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.
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[@glendarcey978]

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

[@silasashe4158]

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

[@suzannestack6765]

BWAHAHA

[@philostrick58]

Love it so funny.

[@srhauck1]

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!

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

You are so right. It gets harder as you get older, but I find that doing yoga helps keep the flexibility.

[@srhauck1]

@@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877 yes I totally agree I started doing yoga a week ago on KZbin with yoga with Adrienne and I’m loving it ❤️. Way harder than I imagined

[@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!

[@cnghiem67]

Ten years?! Really? Look at my comment to help you even more. That is one thing about the sport. Surfers rarely help other surfers, especially if the beginners are women.

[@ralu9457]

some surf teachers do th knees first technique - which is why i couodnt pop up in their class lol

[@dadmath5673]

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.

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

We would love to have you join us in Costa Rica. It is an amazing week!

[@habibbialikafe339]

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! 🌊

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

Right on! We hope you keep surfing!!! It's such an incredible feeling, isn't it? We're hosting some amazing surf retreats in Costa Rica when things begin to reopen again, and we'd love to have you join us! You can find some great info here: puravidaadventures.com/costa-rica-surf-vacation-rates-2-2/ PURA VIDA!

[@TheMountainPeople]

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

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

Wow, Alaska! That's so cool! We're glad you like our channel. If you want to catch some warm water waves, come surf with us in Costa Rica! We're planning to reopen our retreat this November, and we give private lessons for all levels as well! puravidaadventures.com/costa-rica-surf-retreats/

[@hilmarschmundt]

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

[@threeleggedcatdogwithtwosa6469]

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

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

Thank you! We host women-only surf retreats throughout the year in Costa Rica. You should join us! puravidaadventures.com/costa-rica-surf-vacation-rates-2-2/

[@habibbialikafe339]

What's with ur profile pic omg

[@threeleggedcatdogwithtwosa6469]

@@habibbialikafe339 its my reflection with cupping cups on my back

[@habibbialikafe339]

@@threeleggedcatdogwithtwosa6469 ur ass is showing...

[@itscris01]

@@habibbialikafe339 PLEASE I LAUGHED OUT LOUD AT THIS

[@acosma7730]

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

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

Thank you!

[@JoeyMartinezjaye8]

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

[@brad9205]

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.

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

this made me laugh at loud .... and just so you know, all the cool people are goofy

[@dannggg]

I always thought I was reg. Slid and I was goofy too. But then again I think it was because I use to be a boxer and my coaches trained me to be a switch hitter (fighting southpaw and orthodox). And i’ boxing learning to fight the opposite hand requires you to train to distribute your weight on the back foot with control in both left and right hand stances.

[@carawadforth8699]

hahahahaha

[@emaccessoriesem5069]

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

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

How did it go?? Wishing you the best. We're hosting some amazing surf retreats in Costa Rica when things begin to reopen again, and we'd love to have you join us! You can find some great info here: puravidaadventures.com/costa-rica-surf-vacation-rates-2-2/ PURA VIDA!

[@bradhedstrom833]

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.

[@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.

[@cnghiem67]

Very nice explanations but there is a very important but subtle mistake with the video. Surfers do the pop up so often they often forget the minor but very important detail. In doing the pop up on a short board, the feet are over the board, hence the true contact points with the board are KNEES, chest and hands. The feet are over the board and do not touch the board. Longboarding pop ups are really no different. Otherwise the rest of the techniques are the same with regards to hip placement, butt down, etc... In doing the pop ups with not having the feet touch the board requires more practice and athletism on land to get it right before going out into the water. Hopes this helps all the beginners.

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

That is a great addition and you are right that in a really shortboard, the feet do hang over the board. Thanks for this clarification.

[@martinjarc1994]

Especially if you have a little longer legs. Being 6.4 my legs are constantly on the tip of the board. Now i know i should just be using my knees more thx ;)

[@cnghiem67]

@@martinjarc1994 there is also the tip of "staggering" the hand placement in popping up. Check out Hydromind. He touches on it. (And I also comment on it. It is another game changer tip.)

[@sblaney66]

I wish I had had lessons with you! I went with a school for one lesson and they showed me a different way to pop up. I just couldnt physically do it though - probably due to inflexibility, but they kept insisting that I could and as such, I never got the chance to stand up.

