Surfing Waves

Well i came to this site for maybe some tips on standing up. So far i have found nothing and wondering if this forum might help... I have only been surfing once and its on a 8 foot doyle fomie... I have read that if you try to get up on one knee first it is incredibly hard to break the habit... Should I "train" on a carpet for jumping up or something? it just seems so hard...

Sorry for this double post but i also would like to be refreshed on some of the terms such as "quiver" ect.. if you can think of anything that a biginner surfer might not know just post um!



P.S. I know the surfing etiqute terms such as: Dropping in, ect.

Here is an article on how to stand up from the main site.
The surfing terms page has some lingo.
There are plenty of posts about problems standing up - have a search of the surfing lessons forum (there is a search facility above) for terms like popup, problems standing etc - should be able to find help.

a quiver is all the boards that someone has...

Go to a consistant beach break and catch a few waves after they have broken in the white wash. This will help you get the feeling of catching the wave, stay laying down for a few waves, once you catch a few try standing up. Doooooooooon't do the knee thing! After you stand up on a few white water waves you are ready for the next step, catching a wave. This takes time to get the timing and position down. Go to the same place for a while so you can judge where the wave is going to break. After a wave passes you by look back towards shore and see where it starts to break, that's where you want to be. At most beach breaks the wave will shift back and fourth as it crosses sand bars, watch the pattern and use that to to position yourself. Sometimes the wave will look like it is going to break right where you are then it shifts. Move around as the tide changes because the pattern will change also. You could be in a spot where it breaks consistantly then it just shuts-off, time to move. Good luck.

it just takes a lot of practice and determination

XXL. Started on knee. Then tried standing up without knee for few dozen sessions but kept falling in--couldn't get feet in right place. Went back to knee until could take off consistently. Then went to standing up without knee and now working. Bottom turns. Top turns. Walking board. Knee definitely helped.

Popping straight to your feet is easier on unbroken waves because your board is already inclined so gravity helps pull you into position.

I agree that 'the knee thing' is bad, but it's hard to pop straight up on a flat, whitewater wave, so I would say that if you can't do it without the knee, you're better off carrying on until you really get the hang of catching waves, then break the habit later!!

Cheers

Sinista

Standing up isnt the hardest thing... getting in the water when its -5 is by far the hardest thing. Standing up just take practise and embaressment, but either you'll get it or you wont. Ever thought of bodyboarding?

duckdiving, turtle rolling, however else you choose to get out is the hardest part.

You want some fairly light waves so the board isn't rocked about too much by the surf. It's about timing and balance. I know that sounds trite. To start with, make sure you are positioned to move one foot onto the rear of the board. Move your hands onto the board from the side rails, as you get your feet onto the board, so you are in a near touching your toes posture with knees bent! As you are learning, it is a question of moving hands while moving feet to keep the board balanced. When the board is balanced try to stand up!! The heavier the person, the more practice needed. I found putting the palms of my hand onto the board deck the biggest help, and moving them as need be. Every wave is different, but get balanced on the wave and try to keep balanced as you get (eventually) to stand up. Any off-balance will ditch you and the board!! As you get better, you may be able to get to your feet without a lot of fuss!! (and trial and effort!!!!) If it takes most of the time on the wave at first, don't worry, keep trying and keep practising. Eventually you will be able to stand up very quickly!!

When I was starting out I used to find that getting one knee on the board before standing used to really throw my balance. I gave just popping up a go and it worked wonders. I find it's a lot easier to adjust your balance if you're standing. Maybe you have the same problem as I did?

Thanks so much guys!

I really appreciate all this. Ta evilpengi! I had a sneaky feeling moving straight to feet might be easier on a larger faced greenie.

I'm real happy and feel reasonably balanced using a knee... not to place too much heft on there but more as a brief transition stall thing.. I've been playing mostly in the white wash waves tho.

I've tried on feet up on those little waves and it feels REALLY REALLY tricky, like I'm pulling a horse up or something hah ha

I'm enjoying getting out back when conditions are right... I'll keep trying then. Every wave... tell self... feet feet feet... and see how i go.

OH NO>>> NO Boogy boarding... keep trying dude! [color=green][/color]

Ed's top tip's for standing


One of the key mistakes people make is holding onto the rails you can't possibly pop straight up if your're clinging to the board.

The second mistake is hands to far forward (just below shoulders) rather than further back towards lower end of ribcage. Pushing from lower down creates a better pivot point - particular if your're not on very steep waves.

Thirdly everyone when they begin feels the need to get the board stable and running before popping - but this means missing the critical point on the wave and it's really much easier to pop on the face of the wave. It's also much easier to balance on ya feet than on one knee. So my advice is to pop imediately you think you've got the wave, don't think just go for it.

Fourthly - never bail a wave once your're on your feet - force every last inch of ride out of the wave, force yourself to stay balanced, weight back and forward to stay in the wave, weight side to side get the feeling of turning


But mainly - don't stress over it too much - just get out and enjoy it and it will come.