The Chicken Wing Pop Up
Versatile and beginner-friendly
The chicken wing pop-up is suitable for both beginners and advanced surfers and can be used on any type of board . This technique allows for a controlled and stable take-off, especially if you are still working on your strength or agility.
💡 Tip: Film yourself from the side with your smartphone to analyze your technique and improve it.
Step 1
Apply markings – simulate your surfboard
Take a piece of tape and draw a straight line on the ground that represents your surfboard.
📍 Additional marking:
Use two more strips of tape to mark your shoulder width – this corresponds to the distance between your feet in the surfing stance. This marking will help you find the right position for your take-off.
Step 2
➤ Place your hands at the same distance on the front line.
Step 3
➤ Lie flat on the line so that your body is centered.
➤ Place your hands directly on the top line and position your body so that your nipples are directly above your hands.
➤ Always look forward – where you want to surf. Never look at the board or your feet!
Step 4
Position the back foot
Bring your back foot to the back marker by bringing your back leg forward and turning your knee out.
✔ Your upper body will move slightly to the side to perform the movement smoothly.
✔ Make sure your back foot lands firmly on the mark before moving on to the next step.
Step 5
Bring upper body forward & place front foot
➤ Push off with your back foot to move your upper body forward – this makes the movement easier and more dynamic.
➤ Make sure that the movement is fluid and controlled in order to maintain a stable position.
💡 Tip: Push your butt up – this gives you more flow and space to bring your front foot forward more easily.
Step 6
Bring your front foot to the front mark , right between your hands.
Step 7
Straighten up to the final position
Once your front foot is in the correct position, raise your arms and straighten up into your final position, the surf stance .
➤ Arms point forward and are to the left and right of your body.
➤ Knees are slightly bent and “point” forward.
✔ Gaze is also directed forward.
💡 You can see exactly what the final position looks like step by step here.
Check position and increase speed
✔ Check your foot position:
Your front foot should be on the front line .
Your back foot should be on the back line .
Practice the process slowly and step by step until your feet automatically land in the right position every time and your surfing stance is stable.
💡 Once you have mastered the movement , you can try to do it a little faster. Always make sure that your feet continue to land precisely in the right position. If that doesn't work, take a step back and practice more slowly.
🔄 Repeat this process to gradually increase your speed until you can confidently perform the take-off in one fluid, quick movement.
final stance
You can find detailed instructions on how to adopt the correct surfing stance here. Step by step, you will learn how to position your feet correctly, keep your balance and achieve a stable position on the board.
Checklist: Your perfect surf stance ✅
✔ Feet: Centered on the markings.
✔ Back foot: Almost parallel to the line.
✔ Front foot: Points slightly forward.
✔ Head: Looks forward.
✔ Back knee: More bent than the front knee.
✔ Back: Slightly curved forward.
✔ Upper body: Straight – your butt does not stick out.
✔ Hands: Left and right of the body, pointing slightly forward and downward.
➝ For beginners: Hands can be held wider so that they extend beyond the surfboard on the left and right.
✅ Compare your position with this checklist to make sure your surfing stance is stable and balanced!
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