57 Surfing Tips That Will Make You Reach Your Full Potential
Are you new to surfing? Want to improve your surfing skills but not sure how? You came to the right place! In this blog post, I go over A LOT of surfing tips to help you improve your skills and enjoy your time in the water.
Surfing can be overwhelming at times. When I first started surfing it took me months to figure out what I was doing wrong and where I could improve.
Looking at other surfers and watching a lot of professional surfing helped me to become a better surfer.
That’s why I’m writing this post—to share everything I learned here to help you get better at surfing ASAP! This one will be much longer and more to the point than my “10 Tips To Help You Get Started” Post.
To make it easier, I’ve divided this into sections, each focusing on a different aspect of surfing. Let’s go!
Surfing Tips For Better Paddling
Paddling is a key element in surfing. You’ll probably spend 70-90% of your session paddling to catch a wave, whether it’s to pass the break, actually catch the wave, or avoid being hit by one. You’ll paddle a lot so you’ll better be paddling on the right surfboard for you!
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1. Choose The Right Surfboard
First thing first, choose the right equipment. Choosing the right surfboard is key to having a better experience while surfing. Starting with the wrong size surfboard can heavily affect your progress and keep you frustrated.
Check out the Best Surfboards For Beginners In 2024
2. Use Your Arms Efficiently
While it may sound obvious, it’s easy to forget it when just started to surf. Here’s what I mean by this. When paddling your arms should go in rhythm, almost like one arm is chasing the other but they’ll never catch up.
3. Stay Centered
Distribute your weight evenly on the board to prevent nosedives and maintain control in the water. Most surfboards will have a line in the middle (almost like a spine) that can help you determine the center of the board
4. Keep Your Legs Straight
Again emphasising the last tip. When your legs are closer together on the surfboard it will help keep you stable on the water. Spreading your legs wide will not only reduce speed (more friction with water) but it will also affect your balance.
5. Keep Your Eyes Forward
Look towards the horizon to maintain proper body alignment and anticipate incoming waves.
6. Keep Your Back Arched
Some call it the “Cobra Pose”, others call it “The Banana Pose”. Whatever you want to call it up to you, just make sure you keep your back arched and stretched. shoulders wide open and chest forward.
8. Paddle Along The Surfboard
When moving forward paddle alongside the rail of the surfboard. This will guarantee that the surfboard will move in the direction the nose is pointing. If you wish to turn simply to the left paddle on the right side only and vice versa.
Surfing Tips For Your Pop-Up
After you’ve paddled enough to catch the wave, it’s time to pop-up, or stand on the surfboard. The pop-up should be quick and precise to catch the wave at the right moment.
9. Practice On Dry Land
When first starting it’s recommended to practice your pop-up on dry land. Whether at home, the gym, or the beach practicing on dry land will ensure perfecting the technique before jumping to the water.
10. Avoid Grabbing The Rail
When popping up a lot of people tend to grab the rail of the surfboard. This can result in loss of balance. Instead, keep your palm open and push up to a standing position.
11. Look To The Beach (Or Wave)
You don’t need to look at your feet to perfect your pop-up. Think about it like walking or waving your hand, wouldn’t it be weird if you looked at your feet every time you walked? Anyway, point is, keep your eyes where you want to go and just do the pop-up.
12. Keep Your Knees Bent
After popping up don’t stand tall. Instead, keep your knees slightly bent and back arched to maintain maximum balance on the surfboard. Remember, you’re standing on the water basically, every movement you make will effect your balance.
13. Stand In The Center Of The Surfboard
Here’s what I mean. Your body should be centered in the center of the surfboard. That doesn’t mean your legs will be in the center as well!
14. Keep Your Feet Vertical To Each Other
If you ever did snowboarding or skateboarding you’ll probably know what I’m talking about. Otherwise, don’t stand as if you are standing on dry land. Keep your feet apart and vertical to each other.
15. Wear Suitable Clothes
If you’re surfing in cold water wear the right size wetsuit depending on the wat temp. A boardshort and rashguard will do the trick if you’re in a hot climate. Check out our full guide on what surfers wear.
Catching The Wave
Now how to improve when you’re actually surfing. Im talking about catching the wave and riding it all the way to the beach or until it closes out!
