How to pop up on a surfboard

The pop-up is how you get from lying to standing. Drag the slider to watch the six moves in order, then check the foot placement and the common mistakes.

By SurfSpotGuide EditorialPublished January 1, 2025

Scrub through the pop-up

Step 1 of 6

Catch the wave

Paddle until the wave picks you up and you feel the board accelerate. Your chest stays lifted and your eyes stay forward.

You pop up once the wave is carrying you, not while you are still paddling hard.

Where your feet go

Pick your stance to see which foot leads. Not sure? Have someone give you a gentle push from behind. The foot you step forward with is your front foot.

Regular: your left foot is forward and your right foot is back. Most surfers are regular, but no reliable survey gives an exact share.

Foot angles differ between coaches. The common ground: front foot angled toward the nose, back foot across the board over the tail. Neither stance is better.

Common mistakes

Hands too far forwardPuts your weight over the nose, so the board can dive. Keep your hands beside your lower chest.

Skipping the back footMoving only the front foot leaves your weight behind you. Back foot first, then front.

Looking downYour body follows your eyes. Look at the beach or along the wave.

Feet too close togetherA narrow stance means little balance. Roughly shoulder-width works.

Standing up straightKeep your knees bent and your weight low and centred.

Gripping the railsIt slows the push-up. Keep your hands flat on the deck.

Practise at home

The living-room pop-upTape your board’s outline on the floor. Do ten pop-ups, rest, and repeat for three sets. Focus on speed and landing in your stance.

BurpeesThe closest gym move to a pop-up: plank to standing in one motion.

Push-upsBuilds the pushing strength you need for step three.

Film yourselfCompare a phone video of your pop-up with the steps above. The problem is usually obvious on playback.

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Frequently asked questions

Why can’t I pop up on a surfboard?

The common causes are paddling too slowly to catch the wave, hands too far forward, and not bringing the back foot through. Film yourself on land and compare it to the steps above.

Should I pop up to my knees first?

Aim to go straight from lying to standing. A knee stage is slower and less stable, which is why most coaches steer beginners away from it.

How long does it take to learn the pop-up?

Many people stand on a first lesson with an instructor. Making it smooth and consistent takes repetition, so practise on land before you surf.

Is the pop-up the same for longboards and shortboards?

The movement is the same. On a longboard you have more room and stability. On a shortboard your feet need to land in the right spot.

How do I know if I’m regular or goofy?

Have someone give you a gentle push from behind. The foot you step forward with is your front foot. Left foot forward is regular, right foot forward is goofy.

Learn the pop-up from a pro

An instructor can correct your technique in real time, before bad habits set in.

Find surf lessons near you

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Before your first wave, read this.

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