[ankleslapper]

I don't even know what to say about the latter 2 pop-ups demonstrated in that one video -- feel like that 'getting to your feet' action lasts longer than a lot of waves do around here.

[GoofySRFN]

I don't even know what to say about the latter 2 pop-ups demonstrated in that one video -- feel like that 'getting to your feet' action lasts longer than a lot of waves do around here.

yeah I definitely know what you mean... when you're riding 2ft waves around here there isn't too much time to do a Broadway tap dance on your board lol

[16ASteadyrock]

So what's the consensus on pushing up from the rails vs. pushing up from the deck?


There's no doubt my pop-up is a problem. The best surfing I've done in my life has been on waves so long that I could, when necessary, recover my rhythm after correcting the kinks from a lackluster pop-up--correcting them over one or two sections, then pulling it together for the multiple ensuing sections. (Not an available crutch 'round here, obviously.)


Many wise folks have insisted that 80% of surfing, if not more, is the take off. It sets the tone for all that follows. 


Me, I definitely have that old man hunched-over pop-up hang-up. (Fatigue exasperates that bad habit, but I think it's always there to some degree.) Sometimes, I wish I could wear a brace that would keep my spine straight...


Any good advice for dealing with--or training to fix--that bad habit?

[little_nasty]

squats?  i'm only half kidding.

[SeaCliff]

So what's the consensus on pushing up from the rails vs. pushing up from the deck?


There's no doubt my pop-up is a problem. The best surfing I've done in my life has been on waves so long that I could, when necessary, recover my rhythm after correcting the kinks from a lackluster pop-up--correcting them over one or two sections, then pulling it together for the multiple ensuing sections. (Not an available crutch 'round here, obviously.)


Many wise folks have insisted that 80% of surfing, if not more, is the take off. It sets the tone for all that follows.


Me, I definitely have that old man hunched-over pop-up hang-up. (Fatigue exasperates that bad habit, but I think it's always there to some degree.) Sometimes, I wish I could wear a brace that would keep my spine straight...


Any good advice for dealing with--or training to fix--that bad habit?

I've DEF got advice - I think I've studied this to the point of exhaustion LOL - and perhaps finally, I feel like I'm making some decent headway and I can feel it in my own surfing - which has progressed (in my own opinion) quite nicely over the past handful of months from "pretty consistently bad" to "not always totally incompetent" 

But just like a physician doesnt need to have diabetes to know how to treat it, my own pop-up doesnt need to be perfect to help others perfect theirs.

So - specific to you and the description you provided, think about this:

1. All hands on DECK. Fingers around the rails cause drag in the water which slows you down. You may think it's imperceptible, but anything that causes drag is not good. Heck - it's why the pros so often surf leashless (or use "comp-light" leashes), they don't even want the drag of a leash. Fingers around the rails also puts you that fraction of an inch lower in the water, also not desirable.

2. Slide your hands further back towards your waist - if forces your upper body UP and helps minimize or even eliminate the "old man hunch"

3. Whenever you can and the wave/situation allows (which should be most of the time), ARCH YOUR BACK and get your head up high as you slide your hands back into position for the pop-up, BEFORE you actually pop up. Getting your back arched lifts your chest which makes the popup lighter and faster. Getting your head up high gives you a WAY better view of the wave and how you want to set up your ride - leading to a far better ride.

All that said, you surf better than me, dude - so take it all for what it's worth - but I hope it helps!!

 

[snaggletooth]

squats?  i'm only half kidding.

that's a good suggestion, actually. and about a thousand burpees. as a "new" surfer, it had been a hang-up for me. i felt like getting a lot stronger helped. watertime, obviously, and a couple of sessions skating the bowl (well, learning to skate the bowl), and being light and quick with your eyes, feet and hands to get that first pump in right away. and then a thousand more burpees.

[16ASteadyrock]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. Key counsel, Seacliff: I can visualize exactly what you're talking about... and now I'm very eager to try putting it to work. Part of the problem, I think, is my paddling: I tend to scramble too much at the last instant instead of building speed with control and giving myself that extra time for the arch. But I also think having my hands further back will get me in earlier put me on the tail better. (I've been completely guilty of sinking my hands around the rails.) Really, really appreciate it.
 
Kui, I know you're advice is more than half-good but... uh... just don't know if I can be that guy in the gym. Maybe home squats? With a chair or something?
 
Snaggle, I'm going to have to look up what a burpee is...
 
 
 

So what's the consensus on pushing up from the rails vs. pushing up from the deck?


1. All hands on DECK. Fingers around the rails cause drag in the water which slows you down. You may think it's imperceptible, but anything that causes drag is not good. Heck - it's why the pros so often surf leashless (or use "comp-light" leashes), they don't even want the drag of a leash. Fingers around the rails also puts you that fraction of an inch lower in the water, also not desirable.

2. Slide your hands further back towards your waist - if forces your upper body UP and helps minimize or even eliminate the "old man hunch"

3. Whenever you can and the wave/situation allows (which should be most of the time), ARCH YOUR BACK and get your head up high as you slide your hands back into position for the pop-up, BEFORE you actually pop up. Getting your back arched lifts your chest which makes the popup lighter and faster. Getting your head up high gives you a WAY better view of the wave and how you want to set up your ride - leading to a far better ride.

All that said, you surf better than me, dude - so take it all for what it's worth - but I hope it helps!!

 

[Kdropin]

burpys and dives/duck unders get you strong

[snaggletooth]

Here's a burpee:

Burpees

burpee

[16ASteadyrock]

(Now, if you could only Burpee on a balance board...)
 
Thanks for the info. I'm gonna have to try this ish.

[snaggletooth]

i have seen in one of the surf fitness videos a guy doing pop-ups onto an upside down bosu ball. i'm afraid to even attempt it.