Whether you’re dreaming of hanging ten in Bali or catching breaks off the coast of Portugal, learning to surf is an adventure that will challenge you physically and mentally while connecting you with the raw beauty of the ocean. So grab your board, slather on some sunscreen, and let’s ride the waves with the essential tips and tricks to get you started on your surfing journey.

Understanding the basics

Before you even think about paddling out, you’ll need to familiarise yourself with some surfing fundamentals. 

First things first: choose the right board. As a beginner, you’ll want to start with a longboard or foam board, which offer more stability and buoyancy. These boards make it easier to catch waves and maintain your balance as you’re learning the ropes.

Next, take some time to study the ocean. Understanding how waves form, break, and behave is key to successful surfing. Look for patterns in the waves and try to identify the best spots to paddle out. Pay attention to any potential hazards like rocks, rip currents, or other surfers.

Learn more about essential tips for beginner surfers

Mastering the pop-up

An image of surfers practicing surf techniques on a beach in Bali

One of the most important skills in surfing for beginners is the pop-up—the moment when you transition from lying on your board to standing up. It may look effortless when pros do it, but it takes practice to get it right. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to nailing your pop-up:

  1. Start by lying on your board, hands placed under your shoulders.
  2. As you feel the wave start to lift your board, push up with your arms, lifting your chest off the board.
  3. In one swift motion, bring your back foot forward and place it where you were just lying.
  4. Quickly bring your front foot forward, planting it between your hands.
  5. Stand up, keeping your knees bent and your arms out for balance.

The key is to make this movement as smooth and quick as possible. Practice your pop-up on dry land before hitting the waves to build muscle memory.

Check out our detailed guide on how to pop up on a surfboard

Paddling and positioning

Once you’ve got your pop-up down, focus on paddling and positioning. These skills are essential for catching waves and setting yourself up for a successful ride. When paddling out, try to time your movements with the waves. Paddle hard to get through breaking waves, and if a large wave is approaching, you can either duck dive under it (with a shortboard) or turtle roll (with a longboard).

Once you’re in position, it’s all about timing. Watch the horizon for approaching waves and start paddling when you see a good one coming. The goal is to match your speed with the wave’s speed as it approaches. Paddle hard and fast, keeping your eyes on the beach ahead. As you feel the wave lift your board, get ready for that perfect pop-up!

Reading the waves

Learning how to read waves is a fundamental part of how to get better at surfing. Different types of waves suit different skill levels and surfing styles. As a beginner, you’ll want to look for smaller, gentler waves that break slowly and predictably. These are often found at beach breaks with sandy bottoms.

Pay attention to where the waves are breaking and try to position yourself accordingly. You want to catch the wave at its peak, just as it’s starting to break. This will give you the most power and the longest ride. As you gain confidence, you can start challenging yourself with bigger waves and different break types.

Etiquette in the lineup

Surfing is also about respecting your fellow surfers and the ocean. There’s an unwritten code of conduct in the surfing world that everyone, from beginners to pros, is expected to follow. Here are some key points to remember:

  1. Don’t drop in on another surfer. If someone is already riding a wave or has position priority, wait for the next one.
  2. Don’t “snake” the lineup by paddling around other surfers to get priority.
  3. If you’re paddling out, stay out of the way of surfers riding waves.
  4. Always hold onto your board – a loose board can be dangerous to others.
  5. Respect the locals and the environment. Don’t litter and be mindful of marine life.

Building your confidence

An image of a girl surfing while another person cheers her from behind.

As with any new skill, building confidence is key when it comes to surfing for beginners. Start small and celebrate every little victory, whether it’s successfully paddling out past the break or standing up on your board for the first time. Remember, every surfer was once a beginner, and progress comes with practice.

Don’t be afraid to fall – it’s all part of the learning process. In fact, learning how to fall safely is an important skill in itself. When you feel yourself losing balance, try to fall flat and away from your board. Cover your head with your arms to protect yourself from your board or other surfers.

Discover more essential tips for beginner surfers

Fitness and conditioning

Surfing is a full-body workout that requires strength, endurance, and flexibility. To improve your surfing and reduce the risk of injury, it’s worth incorporating some surf-specific exercises into your fitness routine. Focus on building core strength, improving your paddle power, and increasing your overall flexibility.

Some great exercises for aspiring surfers include:

  1. Push-ups and burpees for upper body strength
  2. Planks and Russian twists for core stability
  3. Squats and lunges for leg strength and balance
  4. Yoga for flexibility and mindfulness

Remember, the ocean can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be in good physical condition to handle whatever challenges come your way.

Choosing the right spot

As a beginner surfer, choosing the right spot can make all the difference in your learning experience. Look for beaches known for their beginner-friendly waves. These spots typically have gentle, spilling waves rather than steep, pitching waves. 

You’ll also find sandy bottom breaks, which are safer than reef or rock breaks. And relatively uncrowded lineups. Be sure to also check that lifeguards are on duty, as this is particularly important for first-time surfers, just in case there’s a mishap. 

Don’t be afraid to ask local surfers or surf shops for recommendations. They can often point you towards the best spots for your skill level and provide valuable insights about local conditions.

Gear essentials

While you don’t need a ton of fancy equipment to start surfing, there are a few essentials that will make your experience safer and more enjoyable:

Invest in quality gear that fits well and suits the conditions you’ll be surfing in.

Taking your skills to the next level

Once you’ve mastered the basics and are feeling more confident on your board, it’s time to start thinking about how to get better at surfing. Here are some ways to take your skills to the next level:

Improvement comes with time and practice. Don’t get discouraged if you’re not progressing as quickly as you’d like—every session in the water is a learning experience.

The joy of surfing

At its core, surfing is about joy. It’s about the thrill of catching a wave, the peace found in quiet moments waiting for sets, and the sense of accomplishment that comes with every small improvement. As you embark on your surfing journey, remember to enjoy every moment – the wipeouts, the victories, and everything in between.

Surfing for beginners is a journey of discovery – not just of a new skill, but of yourself and your relationship with the ocean. It teaches patience, perseverance, and respect for nature. So grab your board, paddle out, and let the waves guide you. The ocean is calling, and your next adventure awaits.

Looking for a place to stay?

Summary: first time to pro

Ready to take your surfing to the next level? Consider joining us at Rapture Surfcamps, where expert instructors and world-class waves await. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, our camps offer the perfect environment to immerse yourself in the surfing lifestyle. Come ride the waves with us and discover the surfer within!