How to stand on a surfboard - stance, balance and posture

Updated 2026-10-11 · Unkook surf coaching

Quick answerStand sideways across the board with your feet about shoulder-width apart or a little wider, front foot between where your hands were and back foot across the board near the tail. Bend your knees (not your waist), keep your chest up, your weight centred, your arms relaxed and out in front, and look where you want to go.

The 5 points of a good stance

Feet across the board, about shoulder width or slightly wider, over the centre line (stringer).
Knees bent, like sitting into a low chair. This is your suspension.
Chest up, back fairly straight. You bend at the knees, not the hips.
Weight centred between your feet. Shift forward slightly to go faster, back to slow down or on steep take-offs.
Eyes forward, at the beach or down the line, never at your feet.

The most common mistake: bent at the waist

Almost every beginner lands "folded": hips pushed back, legs fairly straight, chest down over the board, head looking at the deck. It feels safe but makes you stiff and unstable, and you can't turn from it.

Fix: think "chest up, knees bent". Imagine sitting in a chair with a straight back. On land, pop up and freeze, then check in a mirror or on video whether your hips or your knees are doing the bending.

Why your eyes matter

Your body follows your head. Look down at the board and you'll fall forward; look at the beach and you'll ride straight; look down the line and your shoulders, hips and board will start to follow. Turning starts with where you look.

How to check your stance

You can't see your own posture while surfing. Film one wave from the beach and pause it right after you stand up: are you bent at the knees or the waist? Is your chest up? Are you looking forward? That single frame tells you more than an hour of guessing.

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 free

FAQ

How far apart should my feet be on a surfboard?

About shoulder width, or slightly wider, with both feet across the stringer.

Where should I look when surfing?

Forward: at the beach when riding white water, down the line (along the wave) when riding the face.

Why do I feel stiff and wobbly when I stand up?

You're probably bent at the waist with straight legs. Bend your knees, lift your chest, and relax your arms.

More guides

What size surfboard should a beginner get?How long does it take to learn to surf?How to catch unbroken (green) wavesHow to film a proper surf video