popping up

[norcalsurf]

i'm an intermediate surfer. i weigh about 205 and 5'11" tall. i'm having a hard time popping on big waves (about 6ft to 8ft waves). i'm used on usng a 9'6" board on smaller waves and now i started using 7'6" board on bigger waves. any advice on what should i do. thanks!

[billie_morini]

Can you describe is occuring when you try to stand with the smaller board on larger waves? Is the board wobbling or spinning on its lengthwise axis as you pop up? This is common when moving to a smaller board. If so, you need to be more careful with your weight distribution and be more agressive in getting to your feet in the correct (fore and aft) spot on the board.

Anyway, this was my experience when going from long board to shorter board. But, describe what you are experiencing so we may be more helpful

[norcalsurf]

the forward part of the board keeps on nose diving and it wobbles a lot when i pop up.

[billie_morini]

Ok, norcal.
I'm guessing the wobble is side to side (said fancy: rotation occurs on the lengthwise axis). This happens all the time when a newer surfer goes from larger good floating board to shorter board with pointy ends. You're going to have to be more careful about two things: 1) when popping up you'll need to put equal pressure on the rails with both hads, and 2) keep your center of gravity closer to the center of the board. You can do better with 1 if you pop up faster. You can do better with 2 by transitioning from prone to standing faster. In fact, you should become aggressive about it.

The nose diving thing is called, "pearling." It happens a lot to newer surfers because they are still developing timing. It usually indicates the surfer is catching the wave too late. When late, the tail end of the board gets picked up by the base of the wave. That pushes the nose down. So, you've got to try to catch waves earlier. There is a possibility that you are too far forward on the board. Do this test: the next two waves that you catch and you find you are going to pearl, slide backward to raise the nose. Does moving a little fix it? Is moving a lot required to save it? If the former is occuring, you just need to move back toward the tail a couple of inches. If the latter is occuring, you will know you are catching the waves too late.

What beaches to you usually surf? I'm assuming by your handle, that you surf in NorCal. I may recognize your beaches.

[Otter]

Yup, positioning on the board is important as well. When waves are tougher to catch, you sometimes have a tendency to move forward, this can cause pearling as well. It's a constant learning thing, adapt to each wave on it's own merits.

[norcalsurf]

thanks for the good response guys. i'll try that next time i go surfing. i usually go around the pismo area.

[BoarderDave]

Nice.. I grew up bodyboarding in Pismo..

I still surf there whenever Im up for the weekend visiting my family.