Learn how to surf with this complete beginner’s guide to surfing.
Ready to catch your first wave? Of course you are.
Surfing is one of the best things you can do in the ocean. Scratch that, it’s one of the best things you can do in the world.
There’s really nothing quite like the feeling of riding a wave – no matter how skillfully you’re doing it. And learning how to surf isn’t as hard as you might think.
Follow this beginner’s guide to surfing to help you learn everything from choosing the right surfboard to standing up and riding your first wave.
What You Need to Know When You Start Surfing
Before we teach you how to surf, we need to make sure you’re going to be the good kind of beginner surfer.
There’s nothing wrong with being a learner and struggling to catch your first waves. But, you don’t want to be a kook who gets in the way of other surfers and causes annoying (and possibly dangerous) situations in the lineup.
To help you get started on the right foot, here are some essential things you need to know.
Choose Beginner Spots:
Start your surfing journey at spots designed for beginners. Not only will the waves be more forgiving and easier to learn on, but you’ll also be at home with a bunch of other beginner surfers.
Observe Before Paddling Out
Before heading into the water, spend at least 30 minutes observing the surf.
Take note of where other surfers are paddling out, where the waves are breaking, and the skill levels of the surfers. This observation helps you ensure the waves are the right size for you.
Sometimes, it takes a while to gauge the size of the bigger sets. Once you’re in the water, sit off to the side and continue observing, noting where people are catching waves. You want to get a good feel for the ocean and how the waves are breaking before you just dive right in.
Be Respectful
Just like with any outdoor activity, the locals know the area best and feel a sense of ownership.
Be polite, keep noise levels down (most lineups are surprisingly quiet), and make sure not to get in anyone’s way.
Understand the Rules
Yes, there are rules for surfing, and you need to follow them for everyone to have a good time. No matter where you surf, the basic rules of the lineup will be the same.
Generally, one person surfs per wave. The surfer who is closest to where the wave breaks (known as being “deeper”) has the right of way.
Here’s a simple scenario: Imagine a wave is coming in, and you and another surfer turn toward shore to catch it. Let’s say it’s going to break on the left side of you and peel toward your right. If the other surfer is to your left, they have the right of way. In this case, you need to stop paddling and wait until the next wave.
If a wave is peeling in both directions, one surfer can ride the wave in each direction. You might hear someone yell “going left” or “going right” to indicate their direction and that they have the right of way.
If you’re at a break with one takeoff spot, wait your turn, slowly moving toward it as others take their turn. It’s considered bad etiquette to paddle around them.
Stay Out of the Way
When paddling out, make sure to stay out of the way.
If there is a channel (a deeper area where the waves don’t break), paddle out there. Never paddle out through the surf or through the lineup if there is another way.
This not only keeps you and others safe but also saves energy. If there is no other way out than through the whitewater, it’s your job to stay out of the way of a surfer riding a wave.
If someone is riding a wave coming toward you, paddle in the opposite direction of where the surfer is headed.
Lastly, always hold on to your board. A surfboard flinging around in the white water can be extremely dangerous.
Where to Surf
Now that you know about basic surfing etiquette, the next step in learning how to surf is choosing the right spot. The waves you decide to catch will make all the difference in your surfing experience.
Here are three simple tips to help you find the perfect wave for beginners.
Choose the Right Spot
Find a spot where waves break slowly over a semi-shallow sandy bottom, ideally waist- to chest-deep.
You don’t want the waves to be hollow, or barreling when learning to surf. Gentle foamy waves that aren’t too steep are ideal.
Start Simple
As a beginner, you don’t need perfect waves; look for long rows of knee-high whitewater rolling toward the shore.
Don’t hesitate to go where kids are learning. The key is finding a place that’s not too crowded, allowing you to catch lots of waves and master the art of paddling into waves and popping up.
Do Your Research
Search online for the best beginner surf spots in your area or see where local surf schools run their lessons.
Avoid famous spots -they’re crowded, unwelcoming to beginners, and usually not the best conditions for newbies.
What Surfboard to Choose
After finding the perfect wave, the next step in learning how to surf is getting yourself on the right board.
Different types of surfboards perform completely differently, and trying to watch your first wave on the wrong board can really impact your experience and stop you from wanting to learn.
