Beginner surfing mistakes (and how to avoid them)
Surfing is a wonderful sport, but learning often involves trial and error. For beginner surfers, it’s easy to make mistakes that can slow your progress or diminish your enjoyment. Below we discuss the most common beginner mistakes and how to avoid them so you can face the waves with confidence.
1. Getting up on your Surfboard Too Fast
One of the biggest beginner mistakes in surfing is wanting to get up too quickly. Many surfers try to stand up even before the wave is fully carrying them. This often leads to instability and falls.
How do you avoid this?
- Wait until you feel the wave really picking you up.
- Paddle an additional 3-5 times before standing up.
- Perform the pop-up in a calm and controlled manner.
2. Looking Down
It’s tempting to look down at your feet, but this disrupts your balance and control.
How do you avoid this?
- Always look ahead, toward the direction you want to go.
- Focus on a fixed point on the horizon.
3. Incorrect Foot Placement
Not positioning your feet properly is a common mistake that leads to a lack of control over your board.
How do you avoid this?
- Place your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Keep your weight centered over the middle of the board.
4. Not Practicing the Pop-up on Land.
The pop-up is an essential movement in surfing. Without practice, it can be slow and unstable.
How do you avoid this?
- Practice regularly on dry land.
- Make a fluid movement without using your knees.
5. Choosing the Wrong Surfboard.
Many beginners switch too quickly to a smaller, less stable board.
How to avoid this?
- Use a soft top board. These are larger, more stable and ideal for beginners.
- Take the time to improve your skills before moving to a smaller board.
6. Insufficient Knowledge of Surfing Etiquette
Surfing has its own rules to ensure safety and fun in the water. Not following these etiquette can lead to dangerous situations.
How to prevent it.
- Learn who has the right of way on a wave.
- Respect other surfers and keep your distance.
7. Lack of Physical Preparation
Surfing is physically intensive and requires strength and stamina. Without proper preparation, you can tire quickly.
How do you avoid this?
- Work on your core strength and shoulder stability.
- Do regular cardio exercises to improve your fitness.
8. Insufficient Knowledge of the Ocean and Waves.
Not understanding currents and wave patterns can be dangerous.
How do you prevent this?
- Learn the basics of ocean safety, such as recognizing currents.
- Observe the surf spot before entering the water.
Learn from your Mistakes and Enjoy Surfing
Making mistakes is part of the learning process, but avoiding these common beginner surfing mistakes will help you progress faster and enjoy your time in the water more. At Brunotti Surfcamps, our professional instructors will help you perfect the basics and surf confidently.
Book your surf vacation with Brunotti Surfcamps today and start your surfing adventure!
