While the term "jump a surfboard" isn't standard surfing lingo, it likely refers to the essential technique known as the pop up. This is the crucial move used to get from lying down on your stomach on the board to standing up, ready to ride a wave. Mastering the pop up is fundamental for beginner surfers.
What is the Surfboard Pop Up?
The pop up is a dynamic movement that allows you to quickly transition from a prone (lying down) position on your surfboard to a standing position as you catch a wave. It requires coordination, strength, and balance.
The Correct Way to Pop Up
A proper pop up involves pushing yourself up quickly and getting your feet into a stable surfing stance in one fluid motion.
Key Steps (General Idea)
- Paddle: Paddle into the wave until you feel the board accelerating with the wave's energy.
- Hand Placement: Place your hands flat on the deck of the board, just below your chest, similar to the start of a push-up.
- Push Up: Push up quickly using your arms.
- Bring Feet Forward: Instead of bringing your knees up, use your core and lower body strength to bring your feet forward and under your body, landing them directly into your surfing stance (one foot forward, one back).
- Stand Up: Straighten your legs and stand up, maintaining a low center of gravity.
Crucial Tip from Experts: Avoid Bringing Your Knees onto the Board
Based on expert advice, a common mistake beginners make is bringing their knees onto the surfboard before standing. This is a bad habit to avoid.
"Don't bring your knees on to the surfboard. It will throw you off balance. This is a bad habit because in bigger steeper waves you won't have time to slide your knees before popping."
Bringing your knees up first disrupts your balance and slows down your transition. In steeper or faster-breaking waves, you simply won't have time to adjust from your knees to your feet, potentially causing you to miss the wave or fall.
Pop Up Do's and Don'ts
| Do's | Don'ts |
|---|---|
| Practice on land | Bring your knees onto the board |
| Place hands under chest | Pop up slowly |
| Push up quickly with arms and core | Look down at your feet |
| Bring feet directly into stance | Try to stand before your feet are placed |
| Stay low and balanced | Stand straight up too quickly |
Why Practice is Key
The pop up is a skill that requires practice, both on land and in the water. Practicing on a soft surface like grass or sand first can help you build the muscle memory needed for a quick and efficient transition on the water.
Mastering the pop up without bringing your knees onto the board is vital for progressing in surfing and successfully catching waves, especially as you move to larger and steeper conditions.
