Getting stuck mid-pop up :(

[AZF]

Hi

I'm new to surfing and I've found that although I've practised pop ups on shore, as soon as I get into the water I can't get to my feet - very frustrating! I can't get my legs through quick enough and just get stuck (then fall off). Is this common (the getting stuck not the falling off )? I've tried doing lots of burpees to try and get more power, is it just a case of a lot more practice needed (only done about 4 sessions so far as I don't live near the sea at all)? Any tips would be much appreciated.

Thanks very much
Ange

[phillwilson]

what board size are you riding??

[AZF]

Think it'd be about 9 feet - I'm only 5"3. I've been using foamie boards from surf schools.

[Surf Hound]

Just keep at it. The more you practice the more fluid the motion will become and remember you are building muscles that are needed for pop ups as well. It takes time..... Trust me, the reward of finally standing up and riding the face of a wave is well worth all the work it takes to get there. I stopped surfiing for 20 years and had the same problem learning again. I kept getting hung up mid pop up but with practice it all came back. It seems as though you have a board big enough to learn on and you are actually catching the waves so....... just keep trying and tell yourself at pop up that you need to stand all the way up (or crouching) but you need to get to your feet. Keep trying.............

[AZF]

Thanks, much appreciated - glad to hear it's not just me, I'll keep at it

[kook420]

AZF,

I have the same problem, today was my first day out and I surfed a10' Blacktip Sofite. I was able to go to my knees on a couple of waves but wasnt able to get to the feet. It was a rush to say the least, but I hope that Ill get it when I keep going out there. Good luck and keep it up!

[offshore]

Guys, you didn't learn to walk in a single day when you were a baby, so pop up isn;t going to be mastered in a single day either.
Do just keep at it. Eventually, you will feel like you have all the time int he world for a popup, especailly if you ride a longboard.
If you look at good surfers, they usually have time to check to see if someone else has caught the wave by looking ever the shoulders, and it's almost a slow motion to get up.