Beginner/Physical Problem

[bs273]

So I have an interesting issue that maybe some old experts here could advise me on. I shattered my left elbow when I was 11 snowboarding, and it resulted in my elbow being fused at about a 45 degree angle. So my one issue with surfing is, when I pop up, my left arm is six inches shorter in length because of the angle, and weaker since I don't have motion.
This results in a little bit of a struggle to pop my feet up quick and smoothly. Wondering if anyone has any ideas to help this process be a little better and to help with my confidence? Thanks

[oldmansurfer]

No real knowledge but maybe you can watch videos of Bethany Hamilton popping up as she does it one armed. Maybe you can adapt what she does into something that works for you.

[bs273]

Didn't even think of that! Cheers for the recommendation.

[billie_morini]

So I have an interesting issue that maybe some old experts here could advise me on. I shattered my left elbow when I was 11 snowboarding, and it resulted in my elbow being fused at about a 45 degree angle. So my one issue with surfing is, when I pop up, my left arm is six inches shorter in length because of the angle, and weaker since I don't have motion.
This results in a little bit of a struggle to pop my feet up quick and smoothly. Wondering if anyone has any ideas to help this process be a little better and to help with my confidence? Thanks

Keep the stoke, bs273!

[dtc]

Are you a regular footer? If yes, put your right hand way down low for the pop up, like around hip level, and keep it really close to your body. Left hand is up higher, around bottom rib level

This lets you push hard with the right hand, which does most of the work. Left hand contributes and stabilises but doesn’t have to push as far/hard

If you are a goofy, sorry, this doesn’t help at all!

[bs273]

Yeah, i'm regular. I'll get out there and try this. Sounds like it may work well. I am pretty used to doing pushups with mostly my right arm and using some shoulder muscles in my left, so don't think it will be an issue.

Thanks.