Before paddling out, spend at least 30 minutes watching the surf. You’ll want to watch where other surfers paddle out, where the waves are breaking, and the ability level of the people in the water.

Practice popping up by pressing your hands into the ground or board beneath your chest and, in one burst, jumping to your feet. (If your left foot is in front, you have a “regular” stance. If your right is in front, you’re “goofy-footed.”)

When you see the wave you want to catch, turn around and face the nose of your board toward the shore, then lay down and begin paddling. Make sure the nose of your board is not underwater or too high in the air—it should just graze the surface.

After a few strokes, look back over your shoulder to gauge where the wave is behind you, but continue paddling forward. When you feel a burst of speed and momentum, it’s the right time to stand up. When you pop up, calmly look ahead and fully commit. Try to hop up all in one motion.

Keep your knees bent, with slightly more weight in your back foot. Hold your arms out to your sides to balance. And... you’re surfing!!!