Surfing can be one of the most thrilling experiences if you’re willing to put in the effort and time. The exhilaration of riding a wave is something you’ll remember forever, making every wipeout worth it.

Perhaps you’re eager to try surfing but don’t know where to start. If so, surfing lessons are the perfect way to begin.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to pick the right surf school, what to expect in your first surf session and list all the essential gear you’ll need to dive in (no pun intended!).

Ready to ride your first wave? Stick with us as we reveal everything you need to know about your first surfing lessons!

Surfing for Beginners: Learn to Catch Waves

The best way to learn to surf is to start with the basics and take lessons from a skilled instructor. This approach ensures you build the necessary skills and confidence to improve your surf technique.

Not to mention, professional surf coaches are fountains of knowledge! Not only will they teach you how to ride the waves, but they can also advise on things like suitable boards and wetsuits, how to read a surf forecast and assess beaches.

Your surf coach will also take you to a safe area for beginner surfing, providing you with an appropriate environment to hone skills like:

Getting Started with Surfing Lessons

An image of surfers practicing on a beach

Embarking on your surfing journey starts with, yes, you guessed it, enrolling in surf lessons.

With that said, this section of our guide will walk you through choosing the right surf school.

Let’s take a look:

Choosing the Right Surf School

Selecting the right surf school is imperative—not all surf schools are the same, and some are certainly better than others!

So, when researching potential schools for your first surf lessons, we urge you to seek out institutions that prioritise:

It’s also worth considering each surf school’s reputation, the qualifications of its instructors, and reviews from other surfers.

All the above will help you find a school that fosters a supportive and effective learning environment, ensuring you get access to the expertise you need to thrive on the waves!

What to Expect in Your First Lesson

Your first surf lesson will start with a safety briefing to ensure everyone understands how to stay safe in the water.

Often, this will be followed by learning basic surfing techniques, such as the ‘pop-up’ and paddling.

Expect to spend a lot of time practising these foundations. The more you practice, the faster you’ll learn how to surf effectively.

Essential Gear for Surf Lessons

Beginner surfers need proper equipment to make the most of their lessons. This includes a suitable surfboard, wetsuit, and leash. Longboards, funboards, or soft-top versions of either are ideal for beginners as they offer better stability and balance.

Investing in a quality wetsuit is essential for staying warm and comfortable in the water. In contrast, a leash prevents your board from drifting away after a fall and endangering others in the water.

Other essential surf gear includes surf wax for traction on the board’s deck and rash guards for UV protection.

Basic Techniques Every Beginner Surfer Should Know

As we’ve already mentioned, it’s vital to master basic surfing techniques.

These include:

Below, we’ll dissect these further:

Catching Waves

Before paddling out, watch the surf for at least 30 minutes to get a better understanding of the wave patterns and identify safe zones. When you’re ready to catch a wave, line up the board’s tail perpendicular to the wave. Paddle at a consistent pace (more on this below) and then increase your effort as the wave approaches to catch it more effectively.

Paddling and Positioning

Efficient paddling is vital to catching waves. So, here are some tips to help you paddle effectively:

  1. Keep your body aligned within the confines of the surfboard rails.
  2. Position your feet on the back of the board and keep your hips straight.
  3. Ensure your weight is evenly distributed on the board.
  4. Adjust your position so the nose of the board dips slightly underwater when paddling.

Pro Tip: A staggered paddling technique can help maintain balance and speed when paddling out. Begin paddle strokes with your thumbs entering the water first, keeping strokes close to the board and drawing water under it.

Pop-Up Technique

A quick pop-up allows you to stand up and balance on the board before the wave breaks.

Practising the pop-up technique on land before entering the water can help you get comfortable with this motion.

Pro Tip: When performing the pop-up, keep your eyes forward to help maintain balance.

For more tips on how to pop up on your board, check out this blog post: How to Perfect Your Surfboard Pop-up.

Surf Etiquette for Beginners

An image of a surfer entering the sea

Surf etiquette is the unwritten rules that help to keep surfers safe while showing respect to one another. Let’s take a closer look:

Priority Rules in the Lineup

Surfing lineups operate on a priority system, with precedence given to those waiting the longest and those sitting farthest out. The surfer closest to the peak has the right of way, as they have the longest potential ride.

