How to work out your surf level and actually progress. Check out our tips for each level of your surfing journey and think about booking a surf camp to progress your surfing quicker
Words: Scar Lee
Is your Instagram feed full of pro surfers looking amazingly stylish, dancing on longboards or shredding on shortboards?
Ours too.
It’s easy to compare yourself to these people when you are trying to progress your surfing, but those pros were once where you are, and they had to go through the levels to get to where they are today.
Whether you’re just starting out, catching your first green waves, or working on your advanced skills, we’ve broken down how to identify your level, and what you can do to improve. We’ll be sharing the best kind of kit to support your development.
We’ll also talk about how booking a surf camp abroad is one of the best ways to take the guesswork out of progression, giving you expert instruction and maximum time in the waves.
Level 1: Beginner Surfer
The beginner stage can mean different things depending on how many times you’ve paddled out. That’s why we’ve broken it into three sub-levels.
Level 1.1 – Total Beginner: Building the Basics
You’ve never surfed before, or maybe you’ve had one or two lessons.
Your focus will be:
- Paddling technique and positioning
- Popping up on a surfboard (practice on land helps!)
- Basic surf etiquette and safety
- Board control in the white water
The gear you will need:
- A foamboard (7–9ft) – stable and easy to paddle
- A comfortable, well-fitting wetsuit
At this stage, joining a surf camp is amazing. The structured lessons and consistent feedback mean you can master the basics and avoid bad habits.
Level 1.2 – Beginner+: Gaining Independence
You’ve surfed a few times and can catch white water or assisted green waves.
Your focus will be:
- Practising your pop-up and paddling technique
- Improving your stance for better balance
- Learning to catch unbroken waves
- Working on your positioning on the board and in the water
- Introduction to slowing down and speeding up
Level 1.3 – Ready to Progress
You’re catching unbroken waves and starting to paddle into them yourself. It’s easy to plateau here, so a lot of surfers find that booking a camp abroad can be the game-changer. Your sole focus whilst you’re there will be surfing, so you get to repeat and refine skills until they stick.
Your focus will be:
- Consistent take-offs on green waves
- Reading waves more accurately
- Better positioning in the lineup
- Angling your take-off to go left or right
- Improving stance and trim for fluid rides
Level 2: Intermediate Surfer
You’re catching unbroken waves, paddling past the break, and surfing down the line both left and right. You might be thinking about investing in your own board, perhaps progressing onto a hard board. If you’re at this level, you might be unsure how to push your surfing further. This is another stage where surf camps are great, especially those tailored to intermediate and up. You’ll surf consistently, in good conditions, with coaches who help you unlock new parts of your technique.
Level 2.1 – Intermediate: Developing Technique
You can paddle out, catch waves independently, and ride the face of the wave. Now, it’s about gaining control.
Your focus will be:
- Generating speed along the wave
- Reading waves earlier and more effectively
- Choosing the right board for the right conditions
- Duck diving to manage larger surf
- Starting to work on your turns
- Improving your body position and stance for mobility
Level 2.2 – Intermediate to Advanced: Sharpening Performance
You’re confident on your board and ready to start pushing your manoeuvres. Many surf camps at this level offer video analysis and surf theory sessions, giving you a clearer understanding of what’s holding you back and how to fix it. The chance to surf different types of waves in one trip will help to build your confidence and adaptability.
Your focus will be:
- Generating speed across different wave types
- Precise positioning for optimal take-offs
- Better bottom turn mechanics
- Top turns and linking manoeuvres
- Cutbacks: learning and refining
- Introduction to floaters, snaps, and roundhouse cutbacks
- Analysing your technique (video coaching can help!)
Level 3 – Advanced Surfer
At this stage, you’ll have your own goals. Whether you are mastering cross-stepping on your longboard, or improving your cutbacks and top turns on your shortboard. Or even both! Booking a surf camp as an advanced surfer is still a good idea. The right instructors will take you to spots that are perfect for the skills you want to master, and high-level coaching can help push you through any sticking points.
