This tutorial, Episode 1 of the Pop-Up series, breaks down why the traditional pop-up often becomes a “lockup” that hinders movement. By analyzing world champions like Kelly Slater and Jordy Smith in slow motion, the lesson identifies the single most crucial element for stability and acceleration: head placement.
Key Takeaways & Tips
Head Stay Still
The most important detail is that the head must stay in the same position from paddling-in to standing-up. Beginner surfers let the chin drop low and move the head too much, making it hard to pop up and stand.
Head Creates Lift
Before the pop-up, surfers like Jordy Smith and Kelly Slater raise their head up, creating lift. This head-raise helps to catch the wave more effortlessly and creates room for movement.
Balance Over Front Foot
The head should be balanced over the front foot, not the center of the board. This stacks all your joints (ankle, knee, hip) and gives you control over acceleration. If the head is centered or over the back foot, you will fall over backwards when the board accelerates down the wave.
Avoid Side-On Posture
Avoid the side-on pop-up posture, which causes the head to hang over the side and creates wobble and instability. The pros come up in a straight line with their head over the front foot.
Head Controls Acceleration
Your head placement is your locus of control. To accelerate, slightly move the head and hips forward. To decelerate, move the head and hips back. If the head is locked, your board becomes unresponsive.
Steeper Waves are Easier
The steeper the wave is, the easier the pop-up is. The surfboard drops away, making the takeoff easier and requiring less push-up strength than standing up on a flat section.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Chin Low Paddling
Paddling with your chin low limits peripheral vision, making it hard to see the wave and forcing a low position that makes the standing process difficult.
Locking Up
Beginner surfers often lock up after feeling a wobble. The pop-up then becomes a lock-up, stealing all sensitivity and preventing you from moving or making adjustments.
Too Many Steps
Overcomplicating the pop-up with steps and processes will make it worse. The pop-up needs to be intuitive, like waking up and walking to the bathroom.
Side-On Unbalance
A side-on pop-up causes the head to be on the side of the body, creating pressure on the toe edge, making the board tilt, and resulting in hip wobble.