How to Surf: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners

Learning how to surf can be an extremely rewarding yet challenging pursuit, especially for beginners. Surfing is an exhilarating sport that allows you to connect with nature while riding the ocean’s powerful waves. However, it’s crucial to approach surfing with knowledge, respect, and the right mindset to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

This comprehensive guide aims to provide you with the essential information you need to start your surfing journey as a beginner. We’ll cover where to surf, what surfboards and gear to use, understanding surfing etiquette, catching your first wave, training tips, and more. By following these guidelines, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the waves while respecting the local surf community and progressing steadily in this thrilling sport.

Where to Surf

When selecting a location to surf, there are several factors to consider as a beginner. The primary goal is to find a spot with gentle, forgiving waves that break over a sandy bottom, as opposed to one with a rocky or reef bottom, which can pose serious risks.

Beach Breaks

Beach breaks, where the waves break over a sandy bottom, are often the most suitable option for beginners. Look for an open area with plenty of space to ride the whitewater, as this will help you improve quickly. Beaches with designated surfing areas are ideal, as they are typically safer and free from hazards like rocks, rip currents, or dangerous marine life.

It’s advisable to steer clear of areas frequented by experienced surfers, as a beginner. Walking a few hundred yards away from the main peak can provide you with more space to learn and reduce the chances of collisions in the water.

Beginner-Friendly Surf Spots

Several surf spots around the world are renowned for being beginner-friendly, offering gentle waves and a welcoming environment for those new to the sport. Some of the most popular destinations include:

• Waikiki, Hawaii
• San Onofre, California
• County Line, California
• Morro Bay, California
• La Jolla Shores, California
• Cocoa Beach, Florida
• Cowell’s, California
• 90th Street, Rockaways, New York
• Pacifica/Lindamar, California
• Abalone St., Nags Head, North Carolina

These spots are known for their forgiving waves, sandy bottoms, and generally ego-free environments, making them ideal for beginners to learn and practice without facing significant consequences for mistakes.

International Beginner-Friendly Spots

In addition to the popular beginner spots in the United States, there are several international destinations that offer excellent conditions for those starting their surfing journey:

These international destinations provide a diverse range of options for beginners to explore, each offering its unique charm, surf culture, and beginner-friendly waves.

Local Knowledge

Before venturing out to any surf spot, it’s crucial to consult with local lifeguards or experienced surfers to gather information about the safest areas, potential hazards, and surf etiquette specific to that location. Their knowledge and guidance can help ensure a safe and enjoyable surfing experience for beginners.

What to Ride

Beginner Surfboards

When starting your surfing journey, choosing the right beginner surfboard is crucial for a smooth learning experience. The key features to look for in a beginner surfboard are stability, buoyancy, and ease of paddling and catching waves.

Longboards

Longboards, typically 9 feet or longer, are widely considered the best beginner surfboards. Their length, fuller shape, and high volume provide exceptional stability and buoyancy, making it easier to paddle, catch waves, pop up, and balance. The extra length and width also make longboards more forgiving, allowing beginners to make mistakes without being punished as severely as on shorter boards.

Funboards

As you progress from a beginner to an advanced beginner or intermediate level, funboards can be an excellent transition. Funboards are surfboards ranging from 6 to 8 feet long, with a wide, round shape and forgiving rails. These boards offer more maneuverability than longboards while still providing ample buoyancy and stability, allowing you to work on pumping down the line, surfing from top to bottom, and executing turns and cutbacks.

Soft-Top Surfboards

Soft-top surfboards, also known as foam or swell boards, are another popular choice for beginners. Their soft, foam construction makes them user-friendly, stable, and easy to paddle, reducing the risk of injury from accidental collisions. While soft-tops may have limitations in terms of performance and progression, they provide a forgiving platform for learning the fundamentals of surfing.

Choosing the Right Board

When selecting your first beginner surfboard, consider factors such as your weight, height, and intended frequency of surfing. Generally, larger individuals should opt for longer boards to provide sufficient buoyancy and stability. Consulting with experienced surfers or surf shop staff can help you choose the appropriate board size and shape for your needs.

