Paddling and popping-up
2. Paddling and popping up in the white water
Difficulty rating – medium to tricky
Paddling for the wave and learning to pop-up is a crucial skill to master if you’re to progress as a surfer.
1. As with proning, wade out to waist depth and turn the board around, nose facing straight to the beach.
2. When the wave is about a board length away, push off, holding the board firmly by the rails. Jump aboard and immediately check position – toes over the tail, body straight and central.
3. With hands cupped, start paddling, reaching out as far as your finger tips will go. Dig deep, paddle faster as the wave approaches…
4. The board will accelerate as the wave hits, don’t give up paddling, count 1,2…3, toes placed on the tail and go for the pop.
Check out pop-up tips for detailed popping tips.
Don't forget you can practice your pop-ups on dry land with the help of your very own Ollypop! Regular practice on the Ollypop should help correct all of the above.
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