its hard to say how to time it, but i usually dont try to get up til i feel the wave pullin me, push up with you hands, if it feels like its not gonna pull you(cuz most of your weight is gonna be towards the back) kick a little with your feet, till it starts to pull you, pull up your back leg into position, then swing around your front leg, and start to put pressure on the rail that your back leg is on, it will start to pull you towards the face, if you want to go down the face put weight on your front foot, i usually try to practice getting up in my stance when im waiting for waves to come, cuz it will help you position you feet right and kinda get the feel for it, hope that helps... SHOOOOTS CUZ