If you’re new to surfing and you’ve had a few lessons or have been surfing for a short while, what does it take to elevate your skills and ride the waves like a pro? The reality is, mastering the sport can take years, but there are a few ways to fast-track the learning process, surf confidently and enjoy the experience more, within just a few months.
This is what we had in mind when we set up SurfGirl Premium. It’s a one-stop destination for beginner and intermediate surfers with insider tips on how to improve your surfing ability and ocean knowledge through surf fitness, eating healthily, motivation and confidence building plus heaps of general advice about surfing and the ocean. So let’s get started!
Surf all the time.
Regardless of the conditions or the time of the year. In the early stages, catching as many waves as possible in a session, and riding your wave to the beach helps you to get your flow going and establish your rhythm. Read our surf coaching tips on Premium.
Fitness is crucial.
Incorporate surf-specific workout routines, such as those available on SurfGirl Premium, into your routine to enhance your paddling strength and agility. Regularly practising pop ups will also improve your ability to get to your feet quickly on your board. If you do no fitness at all, it will be hard work when you’re in the ocean.
Try our 14 Day Surf Fitness Programme on Premium
Get confident in the water.
Overcome your fear of wipeouts by practising breath-holding techniques and front crawl swimming without breaks. Engage in activities like body surfing to acclimate yourself to ocean dynamics and build confidence in the ocean, and it will make wipeouts feel less scary.
Read our article on how to build confidence to surf outback on Premium:
Increase ocean knowledge.
Knowledge is king. Enhance your awareness in the water and educate yourself about wave behaviour, how the waves break, the effects of wind and swell, and the impact of tides. Learn about ocean safety practices and how to identify rips, so the next time you go surfing you can read the ocean before you paddle out.
Check out our article on ocean safety.
“Invest in quality gear such as a reliable wetsuit, and make sure it doesn’t leak, so you can stay warm and surf for longer.”
Equipment quality and familiarity.
Invest in quality gear such as a reliable wetsuit, and make sure it doesn’t leak, so you can stay warm and surf for longer. Work out what surfboards work best for you. Volume is your friend, so don’t go too short, too light, too soon. Experiment with surfboards. Get confident by starting on a forgiving foamy, then progress to a mid-length board.
Find out which board is for you here.
Understand surf etiquette.
Familiarise yourself with surf etiquette, including where to position yourself and the right-of-way rules. These are the common rules of surfing that you need to know if you’re not going to annoy other surfers and maintain line-up harmony.
Here’s some common rules when you’re in the line up.
Seek help.
Consider enlisting the help of a surf coach if you’re struggling to progress. Surf lessons will help you to overcome your problems in the surf – whatever your ability. The gold standard is a one-on-one coaching session, providing personalised instruction to address your challenges and refine your technique.
Here’s why you should go to a surf school and a list of surf schools in the UK.
It’s true what they say – the best surfer is the one having the most fun. So don’t be discouraged by slow progress or concerns over other’s perceptions of what you look like. Surfing is about having fun and connecting with the ocean, so cherish every moment. We’re privileged to call the ocean our playground.
You can access surf tips, ocean safety advice, surf coaching tips and specialised fitness programmes tailored for surfers through SurfGirl Premium so take advantage of these resources.
Remember, investing in your skills and wellbeing is invaluable – you deserve it.
