GERR'S TAKE OFF METHOD BROKEN DOWN WITHOUT THE LINES DRAWN ALL OVER THE PLACE

I get told other surf teachers say to look where you are going on your take off. I'm afraid I have to disagree with that technique as it has faults.
Often looking up too early leads to catching a rail and makes you lead with your chin up and head forward. Not the ideal body movement to harness the power of the wave and your own body.

Many of these teachers don't or haven't surfed in a competitions and thus don't see the bigger picture in the evolution of the student moving onto shorter boards and surfing faster, hollower waves one day. Owning a smooth, confident take off opens you up to surfing anywhere in the world if you have that desire. The reason I mention competing is that you often feel an urgency to score and that messes with your timing, so you learn to slow down if you want to win. Most surfers do not compete and never will yet can still learn from this technique.

Having the skill to take off deeper than the pack at a point, slab, or beach break can change how you view and enjoy the surf. Never mind the difficulty in taking off on a big wave during off shore wind when you can't see a thing! Have a look at every single successful late take off since the 70's and tell me if you see them looking too far ahead. Learn the skills in Wave Ki that I wish I knew when I began surfing, practice them at home so you don't have to think the next time your faced with challenging wave. You just go and enjoy.
Brad

5'5 fish shaped by @edensaul
Red Gum keels made by @southersoul69
3m Wetsuit by @Axxeclassic