Starting Surfing? Here's What You Actually Need to Know

Starting Surfing? Here's What You Actually Need to Know

Getting into surfing can feel like learning a new language.
Board types, wave conditions, stance, safety – it’s a lot.
But it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Here are the 7 core things every beginner needs to get right – without wasting money, hurting yourself, or learning the hard way.

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1. Your First Board Should Be Big and Soft

No, not “big” like a performance shortboard.
Big like a training-wheels bike.

Choose a board that’s:
– Long (8’0+ helps with glide)
– Thick (better float = easier paddling)
– Wide (more stable for standing)

A soft-top is ideal. It won’t break your nose – or someone else’s – when you fall.

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2. Your Leash Isn’t Just a Strap

Attach the leash to your back foot (the one you’d not kick a ball with).
Loop it correctly so the string sticks out the side – not underneath your foot.

Step on your leash = fall city.

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3. Go Where the Surf Schools Go

Good beginner waves are slow, soft, and break in deeper water.
Look for:
– Gentle beach breaks
– Lifeguards nearby
– Other learners in the water

Avoid:
– Dumpy closeouts
– Steep reefs
– Busy high-performance peaks

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4. Learn to Stand Before You Surf

You wouldn’t try your first ollie on a real skateboard ramp. Same with surfing.

Practice your pop-up on land:
– Arch your back
– Place hands under shoulders
– Step into a triangle stance (not a “crab” pose)
– Keep your body stacked, like a Jenga tower

Do 10–20 reps at home. It’ll make your water sessions way less chaotic.

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5. Timing > Power

Don’t windmill-paddle like you’re chasing a jet ski.

Instead:
– Wait until the wave lifts your tail
– Arch your back
– Glide in (like an Oreo biscuit sliding into milk)
– Then pop up

You’re working with the wave – not forcing it.

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6. Safety Isn’t Optional

– Always cover your head when you fall
– Don’t dive off head-first (shallow sand = broken necks)
– Know your board’s “kill zone” – if someone’s near the nose, don’t go
– Walk out to waist-deep water before you start catching anything

Most beginner injuries come from not knowing these basics.

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7. Don’t Surf Alone

Go with a friend. Or take a lesson.
You’ll learn faster, feel safer, and have someone to laugh with when you wipe out (which you will).

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How TRAX Helps You Learn Smarter (Once You're Ready)

TRAX isn’t for total first-timers – but once you’re standing and catching waves regularly, it becomes a coach in your pocket.

It tracks:
– Weight distribution
– Whether your stance is balanced or crabby
– How fast (or slow) you’re actually paddling

So your next session isn’t just “fun” – it’s better than the last one.

Related Reading:
→ Fix Your Surf Pop-Up — Balance, stance, and takeoff mistakes most beginners make
→ How to Catch Your First Green Wave — No more foam — here’s how to get to the open face
→ Frustrated With Your Surfing? That’s Where Progress Starts — What to do when you hit your first plateau

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