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

If you are ever interested in coming to Pura Vida Adventures, we would love to teach you properly. Check out our website at www.puravidaadventures.com.

[@Hotwire_RCTrix]

Result of a shark attack. True!

[@michaelsuzio4364]

I'm on day 6-7 of surfing I've popped up twice so far...once in half Moon Bay(day 5) and once in OBX NC(day 3).. exactly twice so far on 80-90 waves

[@toonybrain]

Stuart Blaney I had a very similar experience. I’m inflexible on one side, so the pop up is tough. Tucking that one leg up under me is comedic. I long to surf, though. Always have. I’m older now, but I’ve got more strength and stamina than many kids in their twenties.

[@will-playz5834]

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

[@oregonxyz]

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

[@jamesphillips7074]

I love everyone who surfs!!😅😘

[@jamiewerner308]

Love this demo and Helen is amazing!

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

Thanks Jamie! These videos will really help you fine tune your surfing skills.

[@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.

[@pineappletop8751]

Live the champagne trick!

[@SexyBigTeeth]

i personally hold the rails when i push up. it helps me adjust the direction of which the board is pointing to a little bit so i can turn easier once i pop up, but its just personal preference

[@AnonymousCaveman]

as a goofy surfer this was so damn useful

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

Thanks so much! We love giving our students smart and practical surf instruction. Come and surf with us in Costa Rica!!! puravidaadventures.com/costa-rica-surf-vacation-rates-2-2/

[@daniellovett4687]

Is that you surfing @ .32 sec. WoW. Ahoy, Shipmate. Amazing !!!!

[@MelanieSlay]

This has helped so much! Thankyouuu! ❤️

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

Yay! Thanks Melanie! We're hosting all-inclusive surf retreats in Costa Rica, where you can get a week of expert instruction at our beachfront location. Check it out! puravidaadventures.com/costa-rica-surf-vacation-rates-2-2/

[@mickb69]

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.

[@HarryProudlove]

Really clear. Thank you!

[@orientalbeauty168]

Thanks for your helpful vid! Well appreciated 😊

[@iangleed6738]

Great film thanks

[@madisonlytle1258]

Lmao currently watching this in Kansas :) :) Thank you for the great teaching!

[@mikeperez7093]

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

[@tedfinkenauer42]

Great analogies. Thanks

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

Thanks, Ted! We're hosting weeklong surf retreats in Costa Rica for men and women, with expert instruction. Come surf with us! puravidaadventures.com/costa-rica-surf-vacation-rates-2-2/

[@kalimontroy]

I skate goofy footed and I surf regular 😂

[@RobManser77]

Thank you for these videos. I really struggle with popping up, so this was really helpful.

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

Glad we could help.

[@jeffsingley459]

So adorable!

[@monizen6380]

Very nice tips! Thank you

[@AdiAsaf]

Nice one. You're tall (Like me) so it shows that's doable

[@lukenesotomayor1499]

Looooove this!!!

[@msilby77]

@3:07 don't grab the rails, the rails are really wibbly wobbly

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

Here, here!

[@musicaljimito]

Very nice Pura Vida!!!

[@4x2WagonFamily]

Brilliant advice thank you

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

You are welcome!

[@mariastellavieiradalmeida9400]

I started to surf when I turned 50ies. For me it is very dificult this jump. My knees always hurt a lot but I will try your australian technique. Tks a lot!!!

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

We are so happy to help! Many of our guests at our Costa Rica retreat are in their 50s, and are up and surfing beautiful waves during their week with us. Check out our upcoming dates and come surf with us! puravidaadventures.com/costa-rica-surf-vacation-rates-2-2/

[@ortalharel711]

Best Video Ever Thank you!!

[@Juicybeachgirls]

“Imagine you’re holding in a fart” 🤣Ha! Good one!

[@lucilepain2806]

Super usefull :)

[@humblelongboards]

Excellent video.

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

Thanks! We also host amazing weeklong surf retreats in Costa Rica, hopefully reopening soon. It's a wonderful time to keep improving on your technique with our incredible instructors. All levels are welcome! Check out our website for all the info: puravidaadventures.com/

[@lunchmind]

If I can ever get to Costa Rica ,I want to study with you, Helen.