Whatever your goals, you will need to work on:
- Increasing fluidity and linking manoeuvres seamlessly
- Reading complex wave patterns and reacting in real time
- Building strength and endurance for bigger waves
- Wave selection and positioning in competitive lineups
Choosing the Right Kit for Your Level
Your gear should grow with you. Beginners are best surfing on foam boards with lots of volume. Intermediates might try hardboards or hybrids that allow more responsiveness. Don’t underestimate the value of a good leash, properly applied wax, or a wetsuit that lets you move freely in the water.
One perk of going on a surf camp? You’ll have access to a range of boards, so you can try different shapes and sizes as you level up.
Want to Fast-Track Your Progress?
The best way to improve is with help. Having someone who is able to watch your surfing and suggest small tweaks for you to improve is invaluable.
When you book a surf camp, you will get a combination of expert coaching, an encouraging community, and more often than not, a fully inclusive experience, so all you need to think about is your wave count.
Taking time away from your everyday workload to spend a week in the sunshine, where everyone around you has the same focus, is game-changing for your surfing progress, whatever stage you are at.
We’ve chosen a selection of surf camps all around the world that cater to every level, to help you progress your surfing and have the best time out on the waves.
Check out the surf camps that we’re recommending below.
Choose a Surf Camp
Surf With Amigas
Imsouane, Morocco
Surf With Amigas
Surf With Amigas – Imsouane, Morocco
Surf With Amigas Surf & Yoga Retreats are for adventurous women to support and inspire each other in surfing and in life. At this retreat in Morocco, you’ll stay at a luxurious villa overlooking a right point break perfect for advanced beginner to advanced surfers. At the retreat, you’ll receive longboard surf coaching in the water, plus daily video analysis sessions to accelerate your progress. The female surf coach team, plus a few local guides, provide expert coaching in the most supportive environment.
There’s more! They also offer daily yin yoga classes to help stretch and restore sore surf muscles. Beyond the waves, you’ll immerse yourself in the culture, exploring the magic of Morocco through ancient medinas and atop breathtaking cliff sides. This women’s-only retreat is a unique opportunity to deepen your longboard surf skills, embrace sisterhood, and check surfing in Africa off your bucket list!
surfwithamigas.com
Goddess Retreats
Seminyak, Bali
Goddess Surf Retreats
Goddess Retreats – Seminyak, Bali
As the world’s first luxury surf, yoga and spa retreat exclusively for women, Goddess Retreats in Bali pioneered a new wave of ocean adventure. Launched in 2003, they redefined surf travel, blending expert lessons with luxurious inclusions.
Whether you’re an absolute beginner aiming to stand up by your first session or an intermediate ready for tropical reef breaks, their 7-day/6-night program is uniquely designed by women for women. It holistically addresses individual strengths and ocean relationships with a personalised 1:3 instructor ratio.
Beyond the waves, their sanctuary in Seminyak offers unlimited spa treatments, daily yoga, and private villa stays – perfect for recovery and pampering. It’s a fun, safe, and supportive space that empowers self-care and fosters lasting connections.
Having introduced thousands of women to surfing since its inception, Goddess Retreats continues to set the standard for women learning to surf in this world-class surf destination.
goddessretreats.com
Xanadu Surf & Yoga
Lombok, Indonesia
Xanadu Surf & Yoga
Xanadu – Lombok, Indonesia
Xanadu’s All-Year-Round Surf, Yoga & Wellness programme is designed to blend luxury relaxation with structured surf progression. The retreat programme offers expert coaching and highly personalised guidance, ensuring that every guest receives attention tailored to their individual surf level—whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced surfer. The small group sizes mean instructors can focus on your specific needs, helping you progress at your own pace in a supportive environment. Daily surf workshops, theory sessions, and video analysis are included, so you not only spend plenty of time in the water but also learn the “why” and “how” behind every movement. This approach accelerates your learning, boosts your confidence, and helps you truly understand the craft of surfing.