It’s also essential to consider your budget and whether you want to start with a new or used board. Used boards can be a cost-effective option, but ensure they are in good condition without significant dings or damage. Many surf shops offer a selection of used boards suitable for beginners.

Board Construction

Beginner surfboards are typically available in three main construction types: epoxy, polyurethane (poly), and soft-top foam.

• Epoxy boards are known for their durability, buoyancy, and ease of paddling, making them a popular choice for beginners.
• Poly boards are more susceptible to dings and damage but offer more flex, which becomes more relevant as you progress.
• Soft-top foam boards are extremely durable, user-friendly, and virtually indestructible, making them an excellent option for beginners and children.

As you gain experience and progress in your surfing skills, you can gradually transition to shorter, more performance-oriented boards. However, starting with a beginner-friendly surfboard will provide a solid foundation and help you catch more waves, ultimately accelerating your learning curve.

What to Wear

Appropriate Swimwear

When hitting the waves, choosing the right swimwear is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable surfing experience. For beginners, it’s recommended to opt for swimsuit bottoms or board shorts that stay in place, allowing you to move freely without worrying about losing them in the water.

Rash Guards

Rash guards, or swim shirts, are a popular choice among surfers, especially when learning the sport. These shirts not only protect your skin from abrasive wax and the sun’s rays but also provide a snug fit, ensuring your swimsuit stays put during wipeouts. Rash guards with long sleeves offer additional coverage and sun protection.

Wetsuit Bottoms

Wearing wetsuit bottoms is advisable when surfing, as they provide warmth and protection against the elements. The tight fit prevents water from seeping in, keeping you comfortable and allowing unrestricted movement during paddling and popping up.

Swimwear for Women

For women, a well-fitted swimsuit or bikini is essential when surfing. Opt for a secure top that won’t slip during wipeouts. Rash guards designed specifically for women can provide additional coverage and protection from the sun’s rays.

Booties and Accessories

Booties or water shoes are recommended to prevent foot injuries from sharp rocks or coral. Accessories like hats, sunglasses, or rash guards with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) help shield you from the sun’s intense rays while surfing.

By choosing the right swimwear and accessories, you’ll stay comfortable and protected as you progress in your surfing journey. Remember, the right gear can enhance your experience and allow you to focus on developing your skills in the water.

Other Important Gear

Wetsuits and Accessories

Next on the list, you’ll need something to keep you warm in the water, so you can stay out for longer and perform at your best. Grab yourself a wetsuit and get out there! The wetsuit you buy will depend on the time of year and the climate you live in.

• For cooler weather, a full-suit steamer (4/3mm or 3/2mm thickness) will keep you from feeling the chill. A 3/2mm should suffice for most of the year, but in the dead of winter, you’ll need a 4/3mm wetsuit.
• If you live in warmer regions or surf during the summer months, opt for a lighter 1mm or 2mm spring suit. This extra layer of neoprene will protect you from the sun and wind chill without overheating. Alternatively, if it’s quite warm outside, a rash vest will provide adequate coverage.

For extremely cold conditions, you can keep your head, hands, and feet warm with wetsuit accessories:

• Wetsuit boots will keep your feet toasty.
• Reef booties will protect your feet if you plan on surfing reef breaks.
• Gloves or a surf cap can be worn to stay comfortable in icy conditions, ensuring nothing stops you from progressing each session.

Surf Watch

Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you’ll want to make sure you’re heading out at the right time and place for every surf. Ditch your computer or phone and grab yourself a surf watch to stay up-to-date on the conditions. This piece of surfing equipment will help you track and improve your sessions by providing data on wave height, wave period, wind speed and direction, and tide times for thousands of worldwide surf spots.

Surf Earplugs

Earplugs protect surfers from exostosis, a condition where the bone surrounding the ear canal thickens when exposed to cold winds and cold waters. It is also known as surfer’s ear and appears more frequently when surfers hit 30 years of age. Wearing surf earplugs can help prevent this condition.

Surf Poncho

A surf poncho is an essential piece of surf equipment. Not only does it eliminate the awkward dance of changing into a wetsuit or bathing suit while trying to keep your towel in place, but it also keeps you toasty warm before and after chilly surf sessions. There’s nothing more comfortable to drive home in, no matter the weather. Brands like Slowtide and Nomadix make comfortable, absorbent, and sand-resistant surf ponchos, some even using recycled plastic.

