The Surf Stance

The surf stance is the posture after take-off. With these instructions you can consciously recreate the basic stance to get a feel for the correct position.

Use tape to mark a straight line on the floor. This will represent the center of your surfboard.

Step 1

Step 2

Position your smartphone so that you can film yourself from the side. If your device supports it, use slow motion mode, otherwise a normal video will suffice.

Step 3

Stand on the line and place your feet exactly in the middle (as in the picture). They should be parallel to the line and about shoulder width apart or up to 10 cm wider.

Step 4

For each foot, mark a vertical line exactly in the middle of your foot

Step 5

Stand on the mark with your feet as shown in the picture and make sure that you are standing exactly in the middle.

Step 6

Bend your knees slightly – a little more than you think – and make sure your upper body stays straight.

Step 7

Turn your front foot slightly forward, about a 35-degree angle.

Step 8

Rotate your shoulder forward until your upper body is almost parallel to the line.

Only turn so far that the back foot remains somewhat parallel. By turning your shoulder, your back knee will automatically go a little further down.

If you feel your back foot wanting to go along, lower your back knee a little further or don't turn your upper body quite as far forward.

Lift your head and look forward, do not look down at your feet or at the board.

final stance

Raise your hands so that they are to the left and right of your body and point slightly downward.

The palms of your hands are open, as if you were stroking the water. The whole thing is very relaxed - don't stand in a tense position.

If you pull your shoulders up, let them hang - everything should be completely relaxed. Bend your knees a little further, it should feel comfortable.

This, or something similar, should be your position once you have completed the take-off.

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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