Surfing – it looks so easy and almost feels like flying… And if it weren’t for the take-off, it would save many a beginner surfer a moment or two of frustration. Because what looks so easy for the other surfers is actually more difficult than expected:
How on earth do you get from lying on your stomach to standing casually on the surfboard? Here we show you how to improve your take-off!
Table of contents
Take-off in surfing – the crucial step on the board
The take-off, also known as the pop-up, is the movement from lying down to standing up on the surfboard – and therefore the decisive transition from practising to enjoying.
There are various techniques for this.
Take Off - Step 1
Push up & place the back foot
Take Off - Step 2
Placing the front foot
Take Off - Step 3
Take your hands off the board when your front foot moves forward.
Take Off - Step 4
Get up & find your balance
Three-step method: Place your hands next to your ribs, pull your back foot to where your knee was before, bring your front foot forward and push yourself up with your hands.
Pop-up jump: You push yourself explosively upwards and land directly in the surfing position – ideal for steep, fast waves.
Knee variation: Okay for beginners at the start, but a hindrance in the long term, as you will have to laboriously unlearn it later on.
Our tip: Practise the three-step method. It is the best foundation for your future surfing level.
Practise your movements and improve your take-off
The perfect take-off is not a question of talent, but of training.
The keyword is muscle memory. The more often you practise the sequence of movements, the more automatic it becomes.
You don’t need waves or the sea – just you, your board (or a mat) and a bit of motivation.
Start in slow motion. Only when the movement is perfectly executed should speed be added.
Routine tip: Do 10 take-offs every morning after getting up.
In 5 minutes, you will not only have activated your body, but also sharpened your surfing skills.
Improve your take-off and strengthen your muscles
When surfing, you work muscle groups that you rarely use otherwise – but you will feel them after day one of your surf course at the latest.
A strong take-off requires three things: explosiveness, core stability and flexibility.
The following will help you:
- HIIT workouts: Train responsiveness and speed.
- Core training: Stabilises your upper body.
- Stretching & mobility: Makes you supple and flexible.
- Surf skate or balance board: Adds fun and balance training.
Reading tip
Check out our blog posts on surfing fitness and training on land – perfect for getting ready at home.
With the right workouts, you can train your core and arm muscles as well as your flexibility. This will not only help you avoid sore muscles after surfing, but also make you much more confident and stronger when taking off.
How to improve your take-off – tips
Sometimes it’s just the little things that determine whether you can successfully get your feet on the board and ride the wave of the day, or whether you fall back into the water more or less gracefully. Here are three tips on how to improve your take-off:
1. Keep your feet together when paddling: this stabilises your board and prevents unnecessary wobbling.
2. Open your hips: Your back knee should point outwards – this will make it easier and more stable to get up.
3. Timing is everything: only start your take-off when the wave is really carrying you.
These small adjustments often lead to big moments of revelation in the water.
How to improve your take-off and take your surfing to the next level
The take-off is a real game changer at the beginning – and at the same time the biggest challenge.
Every wave is different, and every attempt brings you further. The moment you really stand up for the first time will be unforgettable – we promise.
If you’re ready to perfect your take-off, we’ll guide you through it.
With experienced coaches, honest feedback, clear methodology and lots of fun in the water.
Keep at it, celebrate small progress and enjoy the moment when you finally stand up and glide.
Because that’s what surfing is all about – freedom, balance and the great feeling of standing up at just the right moment.
