Surfing pop-up?

Question

I'm a beginner with a short board. I'm having trouble standing up because my feet go off the back of the board so I'm using pure arm strength. I'm not buff or anything, so I have to go to my knees first which I know is a bad habit. If I try moving up the board the nose goes down into the water and almost impossible to ride. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Go here so that you can find what size board you should be riding: http://www.aboutthebreak.com/surfboard_c...

Go here for an article on how to stand up properly: http://www.aboutthebreak.com/tutorial_su...

Answer 2

Yeah, you most definately have the wrong board. And with popping up, its mostly your core and arms, not much to do with your legs until they are under you. You need a lot of coordination and, lets face it, talent to begin on a shortboard, and you should probably be on a longboard. Even so, you should be on a bigger, thicker and wider shortboard than what you have, preferrably one with more rocker. Also, you should never be on your knees on a shortboard.

Edit*

Okay, this dude has no idea what he's talking about. First off, about the break is a horrible website, full of wrong information. Only a r****d would use an online surfboard calculator to find out what size board is "right". Jeez, thats just so wrong, it violates the spirit of surfing in ways never imagined before. You need to go to a real surf shop for advice, not the internet.

Answer 3

Move further forward on the board, and arch you back more, to keep you center of gravity closer to the 'sweet spot' on the board. It will take lots of practice, and maybe you are just a little ahead of yourself riding a 'short board, and a little more time on a long board or fun shape might not be a bad idea. Also, it is possible you aren't 'popping up' soon enough if you pushing your nose down on take off. I have had that problem recently with a Lost SDII I picked up in March.

I have been surfing for 42 years, and I don't think anybody can give you fair and honest advice of this type on line. This is a question that you go over with a pal (or an instructor) in the water. If you live in a beautiful west coast town, with a consistent, head high break, If you pay my air fare and room and board, I'll go west and spend a month working with you! (that's a joke).

Get some of your friends to watch you, and spend lots of time in the water, and you'll get the hang of things. Good luck, and keep on surfing.