The Standard Pop-Up – Fast and efficient

The standard pop-up is the fastest and most efficient way to get on the board. It is particularly important as it allows you to quickly get into the right surfing stance - a crucial advantage when surfing.

This technique is used most often by experienced surfers because it allows for an explosive and precise standing up movement. Those who have mastered the standard pop-up can start the wave faster and more safely. 🚀🏄‍♂️

💡 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

The right starting position

➤ Lie flat on the line so that your body is centered.


➤ Lift your feet slightly so that they don't touch the ground - this prevents you from using them unconsciously. After all, there's nothing to push off of on a shortboard! 😉


➤ 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

Explosive upward push

➤ Push yourself up with your hands so that your upper body lifts off the floor.


➤ At the same time, lift your lower thighs to make room for the next movement.

Step 5

Swing knees forward & place feet

➤ Use your hands and knees to push your upper body upwards , swing your knees forward and place your back foot on the back marking line .


➤ First place the back foot on the back mark , followed by the front foot on the front mark.


➤ The movement should be performed so quickly that it looks as if both feet land at the same time – even though the back foot is positioned first.


➤ Make sure your movement remains explosive and controlled to get straight into a stable surfing stance. 🚀🏄‍♂️

Step 6

➤ Bring your front foot between your hands to the front marker and get into the surf stance position

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.

Surf Stance Instructions

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 get a stable position on the board.

surf stance

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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