5 common beginner mistakes in surfing and how to avoid them

Common Surfing Beginner Mistakes

Surfing is incredible, but we also know it's not easy, especially when you're starting out. You're learning new techniques while simultaneously navigating an environment that's constantly changing – waves, tides, wind, and currents. That can sometimes be quite overwhelming!

The good news? With a solid foundation and knowledge of the most common beginner mistakes, you'll make progress much faster. To ensure you start off on the right foot – or rather, on the right board – from the beginning, we'll show you the five most common mistakes when learning to surf and how to avoid them.

Tip 1: Choosing the Right Surfboard

Why a Bigger Board Helps

One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is switching to a smaller board too soon. Learning to surf is like learning to ride a bike – you wouldn't start directly on a racing bike, would you!

A larger surfboard (7 feet and up) offers you:

• More stability
• Easier to paddle into waves
• Better balance when practicing
• More confidence with stance and positioning

If you want to learn more about surfboards and choosing the right one for your level, read the full blog here: When to switch to a smaller board

Once you've mastered the basics – i.e., standing up, maintaining balance, and paddling – you can slowly start thinking about a smaller board. This way, you'll make steady progress without unnecessary frustration.

Tip 2: Mastering the Pop-up

Common Pop-up Mistakes

Many beginners make these common mistakes when popping up on the board:

• They go to their knees first instead of pushing straight up
• The foot doesn't land flat on the board
• The chest isn't lifted high enough

The Chicken-Banana Technique

Try this method for a smooth and controlled pop-up:

• Chicken: Push up from the board with your hands
• Banana: Lift your chest and rotate your body
• Place your back foot
• Place your front foot

With this technique, your pop-up will be smoother, more controlled, and you'll be ready for your first wave.

Tip 3: Finding your balance

Why a low stance is important

If you stand too upright on your board, you'll quickly lose your balance. Therefore, keep your knees slightly bent and your weight centered on the board. This gives you:

• More control
• Easier adjustments during the wave
• Increased safety while surfing

Distributing your weight correctly on the board

Experiment with your stance and foot placement. A low and centered stance is key to avoiding falls and improving your technique.

Tip 4: Avoid riding straight down the wave

Align your body early

Many beginners paddle straight towards the wave, stand up, and then realize they're too late to reach the open face of the wave. Instead, try to slightly align your body in the desired direction while paddling and look where you want to go.

Focus on the open wave face

By adjusting your stance and body alignment before standing up, you'll be ready to cleanly drop into the wave and surf smoothly. Planning ahead makes your movements more natural and controlled.

Tip 5: Correct Foot Placement

Avoid Nose Dives

Many beginners place their feet too far forward or too far back on the board. This causes the nose of the board to dip underwater. Correct foot placement provides more control and speed.

Rear Foot Position

• Rear foot: level with your other knee, closer to the tail of the board
• Front foot: just in front of the board's center

Proper foot placement helps you:

• Make better turns
• Maintain your speed
• Stay connected to the wave

Surfing can be challenging at first, but if you're aware of these common beginner mistakes and implement these simple tips, you'll make rapid progress.

Remember: stability, balance, correct foot placement, fluid pop-ups, and early wave reading are the fundamentals for safe and confident surfing.

If you avoid these mistakes, you'll catch more waves, build confidence faster, and most importantly, have a lot more fun in the water!