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

Come and see us Dana! puravidaadventures.com/costa-rica-surf-vacation-rates-2-2/

[@lunchmind]

sure gonna try. @@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877

[@doldorish5705]

Very good lecture.

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

Thank you!

[@travelinglovebugs7]

65 and heading to kauai in September. Been working out in thr gym but wonder what thr best exercise is to pop up???

[@ellencoote4741]

So helpful thanks

[@coolbeans4399]

I learnt back foot front foot from a beginner... I've got it very fast it works on short boards and Kong boards ... Only thing I can say here is that your using your toes for your 2nd technique which you can't use on a shortboard

[@toonybrain]

Great tips. Thank you.

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

Thank you! We're hosting weeklong surf retreats in Costa Rica, with expert instruction in an amazing location. Check it out and come surf with us! puravidaadventures.com/costa-rica-surf-vacation-rates-2-2/

[@xdwarp4264]

wow thx

[@guitaristinseattle]

Thank you!

[@akirasuzuki631]

0.49 the woman with one arm. amazing.

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

She is amazing!

[@hrburrell]

Bethany Hamilton. Been surfing her entire life, she is awesome.

[@cynthiacaielli2048]

Great video! 👌☺️

[@kylewattssurfing3266]

Very nice very awesome very informative very cool very thorough and thank you very much. What part of Costa Rica are you guys in? I would like to come visit and take some lessons when I'm in Costa Rica. I know the country very well because I studied abroad there.

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

We are located in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica which is on the tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. We would love to have you join us! Check out our website at www.puravidaadventures.com

[@ThePowerMoves]

Watching this in Tamarindo :)

[@NK-bz9wb]

I never see anyone talk about center of gravity - I see most of your weight is on the front foot? Also, is it necessary to have the back foot all mashed on it's side or is standing on it normally (on the entire foot) just fine as well? Thank you, your videos are great!

[@jond1325]

Thanks 🙏 Also looks like you use your toes for the pop up (?) I’m getting back into longboard surfing and your video is great 😎🌞🏄

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

Thank you.

[@tangkiko8630]

This is class A tutorial.

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

Thank you! Check out our surf retreats in Costa Rica, if you'd like to come surf with us in warm waves! puravidaadventures.com/costa-rica-surf-vacation-rates-2-2/

[@robertanderson4318]

Just wanted to know if you wouldn’t mind showing your variations of pop ups from the Front view. I am watching where your knee is traveling. From the line on you chest over the string where is the very knee joint in comparison following through please. Nobody is showing this but it’s so VERY IMPORTANT for balance. Thank you.

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

We are making more videos, so please keep on checking back. Thanks for the feedback.

[@ashlynnb12]

if your a skater would it be easier to learn to surf?

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

For many people, yes! A lot of surfers love skateboarding and even use it to train. The movements of the body are quite similar, especially when it comes to turns. If learning to surf is your goal, you should check out our retreats in Costa Rica! We are planning to reopen this November. We offer private lessons as well! puravidaadventures.com/costa-rica-surf-retreats/

[@dannggg]

What would you say the weight distribute percentage be between the front and back feet. I’m assuming it should be around 50/50?

[@dannggg]

Oh btw love the video

[@haynboi8088]

That was kinda a funny when she said imagine you are holding in a frat

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

Humor always helps when learning.

[@mentalking6609]

Do you offer lessons at your resort?

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

Yes we do. Contact us at [e-mail].

[@paytonnn_eq]

3:00

[@denisehill6290]

Are you still teaching? :)

[@laurenipock]

I am goofy and all of the videos I have seen they don't show it goofy

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

Helen is a goofy footed surfer! You'll get a lot of great information from her videos. You can find out more about our surfing program at www.puravidaadventures.com. We're hoping to reopen our Costa Rica retreat in November, and we offer private lessons too. Come learn to surf with us!

[@blake9980]

that was hot

[@jondavis341]

Perfect excuse to wear my wife's tights.

[@puravidaadventuressurfyoga9877]

Hehehehe

[@antonyschuster8293]

Sorry View utube above

[@32srt32]

Idk who arches there back to hold a fart in.

[@ameliatah4107]

It’s surfing not yoga

[@dianecastaneda671]

How you say “pura bida” is just....nails on a chalk board.

[@FelixJPNAUS]

You're doing too much, do less...