How To Pop Up (2 Different Techniques)

Learn how to surf with the Holy Grail of surfing: the Pop Up! After all, the pop up is the foundation of good surfing, because how you take off into a wave will dictate your experience for its entirety. This means it's worth putting in some time, effort, and thought as you learn how to surf to make sure your pop up is the best it can be! Helen, a surf instructor at Pura Vida Adventures, breaks it all down.

Video highlights to check out:
Goofy or regular foot? 1:12
The Australian Pop Up 1:52
Jump Up Pop Up 6:20

We hope these tips will get you on your board and on to great adventures at Pura Vida Adventures—or anywhere else the waves take you! If you're looking to rekindle your playful passion for life while learning how to surf, come visit us at Pura Vida Adventures in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. Pura Vida offers all-inclusive surf and yoga retreats where beginners can learn to surf in a welcoming and relaxed environment, and those who know how to surf can continue refining their craft.

Inspiring guests since 2004, founder Tierza Eichner has created the perfect retreat that you will never want to leave… an adventurous blend of surfing, yoga, fresh healthy meals, and daily activities with an amazing group of people. Special all-women and coed retreats are offered.

To catch all of the latest videos and news from Pura Vida, make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel.

[glendarcey]

"....imagine you are holding in a best surfing tip ever!

[silasashe]

Amazing. You can also tell goofy vs. regular by jumping off the tallest bridge in town. If you survive, whichever foot lands first, that's your front foot

[srhauck]

Nice video thanks, I used to surf everyday in my 20’s and 30’s and I would pop up so easily. Now I’m 60 and haven’t surfed in 15 years. But now back In the surf again, Popping up is no easy task anymore. Thanks for the refresher!

[KristinKeyComedy]

This was incredibly helpful. I have surfed for 10+ years and have struggled with a pop-up technique. (Bad habit: I go to my knees) I love the "take your time" element to this video. Today, I hit the waves and stood up on more than I have on any session. A big Thank you for posting this video!

[acosma]

That’s the absolute best pop-up explanation I’ve ever seen.

[hilmarschmundt]

Good explanation of the easy beginners' Australian Popup and the more proficient jump popup

[dadmath]

This is an inspiring series of videos. I watched most of them in one sitting. Helen has truly helped me understand the finer points of surfing technique. I think I made every mistake she points out. Thank you for the help. I have added the Pura Vida Surf Camp to my bucket list.

[TheMountainPeople]

Hey thanks for these tips! I just got into surfing in Alaska and I will utilize this 100%

[threeleggedcatdogwithtwosa]

So nice to be a girl learning from a girl! Love the comment about our flexibility 🥰

[JoeyMartinezjaye]

You're a lifesaver, Helen! Love your vid, thanks!!

[habibbialikafe]

Reaction after first day surfing: I was surprised at how easy it was to catch a (small) wave and stand. The real hard part is making it past the break and catching a good long wave! 🌊

[bradhedstrom]

I am in Kansas. Have tried surfing many times. Have yet to be successful. But I'll get there. I'm also 66. So an old dog trying to learn new tricks.

[brad]

My gf caught me sliding across the kitchen floor in her tights. I explained that I think I'm 'goofy'. She won't talk to me now.

[oregonxyz]

best pop up instructional video ---- ever, great job - I know that this will help me

[gatesurfer]

One of the simpler vids out there, which is good, but I can make it even simpler. There's Position A -- lying on your stomach on the board -- and Position B -- standing along the centerline of the board sideways in a comfortable, athletic position. It's similar to what you see in a lot of other sports -- knees flexed and soft, arms comfortably out for balance, and most importantly, head up and looking where you want to go. You see this basic stance in many sports -- tennis, basketball, skiing, and especially skateboarding and snowboarding. If you're athletic at all, you know it, because it's the most balanced position you can be in. If you don't recognize this stance, then chances are you're not going to get surfing very easily anyway.
So the idea is simply to get from Position A to Position B as quickly and smoothly as possible. You pretty much wind up doing all the stuff mentioned here pretty naturally, without having to think about Step 1, Step 2, etc. When you're catching a wave, It takes too much time to process all that.
I learned to surf in Waikiki and that's where I continue to surf. You hear the instructors yelling "paddle!" and "stand up!", which is pretty much all there is to it.

[emaccessoriesem]

Thanks I’ll try this tomorrow here in Manhattan Beach CA I’m a beginner wish me luck!!!!

[will-playz]

Thanks so much I have wacht many videos what didn’t teach me much but this one did

[pooopbuttfacebuttpoop]

Thanks his was really helpful, i tried surfing and I got up from my knees and didn’t know if I was right. Now I know I was wrong thx.

[mickb]

Again, good advice, cheers. The "Australian pop-up" was sort of what I was doing naturally, but it was a bit messy and everything got a bit jumbled up, and this has helped me to break it down and approach it more methodically and accurately.

[mikeperez]

Love your teaching technique and candor. You look amazing too! Cya soon!