*Attack the Wave*

Although it may seem scary at first, it is in your best interest to attack the wave and paddle towards the pocket. Instead of waiting for the wave to come to you, you can generate more speed and have much more control when you attack the wave. It is much scarier to turn your back to the wave and wait for it to catch up to you instead of facing it head on and becoming one.

*Look to Where You Want To Go*

Wherever your eyes are, that is where you will end up. It is very important to look down the face of the wave to find the best line to take. A lot of beginners make the mistake of looking straight, which leads you into the white water instead of on the wave itself.

*Arch Your Back and Stay Low on the Pop-Up*

When first starting out, the pop-up is one of the more difficult maneuvers to perfect. It is crucial to find your positioning on the board and arch your back at the take-off so that you do not pearl your board. Trust your equipment and know that the board will be there to support you and your weight. Pop Up straight to your feet and you’re off to the races!

*Stay High and Open Your Chest*

Every wave is different but it is usually the case to stay high on the wave after taking off to ensure you make the first section. It is very helpful to open your chest to the face of the wave and look to hit the lip by the pocket before the sections close out on you.

*The Pocket is Where the Power Is*

The Pocket of the wave is where you can generate all of your speed and power to make your turns. In surfing, the biggest obstacle at first is changing your mindset from degenerative to generative. You need to believe that you are going to make the wave, and you will. At first, the noise of the wave might seem daunting, but once you overcome your fears, your life will be forever changed for the better.