How to Improve Your Balance on the Board

Staying upright on a surfboard isn’t just about strength — it’s about balance. Whether you’re catching your first whitewater wave or trying to ride down the line, better balance means more control, smoother rides, and fewer wipeouts.

The good news? Balance is a trainable skill. This step-by-step guide breaks down how to improve your balance both in and out of the water, so you can feel more stable every time you paddle out.

Step 1: Strengthen Your Core

Your core is your control center on a surfboard. It keeps you steady during turns, landings, and bumpy sections.

Work on your core with these surf-focused moves:

Planks and side planks for static strength
Russian twists for rotational control
Leg raises to engage lower abs
Bird-dogs for coordination and control

Step 2: Practice Balance Off the Water

You don’t need waves to train balance. Land-based practice helps build muscle memory and body awareness.

Try these tools and drills to simulate board control:

Use a balance board or Bosu ball
Stand on one leg with eyes closed
Do yoga poses like Tree or Warrior 3
Walk along a curb or low beam

Step 3: Adjust Your Stance

Even small stance changes can impact your stability. A solid surf stance gives you a low center of gravity and better responsiveness.

Make sure your stance follows these fundamentals:

Feet slightly wider than shoulder-width
Knees bent and flexible, not locked
Weight evenly distributed, with slight front-foot bias
Eyes forward and back straight

Step 4: Train with Motion

Balance isn’t static. Surfing involves constant micro-adjustments as the board and wave move underneath you.

Build dynamic balance with activities like:

Skateboarding or surf skates
Stand-up paddleboarding on calm water
Snowboarding for edge control
Jump rope to improve foot coordination

Step 5: Practice, Fall, Repeat

Improving balance takes time — and wipeouts. The key is to treat each fall as feedback, not failure.

To improve faster, develop habits like:

Filming sessions to review body position
Trying new maneuvers in safe conditions
Practicing pop-ups daily on land
Breathing steadily to stay calm and focused

Additional Tips for Staying Steady

Beyond drills and training, your mindset also plays a role. Balance isn’t just physical — it’s mental. Staying calm in the water helps your body respond better to shifts and wobble.

Build habits like focusing on breath, practicing visualization, and using a simple mantra like ‘bend and breathe’ to re-center during rides. The more relaxed and present you are, the more balanced you’ll feel — even in challenging surf.

Takeaway

Improving your balance on the board is one of the best investments you can make in your surfing. With strong core engagement, proper stance, and off-water training, you’ll not only stand longer — you’ll surf better. Balance builds confidence, and confidence catches waves.