Surfing: How To Stand Up

Step 1: You will need

Step 2: The Pop Up

There are two different methods of standing up - the "pop up" and the "step up". The pop up is a big favourite, as it gets you to your feet in one swift movement.

The key to a successful pop up is strength and power from the shoulders and chest, combined with a spring off the toes.

Lie on the surfboard with your body in the correct position. Your hands should be holding on to the rails at the chest line and be ready to push you up.

Do a few half pop ups, taking your weight in the shoulders and pushing up onto the toes just to get the feel of the power you need to jump to your feet.

Give yourself a count of 1, 2, 3 and then jump to your feet by springing off the toes.

Use the strength in your shoulders to give maximum clearance of your chest from the deck. Spring off your toes, bring your front leg up and twist your hips at the same time so so you can place your front foot on the chest line, facing across the deck.

From this position stand up into the correct surfing stance.

Watch VideoJug's guide to the perfect 'surfing stance'.

Step 3: The Step Up

The step up often gains better results for beginners who may not have the body strength to spring to their feet in one fluid and easy movement.

Unlike the Pop Up, where you spring to your feet in one movement, you're going to sue your back leg to help you up.

Once again, lie on the surfboard with the correct body position. The first movement is to slide your rear leg forward until it's angling out to the side from the hip.

Now push up and slide your front leg through, under the chest and the foot placed on the chest line.

Twist your hips & torso so your body is in the goalkeeper stance.

Step 4: Practice

Practice your preferred method on the beach for as long as you feel comfortable. Usually a good 15 minutes should do it.

When you feel ready, transfer your skills to the waves.

At first, stay in shallow water where the waves are breaking and there's plenty of white water. And remember to always surf where there's a lifeguard on duty.