Beginners are grouped together and start with a comprehensive beach introduction before heading into the water. You’ll surf small, mellow waves in waist-deep water, always under the careful guidance of our experienced instructors. Your first waves will be on a soft foam board that’s safe and super user-friendly, making your introduction to surfing both fun and safe.
Intermediate and advanced surfers are also well catered for. Depending on your level and goals, you’ll be placed in a smaller surf group and taken to the best spot for your ability and board type. The variety of surf breaks around Kuta, Lombok, means you’ll always have the right challenge—whether you’re looking to build on fundamentals, refine your manoeuvres, or take on more advanced waves.
The retreat is located in Kuta, Lombok, which boasts a wide variety of surf breaks suitable for every level. The program is carefully curated so you’ll surf spots that match your ability—gentle waves and beach breaks for beginners, mellow and consistent waves for intermediates, and more challenging reef breaks for advanced surfers. Instructors select the best spots each day based on ocean conditions and your progression goals, ensuring maximum safety and enjoyment. This variety allows everyone, from first-timers to seasoned surfers, to find the right challenge and continue improving throughout their stay.
Extra Touches
- The retreat experience is immersive, with all guests arriving together to foster a sense of community and shared motivation.
- The schedule includes surf workshops, surf theory, video analysis, and restorative yoga, ensuring holistic progression and recovery.
- All logistics, including equipment, meals, and transportation, are handled by the Xanadu team, so you can focus entirely on your surf journey and relaxation.
xanadusurf.com
Amayour Surf & Yoga
Taghazout, Morocco
Amayour Surf & Yoga
Amayour Surf & Yoga – Taghazout, Morocco
Wherever you’re at on your surf journey, Amayour Surf in sunny Morocco meets you there – and takes you further! Whether you’ve never touched a board or you’re confidently catching green waves and ready to refine your style, Amayour’s small group setup ensures individual attention at every level.
Amayour’s team of ISA-certified coaches work with groups of up to 8 surfers max, thanks to their rotation of experienced teachers. They are proud to be one of the very few camps in the area, if not the only one, with two ISA Level 2 instructors, alongside a team of ISA Level 1 coaches.
Total beginners are gently introduced to the ocean with daily surf lessons, while advanced intermediates can join surf guiding sessions to chase the best peaks with coaches who know the coast inside out.
From lively Taghazout to laid-back Tamraght or our Mountain Lodge retreat, Amayour offers the right setting to match your surf ambitions. Add rooftop yoga, nourishing meals, and a surf family vibe – and you’ve got more than a surf camp, you’ve got a week of progression, connection, and pure stoke with the Amayour crew.
amayoursurf.com
Yume Surfcamps
Praia de Mira, Portugal
Yume SurfCamps
Yume Surfcamps – Praia de Mira, Portugal
Yume Surfcamps in Praia de Mira is a laid-back surf spot. It’s off the beaten path and surrounded by nature. With quiet beaches, friendly locals and waves for all levels, it’s the perfect place to focus on your surfing.
Why Praia de Mira Works for All Levels
Portugal’s west coast runs pretty much straight from north to south, which means it gets swell all year. Flat days? The opposite is often true; sometimes you’re looking for shelter more than swell.
That’s where Praia de Mira shines. The beach is bordered by two piers that help shape the sandbanks, creating consistent and user-friendly waves in almost any condition:
- Small days & low tide: The right side of the pier delivers long, soft-breaking waves, perfect for beginners and intermediates.
- Bigger days & higher tide: The left side of the pier forms a fast, clean right-hander with a steep takeoff and a long wall for turns, ideal for more advanced surfers.
The setup is rare: you get variety, shelter and space – with no crowds!! It’s one of those last hidden gems where you can still paddle out with just a few friends and have the lineup to yourself.
