Help with pop up

Questions and answers for those needing help or advice when learning to surf, improving technique or just comparing notes.

Help with pop up

Postby strattana » Mon Jan 16, 2023 5:21 pm

Need a little help with my pop up - I’ve been surfing for about 15 years and I feel great and confident on longboards and midis with a lot of volume. My problem is that when I switch to short boards my pop up blows - Both feet pop up toward the top of the board and I inevitably fall off. Im usually good for a few decent take offs, but when I get tired, it all goes to poo. A little help, guidance and things to work on/consider would be helpful.
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Re: Help with pop up

Postby oldmansurfer » Mon Jan 16, 2023 7:12 pm

Perhaps you can start by mentioning your age height and weight and the sizes of boards that you have used
So what is worse.... dying or regretting it for the rest of my life? Obviously I chose not regretting it.
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Re: Help with pop up

Postby Geezer » Tue Jan 17, 2023 12:17 am

Just from what you’ve said, obvious answer seems to be to develop your fitness so you can preserve the form you have on the first few waves deeper into the session.


Beyond technique and fitness, stretching helps me immensely.

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Re: Help with pop up

Postby Naeco78 » Tue Jan 17, 2023 2:42 am

Reminds me of a post from a different thread that went something like.. "I work out all week to be able to go surfing once". I'm with ya :lol: Working on the same thing here. Most times the first 5-10 waves are super fun and spry and catching waves with the groms.. but it can change quick if i dont take a break. I notice it most on my popup too. Doesnt happen when I'm longboarding.. but seems like my shortboard popups suffer if i haven't been keeping up with the fitness aspect of it.
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Re: Help with pop up

Postby oldmansurfer » Wed Jan 18, 2023 3:22 am

Fitness is important. Perhaps the solution is to find a board somewhere in between the lengths you are trying. Or stay on the longboard and try to fix it there. Longboards are better if you aren't fit. You can work to improve your fitness but you have to keep at it. The best thing is to surf all the time and go in when you are tired. Gradually you will be able to stay out longer and longer. I imagine if you try to fix your popup on a board too short for you it will only increase your problems. Go back to the longboard and work on it there then go shorter but maybe only 1 foot shorter.
So what is worse.... dying or regretting it for the rest of my life? Obviously I chose not regretting it.
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Re: Help with pop up

Postby Alttabel » Thu Jun 22, 2023 1:04 pm

a few tips and considerations to help improve your pop-up on shortboards:
Foot Placement: On a shortboard, foot placement during the pop-up is crucial. Instead of popping up with both feet toward the top of the board, try positioning your back foot closer to the tail and your front foot around the middle of the board. This positioning will provide better stability and control once you're on your feet.
Core Strength and Stability: Shortboard surfing requires more balance and core strength compared to longboarding. Engaging your core muscles and maintaining a stable, low center of gravity during the pop-up will help you maintain control and prevent falling off. Regular exercises targeting core strength, balance, and stability can significantly improve your shortboard performance.
Practice Paddling: Strong paddling technique is essential for shortboarding. Make sure you have a solid paddle to generate enough speed to catch the wave early. Practicing efficient paddling techniques, such as using your entire arm stroke and using your core for power, will help improve your speed and momentum during take-off.
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