16. Timing is Key
Learn to time your paddling efforts to catch waves at the peak of their power and momentum. This way, you’ll increase your chance of catching the wave with less effort.
17. Position Yourself In The Sweet Spot
Continuing on the last point. Try to position yourself in the sweet spot, not too close to the peak of the wave but not too far down the line. The peak is the highest point of the wave and the most powerful. You want to position yourself on what we call the “shoulder” of the wave. Refer to pic above!
18. Start Small
Begin with smaller waves and gradually work your way up to larger ones as you gain confidence and experience.
19. Watch the Sets
Observe wave sets and patterns to anticipate the arrival of incoming waves and position yourself accordingly. I would say even do it before going in the water and then again in the water.
20. Paddle Hard
Most of the people that I thought surfing couldn’t catch a wave because they stopped paddling earlier than they should. If you think you’ve paddled enough add a couple of strokes before popping up!
21. Commit to the Drop
Once you’ve caught the wave, commit to the drop and focus on maintaining balance as you transition to a standing position.
22. Keep Your Eyes Ahead
Yes, again your eyes lead the way! Look down the line of the wave towards where you want to go, rather than focusing on your feet, to maintain balance and direction.
23. Use Your Body Weight
Shift your weight forward or backward on the board to adjust your speed and maneuverability while riding the wave.
24. Angle Your Takeoff
Once you get more experienced and comfortable with your pop-up technique. Angle your takeoff towards the shoulder of the wave to maximize the length of your ride and avoid getting pitched.
Surfing Tips For Progression and Improvement
25. Stay Consistent
Consistency is the key to many things in life, including surfing. Get as much water time as possible, especially in the early days. Stay consistent, and you’ll see improvement!
26. Consider Taking A Lesson
Learning new things on your own can be challenging to many people. With the right guidance, you can get better results and faster. Take a lesson or consider going on a surfcamp to improve your surfing!
27. Consider Going On A Surf Trip
Surf trips are my favorite way to enhance my surfing skills. Consider a place within your skill level known to be consistent year-round. Or plan accordingly with the help of our ultimate guide to planning your first surf trip.
28. Cross-Train
Engage in complementary activities such as swimming, yoga, and strength training to improve your overall fitness and surfing performance.
29. Stay Flexible
incorporate stretching and mobility exercises into your routine to improve flexibility and prevent injuries while surfing. Often we want to jump straight in the water and forget to warm up our bodies before which may increase our risk of injuries.
30. Seek Feedback
Ask for feedback from more experienced surfers and instructors to identify areas for improvement and refine your technique.
31. Celebrate The Small Wins
Whether you catch your first wave, make a turn, or simply pass the breaking waves for the first time. Identify the small successful moments and celebrate them. Trust me it’s a confidence booster!
32. Stay Inspired
Surround yourself with sources of inspiration, whether it’s watching surf videos, reading surf magazines, or connecting with other surfers in the community.
33. Visualize Success
Visualization is a powerful tool used by professional surfers and successful athletes for that matter. Simply think of yourself catching the wave of your dreams and FEEL the emotion as if you’re truly surfing it!
34. Stay Humble and Open-Minded
Embrace the learning process and stay open to new experiences and perspectives that can help you grow as a surfer and as a person.
35. Experiment with Different Boards
Try out different types of surfboards to find the one that suits your riding style and preferences best.
Surfing Tips For Gear & Equipment
The right gear and equipment are crucial for safety, performance, and enjoyment. From the right board to quality wetsuits, proper gear enhances your experience and maximizes fun.
36. Choose The Right Surfboard
After experimenting a bit with different boards, choosing the right surfboard for you is crucial. It can impact your progress substantially.
37. Invest in Quality Gear
Purchase high-quality surf gear, including wetsuits, leashes, and accessories, to ensure comfort, durability, and safety while surfing.
38. Take Care of Your Gear
Rinse your surf gear with fresh water after each use, store it properly, and perform regular maintenance to prolong its lifespan and performance.
39. Use the Right Wax
Apply surf wax appropriate for the water temperature and conditions to ensure optimal traction and grip on your surfboard. Don’t know how to wax? I got you covered here.
40. Stay Warm in the Water
Invest in a quality wetsuit that provides insulation and protection from cold water temperatures, wind, and abrasions.
