The Stance on the Surfboard is a Big Problem
The Stance on the Surfboard is a Big Problem and why most surfers who think they are intermediates have to return to lessons for a tune up. They usually say they have problems with one thing or another, but 95% of the time it is their stance.
The surfboard is designed to have the surfer’s weight equal on both sides of the surfboard’s middle stringer. The pop up is designed to land the surfer perfectly on the board for balance. If the surfer is on the board correctly, it will go straight with no additional work required.
Getting the Pop Up Right
There are two basic pop ups I teach. One for the beginner has them putting a back foot on the board first and then standing on it to put the front foot on the board. If the surfer stands on the back foot and raises their hands, it is easy to put the front foot in the middle of the board near the nose. The second pop up has them popping both feet at the same time.
The point of the pop up is to place the front foot in the right spot. It should be across the center line preferably at a 45 degree angle forward. The second important piece where most trouble begins is the angle of shoulders and hips. They should be parallel to the beach squared forward with both hands in front.
The Natural Inclination to Ride Incorrectly
Snowboarders, skateboarders, and many beginners want to ride with a shoulder back and a hand trailing. This puts the butt over a rail and weight on the heels. All the weight on the butt side turns the board over. Once surfers get muscle memory to ride in this position, it is difficult to change. I can rarely get snowboarders and skateboarders to ride square on the board.
The solution is to get the hand opposite the front foot thrust forward. This doesn’t change the butt position but it will keep the surfer on the board. Some learn to pop and then twist into the right stance. With hands forward and weight equal over the stringer, the board goes straight.
If the weight is not correct on the board, the surfer can’t easily control the board or carve. When riding real waves, he may only be able to ride waves backside and can’t go face side. If the surfer pops up incorrectly on a real wave, he falls quickly. This is when they realize they need help.
More Posts
Oceanside Surf Lessons for Beginners
Beginner Surfers Learn the Pop Up
How to Progress to Surfing the Short Board
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