Feeling stuck in your surfing progression? You’re not alone. Surfing has a steep learning curve, and every intermediate surfer hits plateaus their progression. Here are the most impactful tips to help you break through and elevate your surfing skills.
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Catch Waves at the Peak
Where you catch a wave matters as much as what you do on it. Position yourself closer to the peak where the wave has the most power, giving you more opportunities for dynamic manoeuvres. -
Generate Your Own Speed
Progressive surfers don’t rely solely on the wave’s power—they create their own speed. Master the art of compressing and extending your body along the wave’s face, using your body movements and rails effectively. -
Perfect Your Bottom Turn
A strong bottom turn sets up every manoeuvre. Focus on shifting your weight correctly, engaging your rails, and maintaining speed through the turn. This foundation will improve every aspect of your surfing. -
Your Head Leads the Way
Think of your head as your steering wheel. Where you look is where you’ll go. Keep your head centered over your body for balance, and lead your turns with intentional head movements. -
Move Your Feet
Foot placement can transform your surfing. Slide your front foot forward for speed and shift your back foot towards the tail for sharper, more controlled turns. -
Learn from Better Surfers
Observation is a powerful learning tool. Watch skilled surfers closely—how they position themselves, generate speed, and execute turns. Apply their techniques to your own surfing. -
Stay Close to the Pocket
The wave’s power is concentrated near the pocket. Staying in this critical section allows you to harness more speed and make quicker, sharper maneuvers. -
Visualise Your Moves
Before hitting the water, mentally rehearse your manoeuvres. Visualisation helps correct bad habits and builds muscle memory. Watching videos of yourself and professional surfers can accelerate this process. -
Have Fun
Don’t forget why you started surfing in the first place—to enjoy the ride. Staying relaxed and having fun keeps you motivated and open to learning, which is key to long-term progression.
I hope at least a few of these tips give you some food for thought. Be sure to take at least one of these into your next surf and you’ll be sure to see some noticeable improvements. Keep practicing, stay patient, and enjoy the ride!