41. Keep Your Feet Warm
The Feet are the most sensitive part when it comes to cold water surfing. Also, once they go numb it will impact your performance. Wear neoprene booties or reef shoes to keep your feet warm and protected from sharp rocks, shells, and coral while surfing.
42. Invest in a Good Quality Leash
Choose a strong, durable leash that matches the length and thickness of your surfboard to ensure it can withstand the forces of waves and prevent your board from getting lost or causing injury.
43. Consider Wearing A Helmet
Surfing helmets are getting more popular these days. I would recommend wearing one while surfing in crowded spots or on shallow rocky beaches.
44. Consider Using Surfboard Traction Pads
Apply a surfboard traction pad to your board’s deck to enhance grip and control, especially when performing maneuvers that require precise foot placement.
45. Use Surfboard Fins Wisely
Experiment with different fin setups and configurations to optimize speed, stability, and maneuverability based on your surfing style and the conditions of the waves.
46. Protect Your Surfboard from Sun Damage
Avoid leaving your surfboard exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods, as UV rays can damage the board’s materials and weaken its structural integrity over time.
47. Inspect Your Gear Regularly
Check your surf gear regularly for signs of wear and tear, such as frayed leash cords, loose fin screws, or delaminating surfboard laminates, and repair or replace them as needed to maintain safety and performance.
48. Stay Informed About New Gear Innovations
Keep up to date with advancements in surf gear technology and innovations, such as eco-friendly materials, sustainable manufacturing practices, and performance-enhancing designs, to make informed decisions when upgrading your gear.
49. Support Sustainable Surf Brands
Choose to purchase surf gear from brands that prioritize sustainability, environmental awareness, and ethical manufacturing practices to minimize your ecological footprint and support positive change in the industry.
50. Share Gear and Resources with Fellow Surfers
Foster a sense of community and collaboration by sharing surf gear, resources, and knowledge with other surfers, especially beginners or those in need, to promote inclusivity and accessibility within the surfing community.
Surfing Tips For Surf Etiquette
51. Respect the Lineup
Observe proper surf etiquette and respect the rights of other surfers in the lineup.
52. Communicate Effectively
Use clear signals and gestures to communicate with other surfers in the water and avoid collisions.
53. Know Your Limits
Be honest with yourself about your skill level and only surf waves that are appropriate for your abilities.
54. Stay Clear of the Impact Zone
Avoid lingering in the impact zone (Breaking Point) where waves are breaking to reduce the risk of collisions and injuries.
55. Practice Safe Board Handling
Always handle your board with care and keep it under control to prevent it from becoming a hazard to yourself and others.
56. Know How to Fall Safely
Learn how to fall away from your board and protect your head and neck from impact to reduce the risk of injury.
57. Stay Safe and Have Fun
Above all, prioritize safety, enjoyment, and respect for yourself, others, and the ocean while surfing, and remember that the ultimate goal is to have fun, stay healthy, and develop meaningful connections with nature and fellow surfers.
Final Thoughts
There are many aspects to improve in surfing. Don’t get overwhelmed instead take it step by step and with the essentials.
Following these tips will improve your surfing game substantially. Being a surfer and a teacher I see a lot of people surfing and making mistakes as we all do. The important part is to learn from those mistakes and move on!
So, take these insights to heart, hit the waves with confidence, and embrace the joy of surfing!
Surfing Tips FAQ
1. What Is Surfing Etiquette
Surfing Etiquette is the unwritten rules of surfing. It covers everything such as, who has priority to the wave, how to paddle out, and much more.
2. What To Avoid While Surfing?
Avoid crowding the lineup, ignoring local rules, risky conditions, environmental impact, and disregarding surf forecasts. Respect the ocean and fellow surfers for a safe experience.
3. How Do I Prepare For My First Time Surfing?
Prepare for your first time surfing by taking a lesson, choosing the right beginner-friendly surf spot, wearing appropriate gear, practicing safety measures, and maintaining a positive attitude.
4. How Do I Get Better At Surfing?
Improve your surfing skills by practicing regularly, seeking feedback from experienced surfers or instructors, studying wave dynamics, staying patient, and staying persistent in your efforts to progress.
5. How late is too late to start surfing?
It’s NEVER too late! Surfing is for all ages, while the starting age doesn’t matter, it’s important to be honest with your abilities and respect the power of the ocean!
