Practice on the ground first. Attach the leash to your back foot and to the tail of your board, then lie belly-down on the board so that your body is lined up straight down the middle of the board.
Next, practice your paddling motion with both arms to get a sense of the muscles that you will be working.
If you’re right-handed, your back foot will generally be your right foot. This is called “regular” stance. It’s called “goofy” stance when the leash is on your left foot. When in doubt, just do what feels most natural.
Take a little bit of time to practice on the sand – this investment will reward you on the water.
Practice “Taking off” on the wave and standing up on the board takes a bit of practice.
While lying on the board, bring your hands up from paddling and place your hands below your chest, palms on the flat of the board while your fingers curl over the sides of the surfboard.
In one quick motion, push your body up with your arms and tuck your feet up and under you.
Place one foot where your hands pushed up from and the other at least a shoulder’s width behind.
You may find it easier to get up to your knees first and then bring up one foot at a time until you are in a standing position.
TRhis is a little slower than the jump up, but it works effectively for someone not ready for the jump up.
Do not grab the rails, or edges, of the board during your take off, unless you want to get a nice gash on your chin when your hands slip off your rail.
If you find your hands or feet slipping when you try to get up, you may need to rub more wax on your board.
You can practice jumping up as often as you like to get your body muscle memory prepared.