How to Crowd Surf

Spread the love

Download Article
Explore this Article parts
1 Getting in the Air
2 Surfing Safely
3 Ending Your Ride
4 Dressing Appropriately
+ Show 1 more…
Show less… Other Sections
Questions & Answers
Video
Tips and Warnings
Related Articles
References
Article Summary
Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: July 16, 2024

Download Article X

This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow’s Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards.

This article has been viewed 194,438 times.

Learn more…

If you have been to or watched a rock concert, you’ve probably seen some crowd surfing, where someone (either performer or audience member) is carried over the crowd by the hands of the audience. But how do you do it? Getting up in the air safely is important. Positioning your body to make it easy for the people under you to pass you along can guarantee you a smooth ride. Knowing how to get down safely is also important – you don’t want to end your ride with an injury.

Steps

Part
1 Part 1 of 4:

Getting in the Air

Download Article

  1. {“smallUrl”:”https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/63\/Crowd-Surf-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Crowd-Surf-Step-1-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”\/images\/thumb\/6\/63\/Crowd-Surf-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid155683-v4-728px-Crowd-Surf-Step-1-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=\”mw-parser-output\”><p>License: <a target=\”_blank\” rel=\”nofollow noreferrer noopener\” class=\”external text\” href=\”https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\”>Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>”} 1 Be willing. If you’re unsure if you really want to be hoisted into the air, don’t try to crowd surf. You have to feel comfortable with what you’re doing and where you’re going, and if you aren’t or don’t, you won’t enjoy the experience. [1] X Research source
  2. {“smallUrl”:”https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/05\/Crowd-Surf-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Crowd-Surf-Step-2-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”\/images\/thumb\/0\/05\/Crowd-Surf-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/aid155683-v4-728px-Crowd-Surf-Step-2-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=\”mw-parser-output\”><p>License: <a target=\”_blank\” rel=\”nofollow noreferrer noopener\” class=\”external text\” href=\”https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\”>Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>”} 2 Secure your stuff. The last thing you want is to lose your wallet or cell phone while you’re crowdsurfing. Ask a friend you trust to hold your stuff for you while you surf. You can also keep it in a small, airtight bag that you can hold while you’re in the air. [2] X Research source Advertisement
  3. {“smallUrl”:”https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Crowd-Surf-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Crowd-Surf-Step-3-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”\/images\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Crowd-Surf-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/aid155683-v4-728px-Crowd-Surf-Step-3-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=\”mw-parser-output\”><p>License: <a target=\”_blank\” rel=\”nofollow noreferrer noopener\” class=\”external text\” href=\”https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\”>Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>”} 3 Ask a friend for a boost. It’s best to sit on their shoulders (or the shoulders of two people). When other fans see you in the air, they’ll know what you’re trying to do, and you’ll be able to tell if they’re ready for you. [3] X Research source
    • Don’t just have a friend cup your foot and throw you into the crowd – other fans might not catch you and you can get seriously injured – or seriously injure someone else.
  4. {“smallUrl”:”https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b8\/Crowd-Surf-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Crowd-Surf-Step-4-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”\/images\/thumb\/b\/b8\/Crowd-Surf-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/aid155683-v4-728px-Crowd-Surf-Step-4-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=\”mw-parser-output\”><p>License: <a target=\”_blank\” rel=\”nofollow noreferrer noopener\” class=\”external text\” href=\”https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\”>Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>”} 4 Avoid stage diving. Stage diving is very dangerous – you have to make eye contact with people in the crowd, read their body language to ensure they’ll catch you, and get off the stage before you interrupt the band. It’s also against some venues’ rules to stage dive, and you can get kicked out of the concert for trying it. It’s best to just avoid doing it.
  5. Advertisement

Part
2 Part 2 of 4:

