Hand Position During Pop Up

[twizzly]

So I recently took the leap and moved to a 6'8" Merrick flyer I. I had been using a 7'10" Merrick Water Hog for the past few months and wanted to move a bit shorter. I have no problems with paddle speed, etc, but I feel that the side to side balance is a realy toughie. All of a sudden I'm on my knees a lot more during the popup and finding myself in a really tough spot...

so a few questions:

1) any suggestions on side to side balance during popup?

2) where do you put your hands during popup (near chest presumably, but wrapped around wrails? flat on top of board, etc)?

3) how far forward are you putting that front foot? it seems like my foot feels most comfortable almost on top of the logo! which seems so far!

thanks so much guys!

[Driftingalong]

This is just me...

1) All I can say is try and stay centered. Try and place the arch of your feet right over the stringer.
2) I try to place them further back than my chest; like the rib area. I place my hands on the deck rather than grabbing the rail.
3) I generally try to place my front foot at the center of the board. By center I don't necessarily mean the dimensional center, but the center balance point (like were you want to put the majority of your weight when paddling).