Towel

If you’re not into surf ponchos, be sure to choose your towel wisely. A bath towel and a solid beach towel are not the same. After a long session, there’s nothing better than a big, warm towel to dry off with. You’ll also want a towel large enough to lay on the sand and cover up while changing. The 30″ x 60″ size is ideal for all beach activities. Slowtide makes some of the best beach towels in the business.

Sunscreen

Everyone wants to be tan, but no one wants to look like an old leather couch. If you’re just getting into surfing, you’ll wish you had been out longer, no matter how long you stay. All that time in the water equals time in the sun, so sun protection is a must, starting with sunscreen.

Many sunscreens are harmful to the ocean, so choose wisely. Look for sunscreens with at least 30 SPF, and preferably 50 SPF or higher. The best sunscreens, like Surface Clear Zinc, contain zinc, which helps the sunscreen stick to your skin while paddling and splashing around. Use reef-safe sunscreens to protect the ocean you’re enjoying.

Polarized Sunglasses

Before paddling out, it’s important to observe the lineup and conditions. Watch which direction surfers are drifting, identify hazards like rocks or reefs, and determine where waves are breaking. This will help you understand where to position yourself as a beginner and avoid dangerous spots in the lineup. However, glare on the water can make this challenging. A solid pair of polarized sunglasses, like those from Flipphead Surf Co, will make your pre-surf observation a breeze while protecting your eyes from sun damage.

Bodyboard/Boogieboard

While you’re here to surf, a bodyboard can be a valuable tool for beginners. The biggest hurdle for new surfers is getting a feel for waves, and a bodyboard can help you get comfortable with the ocean’s rhythm without lugging around a massive longboard. As you progress, there’s plenty of room to advance on a bodyboard, from flat spins to airs and even barrels (it’s easier to get barreled lying down than standing up). The Onda from South Bay Board Co. or a Morey Boogie are excellent choices. Consider investing in fins too for better performance.

Wax

Many beginners struggle with waxing a surfboard. Either they ignore it completely and slip all over when trying to stand up, or they try to wax the bottom like a snowboard (and then slip all over when they try to stand up). Both ways are wrong. No matter what board you’re riding, you want to make sure there is more wax than you think under your feet. Even soft-top boards can benefit from waxing up. Any bar of cold water wax will work for soft-tops, as long as it’s soft enough to stick to the foam deck.

Car Air Freshener

Surfing stinks. It’s the truth. Try leaving your wetsuit in your car overnight (oops). That disgusting smell in the morning is all you. A surf wax air freshener is the easiest way to help. Grape, strawberry, pineapple, coconut, and more odor-ific sensations will get that funk out of your ride. Embrace the stench, but know how to get rid of it too (clean your wetsuit once in a while). The wax air freshener works just as well in an office if you’re a weekend warrior.

Leash

Regardless of what anyone tells you, use a leash when learning to surf. Not only does it prevent you from chasing after your board, but it keeps those around you safe – even a soft-top can do serious damage. Make sure the leash length matches the board you intend to use it with. Too long, and you’ll trip over it while trying to stand up; too short, and it can act like a slingshot, returning your surfboard with undesirable force. If you’re using a Catch Surf foamie, get the matching leash – they’re well-made, colorful, and affordable.

Understanding Surfing Etiquette

The so-called surf etiquette is a list of dos and don’ts you should keep in mind while in the water. When surfers don’t follow the basic commandments of surfing, accidents, injuries, and misunderstandings happen. Remember that there are priority rules in the waves and that a surfboard’s nose can kill.

The Fundamental Rule

The fundamental rule in surfing tells us that the surfer closest to the peak always gets priority. In other words, if you’re paddling for a right-hand wave, and a fellow surfer is on your left shoulder, you must give priority to them.

