Master the Perfect Takeoff — Essential Tips for a Smooth & Fast Start in Surfing

Hi, I am Tomi and I have been a surf instructor with Moana Surf School for many years.

I am going to share some essential tips to help you master a smooth and fast takeoff when you are out surfing. The takeoff is one of the most important skills in surfing — it sets the tone for your entire ride. Practising on land is definitely easier than in the water, but with consistent practice and the right technique, you will be popping up effortlessly on every wave.

The steps to a perfect takeoff

1. Find your balance on the board

When paddling for a wave, make sure your toes are touching the back of the surfboard. Positioning is crucial — lying too far forward can cause a nose dive, while being too far back makes it harder to catch the wave. Finding the perfect balance will help you pop up smoothly and ride with confidence.

2. Paddling

Start paddling as the wave approaches from behind. Focus on smooth, alternating strokes, maintaining a steady and rhythmic movement. Keep your fingers close together, like a shovel, to maximise efficiency and power in each stroke.

3. Nail your takeoff with perfect balance

As the wave pushes you forward, place your hands firmly on the surfboard. Distribute your weight evenly — 50% on each hand — to maintain stability. Position your hands directly under your shoulders for optimal control.

Visualise a cross or target point between your hands — this is exactly where you want your front foot to land during the pop-up. Mastering this precise movement is key to a smooth and controlled takeoff.

4. Create space for the perfect pop-up

Push your chest up high as you prepare to pop up. This movement creates more space for your front leg and foot to come forward smoothly, helping you land in the right position for a stable ride.

5. Toes at the back

When lying on your board, make sure your toes are at the back of the surfboard. This position helps you maintain the right balance and prevents you from nose diving when paddling for the wave.

6. Back foot first

Bring your back foot forward first and place it sideways. This sets a strong foundation for your stance. Keep your hands on the board with 50/50 weight distribution to stay balanced and controlled during the pop-up.

7. Front foot forward

Bring your front foot forward, making sure it lands between your hands. This ensures a balanced and controlled stance. Try not to look down too much — focus forward instead. I know, it is easier said than done when you are learning, but with practice it will become second nature.

8. Stand strong, stay balanced, and enjoy the ride

Once you are standing, keep your legs bent and maintain a low centre of gravity for the best balance. Keeping your hands out will help you stay stable and centred. Once you have got the balance — just enjoy the ride and don’t forget to keep smiling!

… And Remember…

Keep your knees bent, maintain a low center of gravity, try to look forward, and most importantly—SMILE! 🙂 Surfing is all about having fun and enjoying the ride.

Jenny’s first wave

One of the most rewarding moments as an instructor is watching someone overcome their fear and catch their first wave. Jenny came to us recently — she was scared of the waves and had very little confidence she would be able to stand up on the surfboard. But she wanted to try.

“She overcame her fear and managed to catch her first wave, pop up and ride all the way from the outside to the beach. That moment gave her new strength — mentally and physically — to catch more waves and to try new challenges in life. You could call the surf lesson a kind of therapy, in many ways.”
— Tomi, surf instructor at Moana Surf School

Achieving the goal of standing up and surfing a wave gave Jenny new confidence that went far beyond the ocean. That is what surfing does. It teaches you that fear is just the beginning — and that the wave is always worth catching.

The takeoff takes time and practice. Be patient with yourself. Every surfer you see riding waves confidently was once exactly where you are now — standing on the sand, practising the pop-up, wondering if they would ever get it. They did. So will you.