How to Stop Nosediving while Surfing
- Helena Richardson
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
(The Simple Tip for Surf Progression)
If you’ve been face-planting into waves lately… you’re not alone.
Nosediving is one of the most common progressing surfers frustrations - and most of the time, it has nothing to do with your board or your pop-up.
The real issue?
👉 You’re looking in the wrong direction.
This tiny technique shift helps you catch more green waves, stop nose-diving, and start riding across the wave with confidence.
Let’s break it down.
Why You Keep Nosediving
A nosedive happens when the front of your board dips under the water during takeoff.
Most surfers think it’s because they’re too far forward or popping up too slowly - and yes, sometimes that’s true.
But the biggest overlooked mistake is simple:
You’re looking straight ahead instead of at the wave.
When you look at the beach while paddling to catch the wave you have no idea what's going on behind you. Which results in trying to catch the wave that is breaking on your head... nosedive guaranteed.
If you look straight at the beach, you also drop straight into the steepest part of the wave… and it's a nosedive again.
The Easy Fix: Look At the Wave
Here’s what will instantly improve your takeoff:
✔️ Look at the wave - toward the open face in the direction you want to go (right or left)
Not the beach. Not the board.
Turn your head slightly toward the shoulder as you paddle and pop up.
This helps you to see if the wave behind you is at the right stage for you to catch (and gives you an idea if you have to paddle stronger or slow down), this also angles your board, keeps it high on the wave, and helps you stay in control.
Small shift, big results.
How to Catch Green Waves
Use this technique with every unbroken wave:
Angle your board slightly toward the shoulder
Look where you want to go as you paddle
Keep your chest lifted to avoid dropping the nose
Commit to the pop-up with confidence
It’s the key to moving from whitewash to unbroken waves out the back.
Want to See It in Action?
Watch the full breakdown here:
This video went viral on Instagram - over 41k views and 800 saves - because this tip helps surfers progress fast!
Final Thought
Surf progression happens in tiny moments of awareness.
Look at the wave, trust your body, and let the board follow your gaze.
Your surfing will change instantly.
See you in the lineup, xx Helena
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