Surfing Safely

Download Article

  1. {“smallUrl”:”https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/00\/Crowd-Surf-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Crowd-Surf-Step-5-Version-2.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”\/images\/thumb\/0\/00\/Crowd-Surf-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/aid155683-v4-728px-Crowd-Surf-Step-5-Version-2.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=\”mw-parser-output\”><p>License: <a target=\”_blank\” rel=\”nofollow noreferrer noopener\” class=\”external text\” href=\”https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\”>Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>”} 1 Time your ride. Fast-paced, high energy songs are your best bet, because the crowd’s energy will be high and they’ll be more likely to pass you along. Slower sets aren’t great. Choose your favorite song, and be ready to go!
  2. {“smallUrl”:”https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/12\/Crowd-Surf-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Crowd-Surf-Step-6.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”\/images\/thumb\/1\/12\/Crowd-Surf-Step-6.jpg\/aid155683-v4-728px-Crowd-Surf-Step-6.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=\”mw-parser-output\”><p>License: <a target=\”_blank\” rel=\”nofollow noreferrer noopener\” class=\”external text\” href=\”https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\”>Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>”} 2 Lay back. Once it’s clear other people will hold you while you surf, lean back until you feel people’s hands underneath you. You’ll need to be flat on your back to surf.
  3. {“smallUrl”:”https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/61\/Crowd-Surf-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Crowd-Surf-Step-7.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”\/images\/thumb\/6\/61\/Crowd-Surf-Step-7.jpg\/aid155683-v4-728px-Crowd-Surf-Step-7.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=\”mw-parser-output\”><p>License: <a target=\”_blank\” rel=\”nofollow noreferrer noopener\” class=\”external text\” href=\”https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\”>Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>”} 3 Spread your body out. As you lay back, spread your arms and legs out like you’re getting ready to make a snow angel. This gives the people under you more surface area to hold while they pass you along. Keep your back as stiff and flat as possible. A flat and stiff back makes it easier for people to move you and will also protect you from getting hurt. [4] X Research source
  4. {“smallUrl”:”https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9e\/Crowd-Surf-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Crowd-Surf-Step-8.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”\/images\/thumb\/9\/9e\/Crowd-Surf-Step-8.jpg\/aid155683-v4-728px-Crowd-Surf-Step-8.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=\”mw-parser-output\”><p>License: <a target=\”_blank\” rel=\”nofollow noreferrer noopener\” class=\”external text\” href=\”https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\”>Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>”} 4 Keep your body still. If you thrash around too much, chances are you’ll get dropped. You can throw up an old-fashioned “rock and roll” sign, but don’t wave your arms or kick your legs too much. [5] X Research source
  5. {“smallUrl”:”https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/53\/Crowd-Surf-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Crowd-Surf-Step-9.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”\/images\/thumb\/5\/53\/Crowd-Surf-Step-9.jpg\/aid155683-v4-728px-Crowd-Surf-Step-9.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=\”mw-parser-output\”><p>License: <a target=\”_blank\” rel=\”nofollow noreferrer noopener\” class=\”external text\” href=\”https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\”>Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>”} 5 Keep your feet up with your toes pointed at the ceiling. Otherwise, you’ll kick people in the head. Don’t lift your legs too far, since this will prevent other fans from passing you along, but make sure your feet are pointed up and raised slightly. [6] X Research source
  6. {“smallUrl”:”https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/87\/Crowd-Surf-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Crowd-Surf-Step-10.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”\/images\/thumb\/8\/87\/Crowd-Surf-Step-10.jpg\/aid155683-v4-728px-Crowd-Surf-Step-10.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=\”mw-parser-output\”><p>License: <a target=\”_blank\” rel=\”nofollow noreferrer noopener\” class=\”external text\” href=\”https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\”>Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>”} 6 Protect your head if you fall. Sometimes it happens – you’re crowdsurfing and you get dropped. If you feel yourself start to fall, lift your head up or cover it with your arms to avoid smacking it on the ground.
    • If you think you’re seriously hurt, ask security for help.
  7. Advertisement

Part
3 Part 3 of 4:

Ending Your Ride

Download Article

  1. {“smallUrl”:”https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/43\/Crowd-Surf-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Crowd-Surf-Step-11.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”\/images\/thumb\/4\/43\/Crowd-Surf-Step-11.jpg\/aid155683-v4-728px-Crowd-Surf-Step-11.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=\”mw-parser-output\”><p>License: <a target=\”_blank\” rel=\”nofollow noreferrer noopener\” class=\”external text\” href=\”https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\”>Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>”} 1 Bring your knees in toward your chest to dismount. If you’re ready for your ride to end, bring your legs in toward your chest. You should naturally fall to the ground, feet first. [7] X Research source
  2. {“smallUrl”:”https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d8\/Crowd-Surf-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Crowd-Surf-Step-12.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”\/images\/thumb\/d\/d8\/Crowd-Surf-Step-12.jpg\/aid155683-v4-728px-Crowd-Surf-Step-12.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=\”mw-parser-output\”><p>License: <a target=\”_blank\” rel=\”nofollow noreferrer noopener\” class=\”external text\” href=\”https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\”>Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>”} 2 Don’t grab anyone else as you come down. You could pull them down with you and they and you can get hurt. Instead, make sure you’re prepared for the fall so you can catch yourself. [8] X Research source
  3. {“smallUrl”:”https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/61\/Crowd-Surf-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Crowd-Surf-Step-13.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”\/images\/thumb\/6\/61\/Crowd-Surf-Step-13.jpg\/aid155683-v4-728px-Crowd-Surf-Step-13.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=\”mw-parser-output\”><p>License: <a target=\”_blank\” rel=\”nofollow noreferrer noopener\” class=\”external text\” href=\”https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\”>Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>”} 3 Choose a place and time to rejoin your friends. You’ll go all over the venue surfing, and you don’t want to lose the group you came with. Pick a spot you can meet and a time, even if the time is as soon as you’re done surfing. [9] X Research source
  4. Advertisement

