Effortless Standing Up Technique

[14 West]

I thought this was obvious, but I've shared it with a friend who tried it and thought it was a light bulb moment. So for all those out there:

During a long surf session, falling off, getting up, wash, rinse, repeat, the muscles start to get a bit tired. So next time you are out there try this instead of doing the ole' climb on, do a half push-up to knees, then another half push up to feet, then slowly standing up, all the while whilst trying to balance. Look for an incoming remnant wave, speed bump, outside peak or mellow foam, and be patient either on your knees or tummy or whatever, as the wave passes beneath you and picks you up, make sure your hands are planted on either side, and as the board falls off the backside of the wave just stand up. Thanks to a bit of physics the board tends to stay stuck to the water whereas your inertia from the rising wave sends you skyward and it all works out great. You'll be surprised how well this works, and since you aren't pressuring the rails one at a time (left foot, right foot), balance is easier and you'll probably be more successful, especially on a small board.

Hopefully that makes sense and good luck.

[PonoBill]

My favorite method to get up. Even more valuable in your 60's. I tell folks in the lineup that I'd sit and talk story with them, but it takes me too long to get back up. They laugh, I laugh, but I'm dead serious.

[river]

lately my new training has been to kick hard and go from the water to my feet with no kneeling in between.  It takes quite a lunge with a good kick but if you're in a hurry to break over the next whitewash foam pile I find it works well.  Especially easy to learn where you can still touch the bottom too.  Saves valuable seconds when trying to beat the next wave from pounding you.

[headmount]

14West... thanks for that.  It's obvious and makes total sense when you wrote it but I hadn't figured it out.  And PBill who says he knew about it and paddles with me all the time, never mentioned it to me.  He must have been laughing, watching my sorry ass struggle to my feet.  Geezer humor.

[stoneaxe]

We should have a smiley with a lightbulb on it. I haven't tried it either but it sounds good.

[Wetstuff]

Where's Mikey?  We need him to try it...    It's 42 degrees out there.

Jim

[kayadogg]

I saw a video where DK did this, only he was on his knees and then just popped up to a standing position without using his arms at all.  It looked so cool that I had to try it.  Lo and behold, it can be done by mere mortals not named Kalama.  A decent sized wave is the trick and makes it pretty easy.

[Cardiff Sweeper]

What are you doing on your knees?

[14 West]

What are you doing on your knees?

Holding on to the (paddle) shaft.

[MJF]

I tried this for the first time last week after following this thread, works like a charm.

[14 West]

Glad I could help.

[headmount]

Yeah I did it like second nature yesterday and am out right now for another session.  Conditions are looking sweet.  Every tool helps.  thanks.

[awe]

Can we get a short vid. on this?

[downwinddave]

1:40 of this video shows a nice one.

[Fog City Rider]

Thanks for the tip.  I tried it today a few times, definitely works. 

Saved me a little energy that was put to better use catching waves