Surf Lesson | Learn to Surf

Body Positioning on the Surf Board

Before entering the surf you should practice all techniques on the beach and familiarise yourself with what you are trying to achieve with each stage. Sorry, but you are not going to stand up with this stage.

Stage 1 is all about your body positioning on the surf board and catching waves.

To catch waves and surf it is important that the body is positioned correctly on the surf board. Correct positioning will assist in keeping the surf board stable and in trim and most importantly prepare you for the stand up which is described in Stage 3.

The correct way to lie on your beginner surf board is to place your toes on the tail of the board, grip the rails below your chest, keep your head looking forward at all times and slightly raise your chest off the board.

All these points are vital if you are to achieve your goal of standing and surfing waves.

Your toes should be in a position where you can cup them over the tail off the board, if you can do this your body is positioned on the board correctly, but where we want your toes is on the surf board.

Next, grab the rails below your chest (for future reference we will call this the chest line) by grabbing the chest line we are preparing the push-up that is required to assist you get to your feet. It is vital you grab the chest line with your ELBOWS UP and not down, they are described during lessons as chicken wings. 

Try and identify something on your surf board with this line, it is where your hands will remain for the duration of your surf.

Very importantly your head should be looking up and forward, this will give you balance on the surf board and help you progress must quicker.

< Rips and Currents | Pushing Up >