Surfing is tough right? We all have dreams of ripping waves like Kelly Slater or Carissa Moore. But how do you get better at surfing ?

Here’s Rapture Surf Camp’s 6 proven tips to help you improve your skills.

Do You Need to Be Able to Swim to Learn How to Surf?

An image of a surfer swimming in the sea

It might seem like a no-brainer. But just so we’re clear—swimming skills are fundamental for anyone looking to learn how to surf.  Effective paddling and staying afloat in the water require basic swimming techniques. Without these skills, surfing can be dangerous, as falling off your board and navigating back to it or the shore would be challenging.

Many surfing spots have waves breaking in deep waters, posing a significant risk for non-swimmers. Being a competent swimmer is essential for navigating the ocean, especially when paddling out to the waves or dealing with strong currents. Knowledge of swimming strokes and techniques aids in reaching desired spots and ensures safety in unpredictable conditions.

Swimming also helps build the strength and endurance needed for surfing, particularly in the upper body and core muscles. By developing these skills, you’ll enhance your overall surfing ability and enjoy the sport more safely and effectively.

1) Surf More Frequently

It’s simple: Surf more. Easy right?

Regular surf trips and consistent practice are crucial for building muscle memory and honing your technique. Most surfers will tell you that the more waves you catch, the better you get. Each surf session offers new opportunities to learn and adapt, helping you become more familiar with different wave conditions and how to handle them.

Beginner surfers might find it challenging at first, but with each session, you’ll notice improvements in your paddling, balance, and overall confidence. Surfing different surf spots, whether it’s your local beach or a renowned surf destination, exposes you to diverse conditions that enhance your adaptability and versatility in the water.

2) Stretch and Warm Up

Before hitting the waves, it’s essential to prepare your body with a good stretch and warm-up routine. Stretching improves flexibility and reduces the risk of injury, which is crucial for any surfer. Focus on stretching the muscles you’ll be using the most, such as your shoulders, back, and legs.

Incorporate dynamic movements like star jumps or running in place to get your blood flowing and your body ready for action. Mobility drills, such as lunging forward with one leg, help maintain agility and prepare your lower body for the demands of surfing. Don’t forget to stretch your fingers and wrists, as these are often overlooked but essential for gripping your board and maintaining control.

A thorough warm-up, including deep, slow breathing, ensures your muscles are oxygenated and ready to perform at their best. By taking these baby steps before each session, you’ll enhance your performance and reduce the risk of fatigue and injury.

3) Choose the Right Board for Your Skill Level

An image of a collection of surfboards

Finding the right surfboard is like finding the perfect pair of shoes. It needs to match your style, size and your unique individual needs. 

For beginner surfers, starting with a bigger board, like a ten-foot soft-top longboard, is ideal because it offers more stability and is easier to paddle. The volume of the board should be nearly equal to your body weight in kilograms, which makes catching waves and standing up much easier.

As you progress to an intermediate level, you might be tempted to switch to a shorter board, but it’s important to avoid downsizing too quickly. An intermediate surfer typically needs a board with about 75% of their body weight in volume. This will provide the right balance of stability and manoeuvrability, allowing you to refine your technique without compromising your progress.

Advanced surfers have the skills to ride most boards, but choosing one that matches the specific conditions you’ll be surfing in can make a significant difference. Whether it’s a short board for quick turns or a longer board for larger waves, having the right equipment tailored to your skill level and the surf spot can elevate your performance.

4) Improve Your Paddling Technique

Everyone loves paddling right? 

Paddling is one of the most critical skills in surfing, and improving your paddling technique can significantly enhance your ability to catch waves. Focus on long, deep strokes rather than quick, shallow ones to create more propulsion. This not only helps you catch waves more effectively but also conserves energy for riding them.

Positioning yourself correctly on the board is also crucial. Here are some tips:

Strengthening your paddling muscles through exercises like dumbbell front-lateral raises can also make a big difference. These exercises target the deltoid muscles, which are heavily used in paddling. By improving your paddling skills, you’ll increase your wave count and have more fun in the water.

Learn to Read Waves to Catch Waves

Observing wave patterns and checking the surf forecast can help you identify the best take-off spots and predict where a wave will break. Offshore winds, which blow from land to sea, typically create well-defined, sharper waves ideal for surfing. In contrast, onshore winds can cause wave breaks to collapse prematurely, making them less suitable for riding.

By learning to read waves, you can:

5) Practice Popping Up on Land

An image of surfers practicing on the beach

Practicing your pop-up on land is a great way to develop muscle memory and ensure your movements are smooth and precise when you’re in the water. Additionally, when you watch surf movies, you can learn from professional surfers by observing their techniques, wave selection, and positioning, which can further enhance your skills. By perfecting your foot placement and body position on solid ground, you can make the transition to standing on your board more natural and effortless.

You can practice pop-ups anywhere, whether at the beach or at home using simple markings on the ground to simulate your board. Regular land practice will not only improve your strength and flexibility but also boost your confidence and readiness for catching waves.

6) Strengthen Your Core Muscles

Push-ups and forearm planks are particularly beneficial for building upper body and core strength, which are crucial for paddling and performing quick pop-ups on your board. By focusing on these exercises, you’ll enhance your ability to handle the physical demands of surfing and perform better in the water.

Using your core muscles rather than just your arms can also lead to more powerful strokes, helping you paddle more efficiently and catch waves with greater ease. Strengthening these muscles will improve your overall performance and reduce the risk of injury.

Join Rapture Surf Camp for Surf Coaching

If you’re serious about improving your surfing, consider booking a surf camp with Rapture Surf Camps.

At Rapture Surf Camps, you’ll have the opportunity to:

Rapture Surf Camps, for example, has been helping people learn to surf and find the best waves for over 19 years, with locations in:

Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first lesson or an advanced surfer seeking new challenges, our structured lessons and local guides will help you find the best waves and Book your surf trip with Rapture Surf Camps today and take your surfing to the next level.

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