The take off is one of the most important maneuvers in surfing. It is the starting point for any wave, and if not executed correctly, you may miss it or become unstable before enjoying it. At Peña Txuri Surf Eskola, we know that this step is essential for any surfer’s progress, so we have prepared this guide with practical tips, exercises, and links to other resources from our blog to help you improve.
What Is the Take Off in Surfing?
The take off is the moment when you go from lying on the board to standing up and riding the wave. This movement requires precise technique, balance, and constant practice. At Peña Txuri, we work on this maneuver from the first day in our lessons, adapting the instruction to each student’s level. If you are just starting, we recommend reading our article on common mistakes when learning to surf to avoid frequent issues at this stage.
5 Key Tips to Perfect Your Take Off
1. Choose the Right Moment
The success of your take off largely depends on choosing the right moment to stand up. Once you feel the wave pushing you, place both hands at chest level and make a smooth movement to stand up. Avoid placing your hands on the board’s rails, as this can destabilize you.
Related Tip: Understanding how waves form and behave can help you anticipate the perfect moment for the take off. Learn more in our article on wave formation.
2. Keep Your Center of Gravity Low
A low and stable posture is essential for maintaining balance. Bend your knees and keep your torso centered. Avoid standing fully upright, as this can cause you to lose stability.
Practical Exercise: Practice simulations out of the water to automate this movement and improve your technique.
3. Distribute Your Weight Properly
Beginners often place too much weight on the back of the board, slowing down the ride. Once standing, slightly shift your weight forward to make the most of the wave’s momentum.
4. Paddle from the Peak
The peak of the wave is where it has the most energy. Paddling from this zone makes the take off easier and allows you to use the wave’s full force. If you are unsure how to position yourself correctly, we recommend reading our article on surf rules and safety in the water.
5. Adjust Your Technique Based on the Wave
For steeper waves, adjust your entry angle towards the hollow part of the wave. This adaptation will help you maintain control and use the wave’s speed effectively.
Note: If you want to take your technique to the next level, we recommend exploring surfskate to improve your surf skills.
Exercises to Improve Your Take Off
Besides practicing in the water, there are several exercises you can do on land to improve your take off:
- Sand Simulations: Place your board on the sand and practice standing up. Focus on making it smooth and maintaining a stable posture.
- Core Strengthening: Exercises like planks or crunches help develop torso strength.
- Flexibility and Balance: Yoga is an excellent tool for improving your balance and posture.
Find out more on how to prepare your body for surfing in our article on out-of-water training.
The Right Board: A Key to Your Progress
Choosing the right board can make a big difference in your learning. An evolution or soft board is ideal for beginners as it provides more stability and makes standing up easier.
If you are unsure about which board to choose or when to change it, check out our article on types of surfboards and when to change your surfboard.
Conclusion
The take off is a fundamental maneuver in surfing. Mastering it requires practice, patience, and the right technique. At Peña Txuri Surf Eskola, we work with you to perfect this movement, using personalized exercises and equipment suited to your level.
If you want to learn more about surfing and improve your technique, don’t hesitate to join our classes. We look forward to seeing you in Sopelana to help you conquer the waves!
