Discussion: Critical point of taking off (Shortboard)

[raekwon chef]

I find myself popping up when sliding down the face, wasting wave potential. I understand that you have to pop up BEFORE sliding down the face. When exactly is the early take off point? I have no problem catching the wave and paddling but when I try to take off early I end up missing the wave. Am I not paddling hard enough? Is there something I'm missing here?

[pkbum]

Always paddle one more stroke when you're sure you've caught the wave.

*Note: this shouldn't be used in head high+ and closed out condition.

[raekwon chef]

Always paddle one more stroke when you're sure you've caught the wave.

*Note: this shouldn't be used in head high+ and closed out condition.

What about head high+ conditions?

[Sillysausage]

if its hollow you want to be paddling in at an angle or if its big so the extra stroke shouldn't matter too much.

you want to pop up when you start planing across the top of the wave, you can feel the wave pick you up although it some people find it difficult to notice this or find it difficult to do much in the time between this or flying down the face.

jsut make sure your pop up is fast and all should be fine

[scars1991]

yeah i had this problem i cant tell. so like i paddle paddle and bam pearl beforing even poping up, it was hell.

[raekwon chef]

yeah i had this problem i cant tell. so like i paddle paddle and bam pearl beforing even poping up, it was hell.

The problem is, i don't pearl. I end up sliding down the head high+ wave. I guess I should pop up when I feel the wave picking me up?

[drowningbitbybit]

The moment the board starts to 'slide' is the moment you've caught the wave, and also the easiest moment to pop up. Push the board down and forward, and there you go, you've got plenty of space to pop up.

Once you've got used to this, you can actually pop up slightly earlier by using that forward/downward thrust to take you over the tipping point.

Dont hesitate. At all. Just pop up. It'll mean a fast take-off, so keep your centre of gravity low and over the board.

If you're sliding down a clean face, you've done absolutely everything right, except for the popping up bit, so just make sure you get to your feet.