Dropping In Surf Show Podcast Science Behind the Pop Up
Feb 24, 2023
Research-backed breakdown of the surf pop up, from strength and mobility to biomechanics. Discussion of force plate studies, sex differences in force and landing, and motion-capture findings on contact versus flight transitions. Exploration of knee-first pop-ups for low back issues and what studies suggest for practical training priorities.
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Skill Can Outperform Strength In Pop-Up Speed
- Stronger surfers tended to pop up slightly faster, but some weaker surfers were fastest due to higher skill despite lower strength.
- The study flags skill and motor control as potential compensators for lower force outputs.
Softer Landings And Faster Stabilization Matter More
- A 2019 study broke the pop-up into push, reach, landing, and stabilization phases and found women land with less force and stabilize faster.
- Rob argues softer landings and quicker stabilization may be more valuable than raw speed.
Knee Pop-Ups Reduce Spine Motion But Take Longer
- A mobility study found knee-first pop-ups reduce lumbar sagittal motion and may help surfers with low back pain.
- Knee pop-ups took longer (~2s) to reach stable stance versus prone pop-ups (~1.3s).