One Person, One Wave

In surfing, the general rule of thumb is one man/woman, one wave. In most cases, you can’t have two surfers riding the same wave in the same direction. When you disrespect the right-of-way rule, you’re “burning” someone’s wave and showing the utmost lack of respect. You are ruining a wave for someone like you, who also enjoys surfing. Dropping in may result in severe injuries and damaged surfboards, so don’t do to others what you wouldn’t want to be done to yourself. Relax, take a deep breath, and wait for your turn. There will always be another wave.

Don’t Snake

Paddling around one or more surfers to get closer to the peak and gain priority is rude conduct. Select the best position in the line-up, and do not paddle around other surfers, always wanting to catch all waves. Be patient. There are waves for everyone.

Although some longboarders may not use this rule wisely – they should leave some waves to shortboarders – in theory, they hold priority. Sense and sensibility tell us to avoid calling priority in all waves.

Hold On to Your Board

Surfboards are dangerous weapons, not only for yourself but for others around you. Always wear a leash and avoid ditching your board. If you kick out, fall, or wipe out, try to control your stick. Surfboards can actually kill someone if they hit critical regions of the human body.

Communicate Wave Direction

In case two surfers are sitting in the middle of the peak, and the wave opens to both sides in an A-frame wave, they should tell each other whether they’re going right or left. When that happens, both surfers can enjoy their ride down the line without wasting what the wave has to offer.

Protect Yourself

Whether you’re surfing over a reef or sand, do know that the ocean floor can severely hurt your body. Try to use your surfboard to protect the impact and protect your head with your arms whenever you fall off the board or wipe out.

Respect the Environment

Never leave garbage in the sand or water, and try to give back to Mother Nature all the hours of pleasure and joy you had. Whenever possible, pick up a couple of plastic bags, bottles, or other garbage items after you conclude your surf session.

Interact Respectfully

Interact with other surfers in a civilized way, even if a minority is still learning good manners. If you’re surfing in a place you don’t know, respect the locals. And whenever an outsider visits your home break, treat them with respect and share a few waves.

Catching Your First Wave

Start with the Right Surfboard

Choosing the right surfboard is crucial for beginners. Opt for a longboard or a foamboard, as they offer stability and buoyancy, making it easier to catch and ride waves. These boards provide better balance, giving you the confidence you need when starting out. Consult with a local surf shop to find the perfect board based on your weight, height, and skill level.

Master the Paddling Technique

Paddling is an essential skill in surfing. Practice proper paddling techniques to efficiently navigate through the water. Lie on your board with your chest up, use your arms in a freestyle swimming motion, and use your legs to balance your body on the board. When paddling for a wave, you can also use your legs to kick and propel yourself onto the wave. Building strength and endurance through regular paddling exercises will help you catch waves and improve your overall surfing performance.

Find the Right Positioning

Being in the correct spot in the ocean to catch a wave is critical. Positioning yourself correctly on your board is also crucial for successfully catching waves. Lie on your board with your body positioned towards the front, slightly angled toward the shoulder of the wave focusing on the direction you are headed. Keeping your head up and your eyes focused on the horizon will help you maintain balance and stay oriented while waiting for the perfect wave.

Timing is Key

Timing is everything in surfing. Watch the ocean and study the wave patterns to understand the timing of the sets. A set is a series of waves that break in a consistent pattern. By observing the sets, you can determine the ideal moment to paddle out and catch a wave, increasing your chances of success.

Master the Pop-Up

The pop-up is the transition from lying on your board to standing up. Practice this motion on land before attempting it in the water. From a lying position, place your hands on the rail of the surfboard beside your shoulders, push yourself up, and swiftly bring your back foot forward while your front foot follows suit. Maintain a low center of gravity and keep your eyes focused ahead.

Start with Small Waves

As a beginner, it’s essential to start with smaller, less powerful waves. These waves are easier to catch, allowing you to practice your balance and technique without feeling overwhelmed. Gradually progress to larger waves as you gain confidence and experience. Remember, surfing is a continuous learning process, and taking it step by step will ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience.

Training for Surfing

Warm-Up Exercises

To get your body prepared for your surf session, start by incorporating a full-body warm-up. Too many surfers hop into the surf with little-to-no warm-up, and eventually, that will lead to injury. While on land, you can also improve your stamina and overall shape with targeted exercises that are sure to boost your performance in the water.