We’ve got a detailed guide on how to choose a surfboard if you want all the details. Otherwise, as a beginner, here are the main considerations you need to make.
Start with a Big Board
When you first start, get yourself on a big board.
Beginners on brand-new, expensive shortboards often lack the volume and length needed to catch enough waves to improve their skills. There’s no shame in starting on a ten-foot soft-top longboard that’s easy to paddle and stable to ride.
By doing this, you’ll get lots of practice learning to read the ocean and popping up with ease.
Board Options
Let’s help you understand the different surfboard types real quick:
- Shortboard: Generally six and a half feet or shorter, with very little volume, usually with a tri-fin setup. They’re designed for high-performance surfing with faster turns and more speed in larger waves. This is not what you should learn on.
- Mini Mal, Mini Tanker, Funboard, Fish, Egg, Bonzer: These are all names of boards that are on the shorter side (smaller than eight feet and as small as five feet) but usually have a little more volume to make it easy to paddle into smaller waves while being more maneuverable than a longboard. These are ideal surfboards for beginners. In fact, I learned how to surf on a Mini Mal.
- Gun: Generally seven feet and above, designed for big-wave surfing. If you’re learning how to surf, you don’t even need to come close to these.
- Longboards: Generally nine feet and up, these either have a single-fin setup (best for nose riding and a classic style of surfing) or a tri-fin setup (can be easier to turn and facilitate a more high-performance style of longboarding). They’re great for learning as they have serious volume and stability, but they can take quite a lot of effort to move around.
When choosing a surfboard to learn on, you might want to consider a soft-top board. These won’t win you a world title, but they’re safe and fun for beginner surfers.
Other Important Surfing Gear You Need
You’re nearly ready to catch your first wave. But before you do, you just need a few more things to get you surfing.
- Swimsuit and Rash Guard: A swimsuit that will stay put, a snug rash guard to keep from sunburning your back or chafing your stomach, and potentially a wetsuit for cold locales. Check out our helpful guide on how to choose a wetsuit to help you find the right one for your needs.
- Leash: Get a leash that’s the length of your board and put it on the back ankle of your riding stance.
- Wax: Wax is essential to keep you from slipping. Cover the area where you’ll stand while riding.
That’s it. Besides a board, you need very little to enjoy surfing – which is something that makes this such a great sport.
How to Surf: Step by Step Instructions
There’s a lot you need to know when mastering surfing. However, learning how to surf is pretty straightforward – all you really need to do is paddle with a wave, stand up, and ride it.
Here are the basic steps to follow to get you up and surfing.
Step 1: Practice Popping Up
At home or on the beach before paddling out, practice popping up by pressing your hands into the ground or board beneath your chest and, in one burst, jumping to your feet.
The pop-up is a crucial skill that helps you transition from lying down to standing on your board.
Practice these steps on land before taking on the waves:
- Initial Position: Begin in a push-up position with your hands positioned under your shoulders.
- Swift Transition: Push yourself up with your arms while simultaneously bringing your back foot forward.
- Steady Stand: Push off with your front foot, rise to a standing position, and ensure your knees are slightly bent for stability.
If your left foot is in front, you have a “regular” stance. If your right is in front, you’re “goofy-footed.” This will get you comfortable with the motion.
Step 2: Paddle Out
A solid paddle technique is the foundation of successful surfing. Follow these steps to improve your paddling skills:
- Position Yourself: Lie face down on your board with your hands placed beneath your shoulders.
- Efficient Paddling: Use your arms to propel yourself forward while simultaneously kicking your feet gently for added momentum.
- Balance: Maintain a balanced posture on the board to prevent it from tilting.
Step 3: Catching the Wave
When you see the wave you want to catch, turn around and face the nose of your board toward the shore, then lay down and begin paddling. Make sure the nose of your board is not underwater or too high in the air – it should just graze the surface.
Get some momentum going with the same direction of the wave. Conserve a burst of energy for just the right time: get in position and line up the wave using about 30 to 50 percent of your paddle power.
When the wave starts to draw on your tail and lift the back of your board as it rolls under you, kick it up to 80 percent and then save the last few strokes for 100 percent effort.
