Taking Off - Literally?! How to do it Properly?

Question

I've been surfing a few times now, probably about 4-5 times and i'm having trouble with the take off. The paddling is fine, but I don't know when the besttime to get up is? alnd also is it best to have my hands on the rails of the board OR on the deck of the board?

Answer 1

You want to stand up JUST as the wave starts to break.  Try catching it right before it starts to break, and then stand up right away.  

It's up to you where you put your hands when you push yourself up.  I prefer to put my hands on the rails.  But my husband puts his hands on the deck.  He likes it because his hands don't slide off the sides.  And I will admit, there are times that my hands slip off the rails and I kinda stumble getting up.  I just have to make sure I wax the rails enough before I go out.  

A good way to get a lot of good tips is to watch a lot of surfing videos.  Watch when they stand up, where their hands are, where their feet are, what are they doing with their hands and arms while they're surfing, how much their knees bend and move, etc.  

Practice practice practice!

Answer 2

you just got to go and dont second guess taking off because you probably will not end up taking off

Answer 3

You sit on your board, you look for sets to come at you pick out one you can handle. If You think its too big for you dont try it just yet as your pick of the wave starts coming in turn your board towards the shore that is if the wave is slow rolling gentle slope, if it was steep then turn your board in 5-10 degree angle towards the shore doing that compensates pearling or digging your nose in. as the waves starts to build start paddling dont stop paddling till you start feeling your board glide on its on. after that grab your rails and pop up bend your knees lean into the face(if youre going frontside)

A lot of people says that most beginners should avoid grabbing the rails because as the waves start taking them they get scared and instead of popping up, they just stay in a prone position and hold the rails for dear life. so i suggest putting your hands on the deck its also better to pop up with your hands on the deck for smaller weaker days because having your hands on the rails creates drag

Hope That Helps

Answer 4

Paddle hard slightly towards the peak and lean forward as the wave reaches you and bring your feet up by bending your knees slightly. This changes your center of gravity and gets the board moving faster.  When you feel your momentum start to accelerate as the board catches the wave, drop your feet and turn the toe of your rear foot down, moving it forward by bending your knee to the side.  At the same time start to push up with your hands either holding the rails or pushing on the deck, arch your back, and same time stand up by bringing your front foot forward and pushing off your rear foot.  If the wave isn’t steep, lean into the wave's shoulder slightly. This action will start your initial turn. If the turn is executed too soon, the wave will be missed completely.

To turn, lean into the rail and kick your board slightly in the direction you want to go. Holding the same side hand as your leading foot out in front of you slightly will aid in balance and control. Stay in the lower part of the wave's shoulder, frontside (facing the wave), and don't try to turn back at first (cutback). When you feel comfortable frontside, lean back on your rear foot and slowly throw your weight towards the bottom of the wave face. This will initiate a cutback.

Answer 5

it doesn't really matter about the hands, and it is the right time to stand up right when you feel the wave pick you up