Your warm-up should consist of movements and mobility drills, which replicate some of the movements in surfing. The key to a quality surf training warm-up is using movements to increase the heart rate, release tight tissues, lubricate joints, and excite the nervous system.

Benefits of a proper warm-up include:

• Increased mobility and flexibility of the body and joints
• Reduced muscle stiffness
• Increased heart rate, improved blood circulation, and oxygen delivery to muscles
• Nervous system activation and excitation of joint stabilizing muscles
• Stimulation of the respiratory systems
• Increased speed of muscle contraction, allowing for faster reactive movements

Surf training warm-up movements:

1. Breathing Squat: Perform a squat movement, exhaling as the body moves down and inhaling as the body comes back up, extending the arms towards the sky.
2. Single-Leg Upper Body Rotation: Stand on one leg with the knee slightly bent and your hip pushed backward. With your arms placed in front of the body, rotate from side to side slowly while remaining balanced on one single leg.
3. T-Rotation Pushups: Begin in the pushup position, rotate one arm towards the sky while simultaneously rotating the body onto one side, balancing on one hand with the other arm extended towards the sky. Rotate back into the pushup position and repeat on the other side.
4. Warrior Lunge: Begin in a basic standing position and lunge forward into a lunge position, extend your arms to the sky, and push up off your front foot back into the starting position. To advance the movement, repeat and add a side bend in either or both directions.
5. Butt Drops: Reach towards the sky, bend forward to touch your toes, drop your butt towards your heels as you lift the chest to face forwards with elbows inside the knees pushing them outwards. Lower your butt as low as possible while keeping your chest tall. Hold this position for one inhale/exhale, then lift your butt back towards the sky as your head and chest move back towards the ground, stretching the hamstrings. Repeat the movement.
6. Bent Shoulder Circles: With a straight back and slightly bent knees, bend the torso forward until you feel a slight stretch in your hamstrings. Bring your arms out to the sides into a T-position and perform small arm circles for 30 repetitions in each direction.
7. Standing Knee Hugs: Stand with your spine tall and erect, bring one knee towards your chest, place your hands around the knee and pull it towards your stomach/chest, bringing the knee as high as possible without rounding the back.

Full-Body Exercises

While nothing can truly replicate what our bodies are required to do in the water during a surf session, you can strengthen the basic required movements and physical demands of surfing. Even just a few days a month of quality exercises can have a tremendous benefit on your strength, speed, and endurance in the surf and will help keep you injury-free.

Surfing is a highly dynamic sport that demands body movement in three-dimensional space, so you need to train your body to become strong and efficient in motion, not in isolation. For quality surf training, you want to use full-body movements that require the integration of muscles and develop full-body strength:

• Kettlebell Swings
• Back Squats or Front Squats
• Dead Lifts
• Single-Leg Dead Lifts
• Lunges and Multi-directional Lunges
• Plyometric Hops
• Single Arm Cable Pushes and Pulls
• Overhead Presses and Single Arm Overhead Presses
• Medicine Ball Chops
• Sprints
• Cable Chops
• Pushup Variations
• Pull-Ups/Chin-Ups

Balance Training

Balance is exceptionally important for anyone looking to improve their surfing. A quality training program will challenge your balance demands so that you not only have quicker reaction times but also are able to dynamically stabilize your joints.

Another aspect of training that will not only improve your balance but also help to keep your lower body injury-free is single-leg movements.

Balance Drills:

• Single-leg balance drills such as hopping, closed-eye balance while standing on a pillow, or upper body rotations
• Single-leg balance with upper body medicine ball tosses
• Single-leg cable Push or Pulls
• Exercises on top of a Balance Board or Indo Board
• Single-Leg Exercises:
  • Bulgarian Split Squats
  • Lunges
  • Single-Leg Dead Lifts
  • Ice Skater Squats
  • Single-Leg Box Squats

Core Training

Core training has received loads of hype in the last few years, and there are, unfortunately, a lot of misconceptions. What is true is that a strong core is necessary for not only staying pain-free but also being able to surf with speed and power.

