Starting surfing is an exciting but also challenging experience. As in any sport, it's common to make some common surfing mistakes for beginners, especially during the first sessions in the water.
Common surfing mistakes for beginners
These mistakes can slow down your progress or even make you lose motivation. But the good news is that many of them can be avoided with the right information. In this article, we share the most frequent mistakes and how to fix them so you can make the most of each session from the start.
1. Choosing the wrong board
The mistake:
Many beginners want to surf with a shortboard from day one, thinking they’ll look more pro. The reality is that a small board is often unstable and difficult to maneuver if you don't have experience.
The solution:
Start with a higher volume board, such as a softboard or a longboard. These boards offer greater flotation and stability, making it easier to learn to paddle, stand up, and catch waves. As you progress, you can reduce the size.
2. Paddling incorrectly (or not enough)
The mistake:
Many beginners underestimate the importance of paddling and get tired quickly, or don't get enough speed to catch the wave.
The solution:
The key is technique. Keep your chest slightly raised, your body centered on the board, and your fingers closed when paddling. Use long, powerful strokes with your arms, without splashing excessively. Practice outside the break, in calm areas, until you master this essential part.
3. Incorrect position on the board
The mistake:
Being too far forward can cause the board to nosedive. Too far back, and it becomes unstable. Both extremes make control and paddling difficult.
The solution:
Your position should allow the nose of the board to extend out of the water by only a few centimeters. Make sure your body is aligned with the central axis of the board to maintain balance.
4. Not mastering the pop-up before entering the water
The mistake:
Many beginners try to stand on the board without having practiced the movement on land first, leading to constant falls and frustration.
The solution:
Practice the pop-up on the sand. Lie down as if you were on the board, place your hands at chest height, and push forcefully while bringing your feet forward in a single movement. Repeat until it's automatic. In the water, speed and fluidity in this step are key.
5. Not reading the waves (or the environment)
The mistake:
Entering the water without observing the conditions can lead you to dangerous or unproductive areas for surfing.
The solution:
Before entering, take 5 minutes to read the ocean. Observe where the waves break, if there are currents, the wind direction, and how other surfers are doing it. Learn to identify the peak (the point where the wave starts to break) and position yourself there.
6. Not knowing how to fall (or taking care of your safety)
The mistake:
Many beginners fall rigidly or try to hold onto the board, which can cause bumps, cuts, or injuries.
The solution:
When you fall:
- Protect your head with your arms.
- Move away from the board quickly.
- Do not try to stop the fall with your feet on the bottom (it could be rock or coral).
- Never throw your board if there are people nearby.
Falling well is as important as standing well.
7. Ignoring technique and instructors' advice
The mistake:
Trying to learn alone or not listening to instructors can lead to forming bad habits from the beginning.
The solution:
Take the time to learn the basics with someone who knows. An instructor can correct key details that will make a big difference. Also, each beach has its rules and dynamics – listen to them.
8. Rushing to surf big waves
The mistake:
Wanting to go straight to big waves without technique or experience can be dangerous, both for you and for others.
The solution:
Take it step by step. Learn on small waves, in calm conditions. Master paddling, balance, and take-off, and only then progress to more powerful waves. Surfing is about progression, not competition.
9. Not warming up or stretching before surfing
The mistake:
Entering the water without physical preparation can result in cramps, pulls, or a weak session.
The solution:
Do a basic warm-up before each session: shoulder mobility, hip rotation, leg, and back stretches. This not only helps you avoid injuries but also improves your performance from the start.
10. Comparing yourself to other surfers
The mistake:
Seeing others perform advanced maneuvers and getting frustrated for not achieving them can demotivate you.
The solution:
Every surfer has their own pace. The goal is not to be the best, but to enjoy the process. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and maintain a positive mindset. Surfing is a journey, not a destination.
Making mistakes when starting surfing is completely normal, but knowing them gives you a huge advantage. The key is to be patient, practice regularly, and listen to both your body and the ocean. Every session is an opportunity to learn something new.
So don't get frustrated if you fall, if you don't catch many waves, or if you feel like you're not progressing as fast as others. The important thing is that you are in the water, learning and enjoying yourself.
Here's a complete guide to avoiding these common surfing mistakes for beginners here.
