This Is Why You’re Not Improving: 5 Common Beginner Surfing Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

Learning to surf can be frustrating. One minute you’re feeling the stoke, the next you’re wondering if your surfboard is actively working against you. If you’ve been stuck in beginner purgatory, it’s probably not just the waves.

Here are five common beginner surfing mistakes — and how to fix them — so you can actually start improving out there.

1.⁠ ⁠Expecting Everything, Getting Nothing

New surfers often show up expecting to rip on day one. Truth is, progress in surfing is slow. Like, watching-a-tide-turn slow. Let go of expectations, embrace wipeouts, and celebrate the small wins. Your first proper turn or green wave ride will feel 10x better if you’re not constantly comparing yourself to someone on a shortboard who started at age five.

2.⁠ ⁠Surf Etiquette Amnesia

Surfing has rules. Unwritten, slightly confusing rules — but still, rules. Dropping in on someone else’s wave, snaking, paddling into the peak without looking — these all fall into the category of “how to get stink-eyed by the entire lineup.”
Quick tip: Think of it like crossing the road. Look both ways, wait your turn, don’t cause chaos.

3.⁠ ⁠Inconsistent Surfing

Surfing once a month isn’t going to cut it. Consistency is key — even if the conditions aren’t perfect. The more time you spend in the water, the faster you’ll progress. Surfing is mostly about feel and repetition. Show up often, and you’ll start to figure it out.

Bonus Tip: Find a Frothy Friend

Surfing with a friend who’s equally frothy (read: keen) can be the game-changer. They’ll push you to paddle out when you’d rather hit snooze, celebrate your wins, and share in the occasional double wipeout. Plus, it’s just more fun.

4.⁠ ⁠Ignoring the Paddle Game

You’ll spend way more time paddling than actually surfing — so learn to paddle well. Arms long, chest up, steady rhythm. Good paddling gets you into waves earlier, helps avoid nasty situations, and builds the engine you’ll need for longer sessions.

5.⁠ ⁠Using the Wrong Board

This one’s huge. The wrong board can halt your progress for months. That flashy shortboard might look cool, but if you’re not catching waves, you’re not learning. Get something with volume, float, and stability — think soft-top or mid-length. Catch waves, stand up, repeat.

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Final Thought:

Improving at surfing isn’t about being perfect — it’s about showing up, messing up, and figuring it out one wave at a time. Ditch the ego, laugh at the wipeouts, and keep paddling.