Beginner Surfing Tips: How to Start Riding Down the Line
The Key Steps for Beginners
Every surfer dreams of that first magical glide across the wave face—not just riding straight in the whitewater. To get there, beginners need to master four essential steps:
- Look Ahead, Not Down – Keep your eyes on where you want to go, not your board. Just like riding a bike, your body follows your gaze.
- Pop-Up Smoothly – Your pop-up doesn’t have to be perfect, but it must be quick and clean. Practice at home until it becomes second nature.
- Angle Your Takeoff – Point your board slightly down the line before you pop up. It makes catching waves smoother and avoids a steep bottom turn.
- Stay High on the Face – Hug the wave’s power zone. Keep your eyes on the face, shift weight onto the inside rail, and drag your hand if needed to lock yourself in.
Nail these steps and you’ll unlock surfing down the line—the “moment” that hooks surfers for life.
How TRAX Helps Beginners Progress
Beginners often can’t tell if they’re looking too low, popping up too slowly, or dropping too far into the flats. TRAX records your foot placement, angles, and flow so you can see exactly what’s working. With real feedback, you’ll progress from whitewater rides to down-the-line surfing faster than ever.
Related Reading
- Fix Your Surf Stance – From Poo Stance to Power
- How to Catch More Waves (Without Just Paddling Harder)