Part
4 Part 4 of 4:

Dressing Appropriately

Download Article

  1. {“smallUrl”:”https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/72\/Crowd-Surf-Step-14.jpg\/v4-460px-Crowd-Surf-Step-14.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”\/images\/thumb\/7\/72\/Crowd-Surf-Step-14.jpg\/aid155683-v4-728px-Crowd-Surf-Step-14.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=\”mw-parser-output\”><p>License: <a target=\”_blank\” rel=\”nofollow noreferrer noopener\” class=\”external text\” href=\”https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\”>Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>”} 1 Avoid wearing anything that can snag. This includes zippers, chains, or loose jewelry. They can snag in someone’s hair or on someone else’s jewelry and seriously hurt the other person.
  2. {“smallUrl”:”https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/Crowd-Surf-Step-15.jpg\/v4-460px-Crowd-Surf-Step-15.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”\/images\/thumb\/f\/f2\/Crowd-Surf-Step-15.jpg\/aid155683-v4-728px-Crowd-Surf-Step-15.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=\”mw-parser-output\”><p>License: <a target=\”_blank\” rel=\”nofollow noreferrer noopener\” class=\”external text\” href=\”https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\”>Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>”} 2 Wear soft shoes. You don’t want to wear heels or big, heavy boots that can hit someone in the head and seriously injure them. Make sure the shoes fit correctly and aren’t loose – otherwise you might lose your shoes and have to spend the rest of the day barefoot! [10] X Research source
  3. {“smallUrl”:”https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b3\/Crowd-Surf-Step-16.jpg\/v4-460px-Crowd-Surf-Step-16.jpg”,”bigUrl”:”\/images\/thumb\/b\/b3\/Crowd-Surf-Step-16.jpg\/aid155683-v4-728px-Crowd-Surf-Step-16.jpg”,”smallWidth”:460,”smallHeight”:345,”bigWidth”:728,”bigHeight”:546,”licensing”:”<div class=\”mw-parser-output\”><p>License: <a target=\”_blank\” rel=\”nofollow noreferrer noopener\” class=\”external text\” href=\”https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\”>Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>”} 3 Avoid loose clothing with easy access to your body. Tops that can easily come off, like bathing suit tops, or loose skirts or shorts, give people in the crowd easy access to your body, and you can’t guarantee everyone in the crowd is a good person. Instead, wear clothing that fits close to your body and doesn’t give people easy access. [11] X Research source
  4. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question

  • Question What are my chances of dying while crowd surfing? Community Answer The chances are slim, but it’s possible that you could fall and hit your head. Thanks! We’re glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 14
  • Question I’m 12 years old.Will I be okay crowd surfing? Community Answer If you followed these guidelines, you’d probably be fine. Remember part three and tell people where you’re going. Thanks! We’re glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No Not Helpful 4 Helpful 12
  • Question How much should I weigh to crowd surf? Community Answer Use common sense. If it takes more than two people to easily lift you in the air, you’re probably a bit too heavy for crowd surfing. (Though I’ve seen 300-pound+ guys manage it when they’re the star of the show and have a dedicated fanbase.) Thanks! We’re glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 12

See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit

Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • If you are crowd surfing at a festival and you are up front near stage By crowd surfing you will be carried all the way back and you won’t get your spot back. Thanks Helpful 7 Not Helpful 0
  • Try starting to crowd surf in the opposite direction of the stage, so people see you coming and can give you a hand in time. If you surf towards the stage, the people will see you to late (because they’re looking at the stage and won’t be able to hear you) so most of the times when you’re crowd surfing towards the stage, you will end up with your face in the dirt. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 0
  • If the concert is over and the crowd isn’t moving, don’t try to crowd surf out. People will probably be less cooperative at this point. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 1

Show More Tips Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial
Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

How to Mosh in a Pit at a Concert
How to Headbang Like a Pro (And Not Hurt Your Neck)
How to Sneak a Camera Into a Concert
How to Survive a General Admission Floor
How to Dress for a Rock Concert
How to Get Front Row at a Concert
How to Sneak Into a Concert
Where to Find and Buy Cheap Concert Tickets Online
How to Ask Your Parents to Let You Go to a Concert
How to Prepare for a Concert
How to Get Backstage Passes to Any Concert
How to Attend a Concert
How to Dress for a Concert (Teenage)
How to Go to a Concert if You Are a Teenager Advertisement