**Mastering Closeout Taking Off**

Surf Etiquette: Mastering the Art of Taking Off like a Pro

As any seasoned surfer knows, taking off on your board at the right time is crucial for catching those elusive waves. The "whitewash" start, also known as the "drop," can be a tricky maneuver to execute correctly. In this article, we'll explore the importance of timing and technique when it comes to taking off like a pro.

The Scenario:

Imagine you're surfing in the lineup at your favorite break, waiting for a big wave to form. You've been paddling out for what feels like hours, and finally, the moment arrives. As you lift your board out of the water and stand up, you realize that it's not going as smoothly as you'd like. Your tail is still tucked in, and your board is sliding backwards on the whitewash (that's surf lingo for the soft, foamy surface where waves break). This is exactly when taking off goes wrong.

The Wrong Technique:

Typically, people try to take off by lifting their feet straight up out of the water, without breaking any speed. However, this approach can be disastrous. As your weight shifts back onto the board, you're more likely to lose momentum and slide backwards on the whitewash. This is especially true if you're not used to surfing quickly or have a lot of power behind your stoke.

The Correct Technique:

A better approach involves breaking your speed gradually by shifting your weight forward while keeping your feet flexed over the footstraps. Here's how:

1. As the wave lifts you out of the water, keep your core engaged and your weight centered over the board.
2. As you stand up, slowly lift your back foot off the tail (the bottom-most part of the board) by shifting your weight forward slightly. This should happen before you fully lift your front foot out of the water.
3. Keep your front foot flexed over the footstraps and your back foot lifted in a straight line from the tail to the nose (the front-most part of the board).
4. As your back foot comes up, start to shift your weight forward onto both feet, keeping your knees bent and your center of gravity low.

The Key to Success:

To master taking off on a closeout like a pro, focus on developing quick reflexes, explosive power, and precise timing. Practice shifting your weight smoothly between the back foot lift and the front foot flexing over the footstraps. With time and practice, you'll become more comfortable navigating the whitewash and catching those coveted waves.

Additional Tips:

• Keep your head up and your eyes scanning the horizon for any signs of a wave.
• Stay relaxed and centered over the board to maintain speed and control.
• Experiment with different stoke levels (the amount of energy you're putting into the wave) to find what works best for you.

By mastering the art of taking off on a closeout, you'll be well on your way to becoming a more confident and proficient surfer. Remember to stay focused, patient, and creative – and always keep those whitewash waves in mind! Surf Etiquette: Mastering the Art of Taking Off like a Pro

Aspect	Timing	Technique
Whitewash start	Not lifting back foot too quickly (can cause slide backwards)	Break speed gradually by shifting weight forward and lifting back foot
Back foot lift	Before fully lifting front foot out of water	Slowly lifts back foot off tail, keeping core engaged and weight centered
Front foot flexing	After lifting back foot to prepare for stand-up	Flexes feet over footstraps, maintaining balance and speed
Shifting weight forward	As taking off progresses	Smoothing transition from back foot lift to front foot flexing
Keeping knees bent	Maintaining low center of gravity	Helps with stability and balance

The Scenario:

• Imagining a situation where you're surfing in the lineup at your favorite break, waiting for a big wave to form
• Paddling out for hours before finally getting your chance to take off

The Wrong Technique:

• Lifting back foot straight up without breaking speed (can cause slide backwards on whitewash)
• Not shifting weight forward quickly enough (loses momentum and slides backwards)

The Correct Technique:

• Breaking speed gradually by shifting weight forward while keeping feet flexed over footstraps
• Maintaining low center of gravity with knees bent

By following these guidelines, you'll be able to take off like a pro and catch those elusive waves. Remember to stay focused, patient, and creative – and always keep the whitewash in mind!