Determining your surfing level objectively is very important when it comes to measuring and observing our progress in surfing.
Surfing is a sport that requires time, practice, and dedication. As you advance, it's natural to wonder: what level am I at? Am I a beginner, intermediate, or advanced? A very common mistake among beginner surfers is to think their level is higher, and consequently, skip key levels and skills that a surfer should have at each level, which leads to frustration.
The most important step before knowing your surfing level is to understand the different surfing levels:
1. Novice ("One day surfer")
Has no board control, has an inefficient paddle, with barely any horizontal displacement. Catches waves with instructor assistance, stands up on the board with difficulty. Only glides on the whitewater frontally, with no lateral control. Does not feel ready or safe to go out alone on normal days without an instructor.
2. Beginner
Normally in whitewater, the beginner surfer can catch a wave without assistance, paddling independently with enough horizontal displacement to get the board out of inertia for up to 20 meters. Does not handle the "duck dive" technique. Can stand up and turn their board to both sides (right and left). Feels ready and safe to go out independently on normal days without an instructor, in safe areas.
3. Advanced Beginner
In small wave faces, can paddle and catch the wave, then move along the face in both directions. Knows and handles the "duck dive" technique. Can paddle efficiently for 100 meters or more. Completes and exits the wave with board control. Feels safe to surf on days with small and medium waves in safe areas.
4. Intermediate
In waves of 1.5 to 1.8 meters, this surfer can complete any of the following maneuvers: Off the lip, Cutback, Floater, Re-entry. On a longboard, can complete a hang 5. Handles the "duck dive" technique. Has control, mastery, and consistency in waves up to 2 meters, completing less than 50% of the basic maneuvers attempted. Can surf safely on days with moderate to large waves.
5. Advanced
This surfer can, with speed, power, and fluidity, complete one of the following maneuvers, given only 3 wave opportunities: Off the lip, Cutback, Floater, Re-entry. On a longboard, completes a hang 5 with cross-step. Has advanced control in all types of waves, completing 50% or more of the maneuvers attempted.
6. Expert
This surfer can, with speed, power, and fluidity, complete two of the following maneuvers, given only 3 wave opportunities: Off the lip, Cutback, Floater, Re-entry. On a longboard, completes a hang 10 with cross-step. Characterized by their creativity and control over all types of waves.
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Now that you know the different surfing levels, from beginner to expert, and you're wondering what your surfing level is, here's a simple but effective system to find out. Answer these five questions, tally your points, and discover where you are on your journey as a surfer. Let's get to it!
1. How many times have you surfed?
Experience counts, and the more times you've been in the water, the more comfortable you'll feel on the board. Your level can drastically improve with consistent practice, so think about how many times you've surfed so far.
- A. Never (0 points)
- B. 0-5 times (5 points)
- C. 5-30 times (10 points)
- D. 30-100 times (15 points)
- E. More than 100 times (20 points)
2. Of the waves you paddle for, how many do you catch?
The next indicator is how many waves you manage to catch out of all those you attempt. This reflects both your paddling ability and your ability to position yourself correctly on the wave.
- A. I only catch whitewater (0 points)
- B. One in ten, if I'm lucky (5 points)
- C. One in five (10 points)
- D. Practically everything I attempt (20 points)
3. What waves do you feel most comfortable on?
Waves vary in size and power. Identifying what type of waves you feel most comfortable on will help you determine how advanced you are in surfing.
- A. Whitewater (0 points)
- B. Waves up to 0.5 m (5 points)
- C. Waves up to 1 m but gentle (10 points)
- D. Waves up to 1 m but fast (15 points)
- E. All types of waves (20 points)
4. What is your skill level?
Your skills on the board are crucial for determining your surfing level. From standing up to performing advanced maneuvers, every step counts in your progress.
- A. Enough not to drown (0 points)
- B. Down the face of the wave (5 points)
- C. Small turns (10 points)
- D. Cutback and re-entry (15 points)
- E. All maneuvers (20 points)
5. What is your surfing frequency?
Consistency is key to improvement. If you are surfing regularly, you will have more opportunities to develop your skills.
- A. Less than once a month (0 points)
- B. Once a month (5 points)
- C. Once a week (10 points)
- D. Several times a week (15 points)
- E. Almost every day (20 points)
Results
Add up all your points and discover your surfing level:
-
0-25 points: Absolute beginner
You're just starting, and that's okay. Keep practicing, as the most important thing is to enjoy the process. -
26-50 points: Intermediate beginner
You've had some experience, but you still have a lot to learn. With more time in the water, you'll improve quickly. -
51-75 points: Intermediate
You have good control and feel comfortable on most waves. Keep it up! -
76-100 points: Advanced
You already master many maneuvers and face all types of waves. Keep challenging yourself! -
101-120 points: Expert
You're in the surfing elite. Now all that's left is to keep perfecting your skills and enjoy every session.
Conclusion
Improving in surfing doesn't happen overnight, but with consistency and dedication, you'll notice a big difference in your performance on the board. Evaluating your surfing level can help you identify areas where you need to work to continue progressing. Remember that the most important thing is to enjoy every wave, regardless of your level.
If you need help with your gear or are looking for new boards to improve your surfing, at Flysurf we offer a wide variety of products adapted to all levels. Visit our website.
Flysurf Boards. #SurfBetterNow.
