How to Handle Steep Takeoffs Without Freezing

Steep takeoffs are intimidating. They’re fast, vertical, and can feel like you’re about to be launched over the falls. But they’re also the entry point to some of the best waves of your life – barrels, powerful sections, and next-level speed.

Here’s how to handle them with confidence instead of hesitation.

‍

1. Control Your Mind First

The biggest challenge isn’t the drop – it’s your brain. Fear triggers hesitation, and hesitation leads to wipeouts.

• Breathe out to release tension.
• Stop stress paddling — frantic strokes waste energy and build panic.
• Commit early — once you’ve chosen your wave, it’s all in.

Think: “hell yeah, or don’t go.” Half-hearted takeoffs rarely end well.

‍

2. Paddle Efficiently, Not Harder

You’ll never out-paddle a wave. Instead of chin-down splashing, keep your chest up and strokes long. This gives you more reach, more efficiency, and helps you feel the wave as it begins to lift you.

Use that lift – the board will start to glide. That’s your cue you’re in and ready to pop up.

‍

3. Nail the Timing of Your Pop-Up

Pop up too late and you’ll get sucked over the falls. Too early and you’ll stall. The sweet spot is mid-face, just as the wave begins to push you forward.

• Feel the glide, then commit.
• Pop up smoothly, but faster than usual – hesitation is your enemy.
• Eyes, chin, and chest up. Look where you want to go, not down the drop.

‍

4. Lean In and Use Your Legs

A steep takeoff is like dropping into a skate ramp. If you lean back, you’ll flip onto your head. Instead:

• Shift weight onto the front foot
• Keep your legs busy, like shock absorbers
• Let your upper body stay calm and controlled

The more you lean into the drop, the smoother it feels.

‍

5. Positioning Is Everything

Where you sit before the set decides everything.

• On the peak: the steepest, fastest, hardest.
• Just off the peak: easier entry, angle your takeoff, and fade back into the pocket. This is the path into barrels and smoother drops.
• Too wide: you’ll miss the section or chase the shoulder with no power.

‍

6. Wipeouts Are Less Scary Than You Think

The fear of wiping out is usually worse than the wipeout itself. When it happens:

• Relax, go limp, and let the wave tumble you.
• Count seconds to stay calm.
• Pop up when it lets you go.

Every time you take a hit, you expand your comfort zone – and the next steep takeoff feels easier.

‍

7. Equipment Adjustments Help

• More rocker = easier fit into steep drops.
• Quads = hold a line and generate more speed than thrusters.
• Step-ups = volume for paddle power without going wider or flatter.
  If you don’t have the perfect board, angle your takeoff more aggressively to stop nose dives.

‍

TRAX: Showing You What Really Happens on Steep Drops

TRAX takes the guesswork out of takeoffs. By tracking your pop-up timing, weight distribution, and board angles, it shows whether you’re committing early, hesitating, or leaning too far back. With real data, you can train your reactions and stop wiping out where it matters most.

‍

Related Reading:

→ How to surf bigger waves without panicking — Confidence is the real key
→ Learning to fall in surfing — Why wipeouts make you stronger
→ Fix your surf pop-up — Your takeoff sets the tone for the drop

‍