The foundational skill of dropping into a wave, emphasizing early entry, proper angle, and managing the board’s length during the drop.
Master the backhand takeoff by using toe-contact, lifting the heel to enable hip rotation, and ensuring your pop-up lands directly on the tail for immediate turning.
Master the versatile Fade Takeoff technique—the cure for nose diving and poor pocket positioning—to set up deep nose rides and smooth, accelerating carves.
Master the continuous paddle and early entry strategy to catch waves on the softest sections and prevent nose diving on your longboard.
Learn the three most common pop-up errors—eyes down, incorrect front foot position, and poor hip clearance—and fix them with specific land drills and cues.
Master the three essential longboard takeoffs—Late, Regular, and Faded—to accurately position yourself for critical nose rides based on the wave’s pocket.
Adapt your pop-up from beginner (middle board) to advanced (on the tail) to master critical takeoffs, execute immediate turns, and prevent nose diving.