Yume Surfcamps, have both female and male instructors. Cata and Philip are two highly experienced surf coaches who bring over 20 years of combined teaching experience in surf camps and schools. Both have been surfing since a young age, have competed internationally and bring real passion and insight into every lesson. That hands-on experience means they know exactly what it takes to overcome common challenges – whether it’s learning how to stand up for the first time, perfecting your bottom turn, or getting better at reading waves.
And if you don’t surf?
Maybe you’ll like beach bars with live music and DJs, pine forest trails to explore, weekly trips to Porto and creative workshops!
yumesurfcamps.com
Blue Mind
Taghazout, Morocco
Xanadu Surf & Yoga
Blue Mind – Tagazhout, Morocco
Blue Mind Morocco is the place to be for everyone who is drawn to the ocean and keen to live the rhythm of nature within a warm and welcoming, international community of surfers & yogis. Perfect for groups or solo travellers.
Come as you are, let the ocean set your mind free and leave with a refreshed perspective and lasting memories.
Blue Mind have recently expanded and now have two houses with three rooftops and 19 individual rooms with private bathrooms:
- The beautiful villa is located in the upper village of Tamraght, offering a stunning view over the coast, not far from Taghazout.
- The surf & yoga home has an amazing rooftop, a cosy yoga studio, fully equipped with Manduka props, an ocean view and a generous dining and lounge area.
Whether you’re looking to surf in small groups, practice yoga with highly qualified teachers, enjoy delicious fresh food or simply unwind, this is a space to reconnect, recharge, and feel inspired.
Join the Blue Mind Tribe, your ocean escape awaits.
bluemindmorocco.com
I Surf Portugal
Porto, Portugal
I Surf Portugal
I Surf Portugal – Porto, Portugal
Tucked away in a peaceful fishing village just north of Porto, I Surf Portugal offers a surf experience that’s relaxed, welcoming, and all about time in the water. The camp is based in a quiet glamping site a short walk from the beach, with surf lessons run by experienced local instructors who cater to all levels, whether you’ve never touched a board or you’re working on getting more consistent on green waves.
You’ll stay in spacious tipi tents with proper beds, and meals are included, so all you need to think about is catching waves. Daily surf lessons are backed up by theory sessions and time to hang out with other surfers around the campfire in the evenings. Transfers to the best local breaks are included, and you’ll get photos from the week to take home.
I Surf Portugal is a good fit for those looking to build confidence, get a solid introduction to surf fundamentals, or push their skills in mellow, uncrowded conditions. Plus, you’ll have time to explore Porto’s coastline and soak up a bit of Portuguese surf culture while you’re at it.
isurfportugal.com
Paradis Plage
Atlas Mountains, Morocco
Paradis Plage
Paradis Plage – The Atlas Mountains, Morocco
Surfing at Paradis Plage is an experience that can be tailored to every level.
At Paradis Plage Surf Yoga & Spa Resort, surfing is an immersive experience no matter your level, catering to everyone from absolute beginners to seasoned pros. The on-site surf school is run by a team of certified and passionate instructors who provide personalised coaching, intent on helping you to set and achieve your individual goals.
Surf coaches at Paradis Plage are intent on allowing every guest to progress at their own speed. Whether that is learning to stand on a board for the first time or perfecting manoeuvres on the face of a wave. From the very first day, each guest is assessed to determine their level and comfort in the water. From this, surfers are grouped into small, skill-aligned classes, making the perfect progression environment.
You will be given high-quality equipment for your stay that best suits your ability, soft-top boards for beginners and a selection of longboards and shortboards for more advanced surfers.
The Location
Based near the world-renowned surf village of Taghazout, Paradis Plage enjoys access to a variety of surf spots, all within a short distance from the resort. Gentle beach breaks like Crocodile and Panoramas are ideal for learning, while legendary reef breaks such as Anchor Point, Killer Point, and Boilers are there for more experienced surfers.
Thanks to the coastline’s diversity, there’s always a spot working, even when the swell or wind changes. This makes the region a true year-round surf destination for progression and unforgettable sessions.
paradisplage.com
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