Technique
Pop
The snap a rider uses to spring the board off the water surface or lip to initiate ollies, shuv-its, and airs.
Pop is the explosive press-and-release a rider applies through the tail of the board to launch it off the surface, the engine behind an ollie and the airborne start of shuv-its, body varials, and airs. Good pop comes from loading the back foot against the tail kick of the traction pad and snapping upward at the right moment.
The amount and timing of pop separate clean, controlled aerial tricks from mistimed attempts, making it a core freestyle fundamental, especially in skim style.