is smooth.

• Smooth becomes fast.

• Consistency builds confidence.