25.01.17
Consejos Surf

Standing Up on a Surfboard

Tips for Beginners

 

 

Welcome to our surf blog, where today we'll teach you the essential steps to standing up on a surfboard like a true professional! This technique is fundamental to fully enjoy the waves and experience the thrill that only surfing can offer. So, grab your board and get ready to learn the key steps.

Steps to Standing Up on a Surfboard

Lie down centered on the board

Before trying to stand up, you must lie on the board supporting only your abdomen (and paddle strongly). Your center of gravity (your navel) should be over the center of gravity of the board, and you must also keep your chest elevated, your head upright, and your feet together and raised, so that only your abdomen is supported on the board.

Place your hands at chest level under your shoulders

Place your hands on the board so that they are aligned with your chest, right under your shoulders. Your hands should be fully supported on the board's surface and your fingers pointing forward. This position will help you have stability while you rise.

Stretch your arms completely without shifting your body backward

It's time to start getting up. Extend your arms completely (90 degrees relative to the board) while keeping your hips on the board. It's important not to slide your body backward at this point, as that will prevent you from standing up correctly.

Firmly place your back foot next to your knee

Once you've stretched your arms and feel comfortable in this position, bend the knee of your back leg and place it firmly at the height of the knee of the front leg (this technique is known as "chicken wing"). This step is crucial to be able to stand up quickly and balanced.

Propel yourself and, without supporting your knees, place your front foot between your hands

Now comes the most complicated and important moment. Use the momentum generated by your back leg to lift your hips and, in a quick movement, place your front foot right between your hands. The front foot should be positioned a little ahead of the center of the board, at an approximate angle of about 45-60 degrees to the board's longitudinal line. The back foot should be placed over the fins and perpendicular to the board's longitudinal line.

Stand up keeping your knees bent

Once you have your front foot in position, it's time to lift your hands off the board. You should do this slowly, keeping your knees slightly bent, your center of gravity as low as possible, and your gaze forward, not downward. You're standing on your surfboard!

 

Remember that surfing is a discipline that requires practice and patience. Don't get discouraged if you can't stand up right away. Keep practicing these steps and, over time, you will become a surfing expert. Enjoy the waves and surf in style!

Do you want to learn to surf and stand up on a board with a professional?

Once you know the steps on how to stand up on a surfboard, we advise you to visit us at our surf school in Gran Canaria where surf professionals will teach you the techniques from scratch to be able to learn in the most optimal way to stand up on a surfboard and all the tips to end up catching waves like a professional.