A surfer already up on their feet has priority, even if another surfer is closer to the peak. Respecting these rules helps avoid conflicts and ensures a smooth surfing experience.

Communicating with Fellow Surfers

Remember: Surfing is a community; good communication fosters respect and camaraderie.

With that said, it’s no wonder that communication is vital in the lineup to avoid misunderstandings and ensure safety.

So, to avoid collisions, let other surfers know if you’re already riding a wave. It’s also important to communicate your intentions, such as whether you’re going right or left on a wave.

Needless to say, this goes a long way toward preventing accidents and maintaining a positive vibe in the water.

Respecting Local Spots

Novice surfers should begin their journey at surf spots well-renowned for newbies. Not only does this ensure your safety, but you also avoid upsetting more experienced surfers.

It’s also worth highlighting the importance of observing and accepting specific rules in different surf spots, as locals may have their own version of surf etiquette.

Staying Safe While Surfing

Safety while surfing is of utmost importance. So, we would be remiss not to quickly discuss a few safety tips, such as interpreting surf reports, surfing with a buddy, and managing wipeouts.

Let’s take a look:

Checking Surf Reports

Reading surf forecasts will help you predict the wave conditions, allowing you to plan your surfing sessions. Surf forecasting websites like Magicseaweed use data from NOAA to predict local surf conditions.

Wave height in surf reports indicates the average size of waves expected at the beach, while wind direction is represented by arrows indicating the wind’s origin.

Understanding these elements can help you find the right kind of waves for your level, as waves break differently depending on these factors.

Surfing with a Buddy

Surfing with a buddy isn’t only more fun but also significantly increases your safety. Whether you’re out with a surf school or a more experienced friend, you can surf safely with the knowledge that you’ll have access to immediate help in case of an emergency or injury.

Handling Wipeouts

Handling wipeouts safely is crucial for avoiding injuries. In the event of a wipeout, protect your headfirst and try to fall flat, avoiding diving headfirst to minimise the risk of injury.

When resurfacing, protect your head with your arms to avoid knocking your head on a board.

Planning Your First Surf Trip

An image of surfers smiling after surfing

Planning your first surf trip can be an exciting adventure. However, there’s a fair amount to consider, so we’ll assist you in selecting a beginner-friendly destination and weigh the benefits of attending a surf camp.

Let’s take a look:

Best Beginner Spots

Consider going on a surf trip to a world-class beginner spot to enhance your skills and build confidence; notable examples include:

Surf Camps and Retreats

Attending a surf camp or retreat can significantly benefit beginner surfers, as these programs provide an immersive and structured environment for building a solid footing.

Daily surf lessons and continuous guidance from experienced surf camp coaches can significantly speed up the learning process for beginners.

Modern surf camps offer a range of amenities, including:

With all that said, you might be pleased to hear that Rapture Surfcamps provides all the above and has locations in all the beginner-friendly surf spots listed above!

Are You Ready to Book Your First Surf Lessons?

After reading this guide, we hope you have a better idea of what to expect from your first surfing lessons.

To summarise, kickstarting your surfing journey with lessons from a skilled instructor is essential for building your surfing foundation, ensuring safety, and familiarising yourself with the techniques and skills you need to progress steadily.

On that note, picking the right surf school is essential, as this will drastically improve your learning experience and help ensure your safety in the water. So be sure to research the best surf schools in your area before handing over your hard-earned cash!

That’s all we have to say! If you want to book beginner-friendly surfing lessons, please get in touch with us for more information!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best surfboard for beginners?

A longboard or a soft-topboard is the best surfboard for beginners, as it provides better stability and balance for learning.

How can I improve my paddle power?

You can improve your paddle power by incorporating strength training exercises like push-ups and pull-ups into your workout routine and regularly swimming. This helps build the necessary upper body strength and endurance for surfing.

What should I pack for a surf trip?

For your surf trip, make sure to pack a suitable surfboard, wetsuit, leash, high-SPF sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle.

How do I avoid common mistakes as a beginner surfer?

To avoid common mistakes as a beginner surfer, choose the right board and surf waves suitable for your skill level. But, most of all, stick with it even if it gets tricky – trust us, it will be worth it!

Why is surf etiquette important?

Surf etiquette is important because it ensures safety and respect among surfers and maintains a good vibe in the water. It’s all about looking out for each other and keeping the stoke alive!