How to catch unbroken (green) waves
Updated 2026-10-11 · Unkook surf coaching
Are you ready?
You're ready to try green waves when, in the white water, you can:
- Stand up in one motion most of the time
- Paddle into waves on your own
- Ride straight with your knees bent and chest up
If you still come up one knee at a time, work on your pop-up first: green waves give you less time.
Step by step
- Pick a small day. Waist height or below, gentle and not too crowded.
- Sit in the right spot. Just outside where the waves are breaking, a little to the side of the peak.
- Turn early and paddle hard. Start paddling before the wave reaches you, so you're already moving when it arrives.
- Keep paddling after you feel the lift. Two or three more strokes. Most missed waves are stopped too early.
- Pop up as the board tilts down the face. One motion, land low.
- Angle the take-off. Point slightly left or right along the wave, then look where you want to go.
Common problems
- The wave passes under you: you're too far back on the board, too far out, or you stopped paddling too soon.
- You nosedive: too far forward, or popping up late on a steep wave. See why you nosedive.
- You catch it but fall straight away: a slow pop-up or landing bent at the waist. See how to stand on a surfboard.
See what you're doing on your own waves. Send one wave to Unkook and get it broken down moment by moment: slow motion, arrows on what to fix, and one thing to practise next session.
Analyse my wave freeFAQ
What are "green waves" in surfing?
Unbroken waves, as opposed to white water (waves that have already broken). Riding them is the step from beginner to intermediate.
Why can't I catch unbroken waves?
Usually because you start paddling too late, stop paddling too early, or sit in the wrong spot. A bigger board also helps.
Should I go straight or angle on a green wave?
Angle slightly left or right. Going straight at the beach means the wave closes out on you and you nosedive more often.