After a few strokes, look back over your shoulder to gauge where the wave is behind you, but continue paddling forward. Make sure the tail of your board is perpendicular to the wave as you paddle toward shore.
Looking back and lining up with the wave is key. When you’re in the right position, just let the wave carry you.
Step 4: Stand Up
Now for the big moment, standing up and surfing.
Look forward, and use your peripherals to sense where the wave is. When you feel a burst of speed and momentum, it’s the right time to stand up.
Dropping in feels like a mini roller-coaster slope. That’s when you stop paddling and get ready to stand up.
When you pop up, calmly look ahead and fully commit. Try to hop up all in one motion. (You can practice on the beach or at home beforehand.) Hesitation creates instability.
Always keep your eyes up and forward. Never look down at your feet, back at the wave, or at the nose of your board.
Step 5: Surfing
And that’s it, you’re surfing! Cowabunga.
Keep your knees bent, with slightly more weight on your back foot. Hold your arms out to your sides to balance. And… enjoy the ride.
Extra Tips for Beginner Surfers
Now that you know the fundamentals of how to surf, here are a few extra tips to keep in mind.
Never Hold Your Board Between You and the Waves
Holding your board between you and the waves can be dangerous. Always keep your board to the side or behind you to avoid collisions.
Falling Technique
Just like you need to learn how to get up and ride, you also need to learn how to fall.
Spoiler alert: you’ll be doing this a lot when you learn how to surf.
When falling, always land flat on the surface of the water like a leaf. Avoid dropping straight down, as the deeper you drop, the greater the chance you’ll collide with something under the water.
Cover Your Head
Cover your head when you fall, especially when you are separated from your board. This protects your head from any impact with the board or the ocean floor.
Handle Your Board Properly
Never reel in or hold your board with your leash string or cord. This can cause the board to fly back towards you, potentially causing injury.
Pre and Post-Session Preparation
Stretch, hydrate, and warm up before your session. After surfing, remember to hydrate and stretch again. Keeping your body flexible and hydrated is essential for preventing injuries.
Listen to Your Body
If you experience any serious pain, especially in your back or neck, stop immediately. Ignoring pain can lead to more severe injuries, so always listen to your body and take a break if needed.
Essential Surfing Techniques
We’ve covered the basics of learning how to surf – that’s really all it takes. However, mastering the different fundamental surfing techniques will help you have a lot more fun in the water.
Here’s a breakdown of the main surfing skills and some tips to help you improve the way you perform with them.
Taking Off
Mastering the takeoff is essential for catching waves.
As the wave approaches, ensure your board is in the right position, and paddle with the wave to match its speed. When you feel the wave lift your board, smoothly transition from paddling to standing, aiming to pop up in one swift motion.
Position your feet correctly and stay centered on your board for balance.
Pop-Up
The pop-up is the transition from lying down to standing on your board. Before hitting the waves, practice this movement on land.
When you catch the wave, pop up swiftly and confidently, making sure to keep your eyes forward. Avoid looking down at your feet, the wave, or the nose of your board, as this can throw off your balance.
Paddling
Efficient paddling is crucial for successful surfing. Propel yourself forward with your arms, and gently kick your feet for added momentum.
Keep your hands beneath your shoulders and maintain a balanced posture on the board to prevent it from tilting. Look back over your shoulder periodically to gauge the wave’s position behind you.
Duck Diving (Or Rolling)
Mastering the duck dive or rolling technique helps you get through breaking waves. As the wave approaches, grab the rails of your board, push down on the tail, and submerge the board, allowing the wave to pass over you.
When executed correctly, this technique helps you get out to the lineup more efficiently, saving energy and frustration.
Navigating the Lineup
Understanding how to navigate the lineup is essential for safety and courtesy. When paddling out, use channels whenever possible to avoid interfering with other surfers.
Respect the right of way, and wait your turn. Always be aware of your surroundings and communicate with other surfers to avoid collisions.
Conclusion
And that’s it – with just a few simple techniques you can be a fully-fledged surfer in no time. Just make sure you practice the basic skills, be respectful, and choose the right place to learn how to surf.
Once you catch your first wave, you’ll be hooked for life.