How to Start Surfing: The Beginner’s Guide

Surfing is not necessarily the easiest sport or activity to get started with. Every time I’m in the water, I see some people just learning to surf who are clearly going it alone. They don’t learn the foundations and basics, and it makes learning to surf a lot harder.

In order to learn to surf and get into surfing, it’s important to follow the right process. By learning the foundations, understanding the process, and taking the right steps, you’ll give yourself the best chance at fun on the waves rather than frustration.

Understanding the Process

First, it’s helpful to understand the process of learning to surf so you know what you’re getting yourself into. Surfing isn’t as simple as grabbing a board and jumping in the water. To get to the point where you can turn up and down green waves, you’ll need quite a few sessions in the water. We definitely recommend starting with some lessons or classes (more on this in a bit). So let’s dive into it.

Surf Theory

First, you will need to understand basic surf theory. This is something commonly taught in classes, but you can also find a lot of videos and information online. These are generally on-land theory sessions where you’ll learn the basics like how to pop-up on a surfboard, where to position the body, and how to paddle correctly.

Learning surf theory before getting in the water will help you be more comfortable with these aspects of your surfing, and know what you are to be doing. Paddling and the popup are two aspects that can be hard for beginner surfers, so this time practicing on land will help you make it muscle memory.

Taking Care of the Body

Before getting in the water, you’ll also learn how to take care of your body. This may be done by introducing stretches and mobility exercises for surfing, as well as workouts to improve paddle strength or popup ability. It’s important to take care of the body as you use a bunch of different muscles while surfing, and injury risk must be mitigated.

Learning in Whitewater

When you’re ready to get into the water, you’ll start with whitewater waves. These small, foamy waves offer the perfect place to practice your popup and stance while moving. You may catch some reforming waves here and get the feel of green waves, or even begin to learn to turn gently frontside and backside.

Catching Green Waves

As you are comfortable on the whitewater waves and your stance and popup are solid, you will move into some small green waves. Green waves are waves that have not yet broken, and aren’t just whitewater. Learning to catch green waves requires more precise timing and balance than whitewater, and it crucial to progressing your surfing.

At this time, you’ll also be learning how to read waves. You may do some of this on land and some in the water. In order to catch green waves, you’ll need to understand the surf spot, where the waves break, where to paddle out, and where to catch them at the right spot.

Learning to Turn/Trim

On green waves, you can begin to learn the mechanics of turning your surfboard both frontside and backside. Rather than going straight toward the shore, you can catch a wave down the line. Small green waves offer a great place to learn to engage your rails, begin pumping your board, and get the basics of turning down.

Maneuvers

Finally, as you move out of the beginner stage of surfing, you can learn some basic maneuvers that open surfingup for you. You’ll learn to bottom turn, top turn, and eventually carve. Before learning how to do these maneuvers, you’ll need a lot of practice, time in the water, and a good connection with the ocean and your board.

How to Get into Surfing

So how do you actually get into surfing? Here’s a pragmatic way to go about it. Although it may seem overwhelming at first, you can take it just one step at a time.

Lessons and Classes

You’ll want to start by taking a surf class with a qualified coach. You can do this at your local break by looking for surf classes. Or, hit us up and we’ll help you find the best surf school or lessons in your area happily! If you want to go for the full experience, we recommend taking a trip to a surf camp. Surf camps are exactly what they sound like: several-day experiences where you learn to surf every day. Check out our post here for our recommendations on the best beginner surf camps.

Lessons really are the way to go. The surf instructors will help you learn the right way, instructing you each step of the way. From on-land theory sessions to in-the-water training, a certified surf coach will use their experience working with beginner surfers to help you get up and standing as soon as possible.

Choosing a Board

When you’re ready to go surfing yourself, you’ll need a board. A lot of popular breaks have nearby surfboard rental stands or shops, but you may consider your own board for more freedom. You’ll want to start with a foamie, or soft-top surfboard. These boards are safe, have a lot of volume, and can take the dings that beginner surfers often experience. Find a solid beginner surfboard, or get a used one!

Where to Surf

When learning to surf, you’ll need to know where to go. You don’t want to go to a huge reef break your first time surfing. In fact, you’ll want to understand the different types of surf breaks and choose one that makes you comfortable. If you’re going to a surf camp or planning a surf trip, make sure where you’re going has beginner-friendly waves.

Furthermore, my experience as a beginner was that I preferred breaks with as few people as possible. Surf spots that are crowded can feel overwhelming at first. It’s hard to surf with people zipping past us, and it’s even harder to avoid people paddling out when we are on a wave and not confident in our surfing.

Surf Gear Needed

In addition to a board, you’ll need a bit of surf gear when you’re ready to go it alone. You’ll need a leash, a rash guard, and perhaps a wetsuit if the water is cold. Check out our resources page for some recommendations. Make sure you buy some solid quality gear as surfing can take a toll on everything you use!

We also of course recommend some eco-friendly sunscreen, good wax for your board (especially if you’re riding a hard-top), and a surf comb to scrape the wax. You’ll want some good sunscreen for surfing, something that both protects you and stays on in the water.

Surf Etiquette

Finally, you’ll need to learn surf etiquette to be in the water with others. Nothing is more frustrating than someone in the water who doesn’t understand or respect the rules of the surf community. SurferToday has a good list of the basics of surf etiquette that we recommend reading before ever getting in the water. Practicing propert etiquette helps prevent common surfing injuries, and allows you to be a harmonious part of the community.