Poping up on shortboard CANT DO IT?

Question

im 16 6'0 160 and ride a 6'4 board. Ive been riding off and on for a while rode a longboard before and the pop up has always been a problem. When i pop up i fall into the wave. I get up and go directly into the wave, Its so annoying cause once im up im good like i know how to ride but the pop is difficult. I grab the rails at my chest level and try to get up.

Please any help. THANK YOU

Answer 1

First I'd go back to the longboard until you get this problem fixed.

Next I'd read this article for beginners called 'Learn How to Surf in One Day':

http://www.buy-rash-guards.com/rashguard...

Then I'd get a balance board and build your balancing skills. I use an Indo board:

http://www.beachtrading.com/balanceboard...

Good luck!!

Answer 2

Pop ups on shortboards are different then longboards.  You don't push from the rails on a longboard as it tends to slow you down.  For a shortboard, you push from the rails, plus you angle your board slightly towards the direction you want to go.  It sounds like you are pushing from the right places, so I'm thinking maybe you don't drop your head a little as you start to accelerate.  Try keeping your head down and your elbows flexed until the board starts to go and then push your out and lift your head as you stand up.  If this doesn't work, you might want to have someone film your takeoffs.  If they do, watch for water coming off your hands.  This indicates you haven't got your hands positioned correctly forward enough.

Answer 3

You may be trying to pop up too early.  You can get up on a longboard much earlier than you can on a shortboard. You need to be on much steeper part of the wave, which ultimately only compounds the problem of popping up.  I can only offer you three words of advice... practice, practice, practice.