Learn to stand up on a surfboard – before you hit the water.
The pop-up is the move every surfer needs. Six simple steps you can practise on your lounge floor tonight.
Start the free course Takes about 5 minutes · No board neededPractise it on the floor first
Go slowly. Get each position right, then link them together until it feels like one smooth move.
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Position on the board
Lie on the board with only your toes hanging over the back.
Keep your body centred and relaxed.
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Arm positioning
Place your hands directly under your chest, shoulder-width apart.
Bend your elbows like “chicken wings” – about 45 degrees from your body.
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Back foot position
Lift your back heel and place it near your other knee.
Get it as high as you can while keeping the inside of your foot flat on the board.
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Front foot pull-through
Slide your front foot underneath your body up to your hands.
Keep your hands on the board the whole time.
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Front foot position
Your front foot lands just behind your hands, underneath your body.
Point it diagonally – about 90 degrees to your hands.
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Stand up and balance
Keep your knees bent and your back straight.
Don't lean forward or back – stay centred. One arm in front of you, the other by your side for balance.
🤙 Already got this down? Get in touch and we'll work on taking your surfing to the next level.
Floor's easy. Now try it on a real wave.
Every lesson at Taupō Bay includes everything you need – just bring togs and a towel.
- Surfboard
- Wetsuit & leash
- Ocean-safety skills
- Qualified coaching
Three steps to the water
Pick a lesson
8-Week Programme, Weekend Camp, casual group or private – find the right fit on our booking page.
Get a text from Ben
Within 24 hours you'll get a text confirming your spot, with bank transfer details to pay.
Pop up for real
Meet at Taupō Bay and put your six steps to work on an actual wave.
Flick Ben a message 🌊
Text your name and how many people want to surf, or send an email. You'll hear back within 24 hours.
No payment needed to ask
Pop-up FAQs
How often should I practise?
A few minutes a day is plenty. Do 10 slow pop-ups, then 10 at normal speed, until it feels like one smooth move.
Why do I keep falling off when I stand up?
Usually you're leaning too far forward or back. Keep your knees bent, your back straight and your weight centred over the board.
What's included in a lesson?
Coaching, surfboard, wetsuit and leash. Just bring togs, a towel and some water.
What ages can join?
Kids aged 5–18 for the programmes. Casual and private lessons are open to adults too.
You've learned the pop-up. Now come and ride a wave.
Small-group and private lessons at Taupō Bay. Boards and wetsuits included.
See lessons & bookPosition on Board
Lie on the board with only your toes hanging over the back, and only your toes
Keep your body centered and relaxed
Arm Positioning
Place your hands directly under your chest, shoulders wide.
Your elbows are bent like "chicken wings" 45 degress from body.
Back Foot Position
Lift your back heel and place it near your other knee.
Try to lift it as high as possible while keeping the inside of your foot fully flat on the board.
Front Foot Pull Through
Slide your front foot underneath your body to where your hands are.
Keep your hands on the board throughout the whole process of bringing your foot to your hands.
Front Foot Position
Once your front foot is just behind your hands underneath your body.
Place your foot on the board facing diagonal to your hands. Should be a 90 degree angle from foot and hands.
Keep your knees bent and back straight.
Don’t lean forward or backward; stand with your body centered.
One arm in front of you and the other next to you for balance.
If you already know this, contact me and we can look at improving your surfing more
Stand up and balance