It is necessary to understand that the “core” is much more than your abs. The core comprises many muscles throughout your trunk that help stabilize and transmit movement and power throughout your body. It is important to train the core in integration, not isolated movements such as a crunch that has zero carryovers to surfing. Medicine balls, cables, exercise bands, and stability balls are excellent tools for high-quality core surf training.

Core Training Exercises:

• Supine Lateral Ball Rolls
• Stability Ball Jack-Knife
• Medicine Ball Chops
• Cable Chops
• Pallof Press
• Horse Stance or Bird Dogs
• Stability Ball Rollouts

Upper Body Training

Paddling can be one of the most exhausting aspects of surfing. Strong shoulders, a durable upper back, and a powerful core are key to strong paddling. Some extra training for the shoulder and upper back complex can help you build a stronger, more durable, and pain-free upper body.

Upper Body Exercises:

• Dumbbell Bent Rows
• Cable Face Pulls
• Shoulder A, T, Y’s
• Straight Arm Cable Pull Downs
• Suspension Training Tricep Pushes
• Shoulder Scarecrows
• Rotator Cuff External Rotations
• Body Blade Exercises

Endurance Training

Surfing for extended periods of time, sessions in heavier breaks, and point break currents require full-body endurance. Surf training should also include some kind of endurance training that will prepare your body for extended periods of energy production.

One of the best methods is interval training. Since surfing requires bouts of explosive energy output, combined with a long duration, lower energy output such as casual paddling, it’s important to work both attributes. Intervals combine high-energy explosive output with longer, slower-duration energy output. A running interval example would be as follows: warm-up, light jog for five minutes, 30-second to 60-second sprints, return to a light jog for five minutes, repeat sprint, and continue that cycle.

Intervals can be incorporated into nearly any exercise format. Try these regular endurance exercises:

• Workout Circuits
• Jump Rope
• Row Machine Intervals
• Boxing
• Jogging Intervals
• Swimming

The key to improving your surfing through training is to focus on strength, balance, and endurance exercises that mimic the movements and demands of surfing itself. By incorporating a well-rounded training regimen with warm-ups, full-body exercises, balance drills, core training, upper body work, and endurance training, you’ll be better prepared to handle the physical challenges of surfing and progress more quickly in the sport.

Conclusion

Embarking on the journey to learn surfing as a beginner can be both thrilling and daunting. However, by following the comprehensive guidance provided in this article, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the waves with confidence and respect for the sport. From selecting the right surf spots and gear to understanding surf etiquette and techniques for catching your first wave, this guide covers the essential aspects to help you build a solid foundation.

Ultimately, surfing is a lifelong pursuit that demands commitment, patience, and a willingness to continuously learn and improve. By incorporating targeted training exercises and embracing the surfing lifestyle, you’ll not only enhance your physical abilities but also cultivate a deeper connection with the ocean’s rhythms. Embrace the challenges, revel in the accomplishments, and most importantly, enjoy the incredible experience of riding the waves.

FAQs

1. What are the initial steps for a beginner to learn surfing?
To start surfing as a beginner, begin by practicing in the whitewater where the waves break and flatten out, staying there until you can confidently pop up and maintain your stance. Once comfortable, try catching small green waves that reform in the shorebreak, or further out if the waves are small. Learn to navigate these using the rails of your surfboard.

2. Is it possible to learn surfing on your own?
Yes, it is entirely possible to teach yourself how to surf. It requires a significant amount of time and dedication, particularly in understanding the risks involved and mastering the techniques of surfing.

3. How much time is typically needed for surf lessons?
The amount of time needed to learn surfing can vary widely from a few hours to a month. If you find yourself unable to ride a wave after two months, you may need to reevaluate your approach. Initially, learning to lie and balance on a surfboard could take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours.

4. What are the key steps to learn surfing?
Learning to surf can be broken down into ten essential steps:
a. Acquire the appropriate surfing gear.
b. Select a suitable beach for beginners.
c. Master the paddling technique.
d. Practice popping up on your board.
e. Learn to read the waves.
f. Start with smaller waves.
g. Become comfortable and confident in the water.
h. Consider taking professional surfing lessons to enhance your skills.