10 Surfing Hacks Every Beginner Should Know

Surfing might look effortless from the shore, but beginners quickly realize it demands skill, timing, and patience. Fortunately, with the right hacks, learning to surf becomes more manageable—and more fun. Whether you’re just renting your first board or planning your second surf trip, these 10 surfing hacks every beginner should know will help you stay safe, build skills faster, and ride more waves confidently.

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1. Table of Contents

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   Choose the Right Surfboard for Your Skill Level

The board you ride can make or break your early surfing experiences. Most beginners make the mistake of grabbing a shortboard because it looks cool. However, shortboards are notoriously unstable and require more advanced techniques.

Instead, opt for a soft-top longboard—at least 8 to 9 feet in length. These boards offer better balance, easier paddling, and more forgiving performance in small waves. A study by Surfline found that beginners improve 40% faster when starting with a longboard compared to a shortboard.

Logic wins here: the longer and wider the board, the more stable the ride.

2. Master the Pop-Up on Land First

Learning the “pop-up” movement on the board is like learning to walk before you run. Practicing it on land builds muscle memory, making your water sessions smoother.

Spend 10–15 minutes daily doing pop-ups on a yoga mat. Repetition helps you develop explosive movement without hesitation. According to expert instructors at Surf Simply, muscle memory can improve surf performance by up to 60% during your first month.

3. Always Watch the Waves Before Jumping In

New surfers often skip the critical step of reading the surf. This involves understanding the wave patterns, identifying rip currents, and spotting where surfers are catching the best rides.

Spend at least 10 minutes observing. Watch where waves break consistently. Look for other surfers—where they sit is often the sweet spot. A misread can lead you straight into a rip or cause you to waste energy in dead zones.

As per Surfline’s safety guide, wave observation reduces the risk of accidents by 50%.

4. Practice the Turtle Roll or Push-Through Technique

Wipeouts can be brutal. That’s why every beginner should know how to handle white water effectively. For longboards, the turtle roll helps you get under breaking waves without getting tossed. For shorter boards, the push-through or “chicken dive” is ideal.

Learning these techniques early boosts your confidence in rougher conditions and minimizes board losses. Surf coach Kale Brock emphasizes that proper wave-dodging keeps you calm and conserves precious energy.

5. Use a Surf Forecasting App

Don’t rely on guesswork to find surfable conditions. Tools like MagicSeaweed and Surfline offer detailed forecasts including wave height, swell direction, wind speed, and tide info.

These apps can help you pick ideal surf times and spots for beginners—generally low wind, consistent 2-4 ft waves, and mid-tide conditions. Understanding forecasts is a game changer. According to MagicSeaweed’s internal data, app users were 70% more likely to report satisfying surf sessions.

6. Paddle Like You Mean It

Many beginners think paddling is just getting from point A to B. It’s much more strategic. Proper paddling gets you into position quickly, helps you catch waves, and conserves energy.

Focus on long, deep strokes with slightly cupped hands. Keep your head up and body centered. Don’t paddle with frantic, short motions—it tires you out and throws your rhythm off. Pro surfer Mick Fanning credits 80% of his wave success to strong paddling form.

7. Start on Small, Gentle Waves

Ignore the ego that tells you to chase bigger waves. Small, clean waves help you master fundamentals: timing, balance, and positioning.

Ideal beginner waves are slow-breaking and 1–3 feet high. These give you more time to stand up and practice control. According to The Inertia, over 60% of beginner injuries occur in waves over 4 feet, largely due to inexperience.

Think safety first: small waves let you wipe out with minimal risk.

8. Stay Sideways When Falling

Wiping out is inevitable. But how you fall matters. Falling flat on your back or stomach increases the risk of injury. Always fall sideways or away from your board.

Cover your head with your arms underwater and avoid standing up until you’re sure your board isn’t flying toward you. This one habit alone can prevent countless nose and head injuries. The American Red Cross states that most surfing injuries happen during uncontrolled wipeouts.

9. Take a Lesson or Two—Even if You’re Self-Taught

Self-learning is admirable, but guidance from a seasoned instructor can accelerate your progress drastically. A single session can fix posture, paddling technique, and foot placement errors that would otherwise take weeks to correct.

Surf schools often offer beginner packages, and instructors give real-time feedback you can’t get from YouTube. According to SurferToday, students who took at least two lessons progressed 55% faster than solo learners.

10. Respect Surf Etiquette and Locals

This might be the most underrated hack. Every surf break has unwritten rules. These include not dropping in on someone else’s wave, respecting the lineup, and being courteous to locals.

Beginner surfers often get into trouble by unknowingly breaking these codes. It’s not just about manners—it’s about safety and earning respect in the water. Read this surfer etiquette guide to understand the do’s and don’ts.

Read More Also: 10 Secret Surf Spots Only the Locals Know About

Frequently Asked Questions

What size surfboard is best for beginners?

A soft-top longboard around 8–9 feet is ideal. It offers better stability and easier paddling.

How long does it take to learn surfing?

With consistent practice, most beginners can catch and ride waves in 2–4 weeks.

Are surf lessons worth it?

Absolutely. Even one lesson can improve your technique and boost safety awareness dramatically.

Can I surf if I can’t swim well?

No. Strong swimming skills are essential for safety. Take swimming lessons before surfing.

What’s the best time of day to surf?

Early morning or late afternoon, when winds are calmer and crowds are smaller.

How do I avoid getting in the way of others?

Stay out of the main lineup until you’re confident and always yield to the surfer closest to the peak.

What should I wear for beginner surfing?

A proper wetsuit or rash guard depending on water temperature, and always a surf leash.

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Final Thought

Surfing is one of the most thrilling sports in the world—but it comes with a learning curve. These 10 surfing hacks every beginner should know aren’t shortcuts—they’re smart strategies built from experience, observation, and professional advice. With the right board, habits, and attitude, you’ll not only ride waves—you’ll thrive in the lineup. Practice with purpose, respect the ocean, and never stop learning. Every wipeout is one step closer to the perfect ride.

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