The saying goes: “No master has ever fallen from the sky.” And this invaluable lesson also applies to surfing. Especially as a beginner, mistakes happen. And that’s a good thing – because rule number two says, “You learn from your mistakes.” Whether it’s your first time on a board or you’ve had a few sessions already, there’s always room for improvement and learning in the water.
THE TRUTH IS…
As a beginner, you’re probably excited about the sound of the waves and the addictive flow – finally standing on the board and cruising the waves with ease. But before you dive into the adventure, it’s important to realize that surfing doesn’t only promise sunshine and rainbows.
Surfing is a fascinating sport that challenges both your body and mind. For beginners, getting started can be a bit tricky – but don’t worry, everyone started somewhere. With the right preparation and the necessary respect for the elements of the ocean and the surf community, you can avoid these mistakes and make your surf experience safer and more successful.
In this article, we’re giving you some tips to help you avoid beginner mistakes and start surfing with ease.
OUR SURFING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
BEAT THE MUSCLE SORENESS BEFORE IT STARTS
Even before you have sand between your toes and saltwater on your face, you can prepare your body for your surf sessions – and do it from home! Small workouts can help get your muscles ready for the physical demands of surfing. We recommend targeted strength exercises and, of course, yoga as the perfect pre-surf routine. We’ve even put together some helpful tips for a surf warm-up at home in this blog post.
NO LEASH, NO SURFING!
Surfing without a leash? Sure, it’s possible. But it’s definitely not something we’d recommend for beginners (or even for advanced surfers). Especially on your first surf trips, you’re likely to fall off the board more than once. That’s why it’s important to stay connected to your surfboard with the leash, so the board stays close by. Not only is it safer, but it also saves you time and energy that you’d otherwise spend paddling back to your board.
ATTENTION PLEASE!
Don’t get caught off guard. A good surfer knows how to stay alert and observe. Keep your eyes on the waves so you can react quickly when one is coming toward you. When paddling for a wave, always look around to check your surroundings. This will help you determine if you’re paddling in the right direction and at the right angle for the wave.
SAFETY FIRST! OR ALSO: FOLLOW THE RULES OF THE ROAD!
There are beginner mistakes that neither the waves nor the other surfers will forgive. If you don’t want to make enemies at a surf spot, it’s essential to follow the basic right-of-way rules. And most importantly: never drop into someone else’s wave, and don’t steal a local’s wave 😉. If you do make a little surf faux pas, at least a friendly smile and a sincere “sorry” will go a long way!
You should also consider a brief “safety lesson” beforehand. An experienced surfer can tell you where to enter the water, when to paddle out, and how to judge the currents.
THE RIGHT TIMING!
Even though you can’t wait to catch your first wave, take your time. Surfing has a lot to do with observation… and with patience! Take a moment to get to know the sea and the waves from the beach. Waves typically come in “sets,” followed by a short break. Use this downtime to paddle out and be ready for the next set. This saves energy… and prevents disappointment if the waves are bigger than you expected.
SUNSHINE IS GOOD, SUNSCREEN IS BETTER.
Summer, sun, sunshine… and especially: sunscreen. Just because you’re heading straight into the water doesn’t mean you should skip sunscreen! Many people skip sunscreen because they don’t want to miss out on a tan while surfing, but that can lead to painful sunburns.
On the water, the sun reflects so strongly that you can go from perfectly bronzed to lobster-red in no time. For both aesthetic and health reasons, make sure to apply sunscreen with SPF 30+ or even 50+. You can protect your face and sensitive feet with zinc cream.
DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP.
From the outside, surfing might look easy – paddle a bit, sit on the board, and then jump onto the wave. But many beginners learn the hard way that it’s more challenging than it seems. That’s why it’s important to ask for help. There are plenty of people out there who are experts and will ensure that you have fun from day one – safely, in harmony with nature, and as part of the surf community. Whether it’s a private lesson, a surf camp, or flexible surf course bookings – there’s something for everyone!
Don’t want to make beginner mistakes?
We’ll make it easy for you to get started with our favorite sport and get you safely onto the board that, for us – and soon for you too – means the world. Our beginner surf course in Morocco is perfect for you if you want to get started in a fun, social atmosphere with personal guidance. The many surf spots in Morocco provide ideal conditions for beginner surfers: consistent waves year-round, pleasant temperatures for longer sessions, and plenty of space to experiment and swim 😉. Come visit us – we’re looking forward to seeing you!
