What We Wish We Knew Before Our First Time Surfing!

March 19, 2025

The Most Important Lesson for a Beginner Surfer? Timing. Top Tips to Help You Catch Your First Waves

Surfing is one of the most exhilarating sports on the planet. There’s nothing quite like the rush of standing up on your board and riding a wave to shore. But ask any seasoned surfer, and they’ll tell you—your first time won’t be as easy as it looks in the movies. There are lessons every beginner must learn, and if you’re gearing up for your first surf session, knowing these will help you get the most out of your experience. Here’s everything I wish I knew before paddling out for the first time.

Surfing is More Physically Demanding Than You Think

At first glance, surfing looks effortless—just standing up and gliding over waves. But what you don’t see is the constant paddling, duck diving, and balancing that require strength, endurance, and coordination.

Paddling: You’ll be paddling a lot more than you expect. It’s a full upper-body workout.
Leg Strength: You need solid leg strength and balance to stay upright.
Core Engagement: Your core does most of the work when you pop up and stay stable on the board.

Tip: Prepare your body with exercises like push-ups, planks, and squats to build endurance and strength before your first session.

Timing is Everything

The biggest challenge for any beginner surfer is understanding wave timing. You need to catch the wave at just the right moment—too early, and you’ll miss the momentum; too late, and the wave will crash over you.

Green Waves vs. Whitewater: Beginners should start in whitewater (already broken waves) before progressing to unbroken “green” waves.
Wave Selection: Not every wave is worth catching. Watch the sets and choose the ones that suit your level.
Popping Up: Hesitating when popping up will make you miss the ride. Commit fully!

Tip: Watch experienced surfers and note when they start paddling for a wave. Mimicking their timing can help you improve faster.

Choose the Right Gear

The type of surfboard and gear you use can make or break your first experience. As a beginner, opt for a soft-top longboard (8-9 feet). It’s stable, forgiving, and easier to balance on.

Wetsuit or Rash Guard: Depending on the water temperature, you’ll need either a wetsuit or a rash guard for protection.
Leash: Always wear a surf leash—it keeps your board from becoming a hazard.
Sunscreen: Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect your skin and the ocean.

👉 Need beginner-friendly gear? Check out our selection at Spunky’s Surf Shop!

Falling is Part of the Process

You will fall. A lot. But that’s part of learning. The key is to fall the right way to avoid injury:

Falling Flat: Try to land flat rather than diving headfirst.
Protect Your Head: Cover your head with your arms if you wipe out.
Don’t Panic: If you’re held underwater for a few seconds, stay calm—it happens to everyone.

Tip: Learn to laugh at your wipeouts. Every fall is a step closer to mastering the waves!

Surf Etiquette is Non-Negotiable

Surfing has unwritten rules that every surfer should follow to keep the lineup safe and respectful:

Don’t Drop In: The surfer closest to the peak has the right of way.
Respect the Locals: Be polite and observe how experienced surfers navigate the waves.
Hold Onto Your Board: Don’t let go of your board—it can injure others.

Tip: Knowing these basic rules will earn you respect in the water and prevent unnecessary collisions.

The Ocean is Unpredictable—Respect It

Even on a calm day, the ocean can be powerful and unpredictable. Before you paddle out, make sure you understand the following:

Rip Currents: Learn how to spot and escape rip currents (swim parallel to shore, not against the current).
Wave Sets: Waves come in patterns called “sets.” Be patient and wait for the right one.
Tides & Conditions: Check the tide charts and surf forecast before heading out.

Tip: If you’re nervous, start at a beginner-friendly beach with gentle waves and lifeguard supervision.

Embrace the Learning Curve

Your first surf session might not go as planned—you’ll struggle, fall, and maybe even swallow a little seawater. But every surfer starts as a beginner, and the key is to keep trying, stay patient, and most importantly, have fun. With the right mindset, gear, and preparation, you’ll be riding waves in no time.

Ready to Get Started?

Visit Spunky’s Surf Shop for beginner-friendly boards, wetsuits, and accessories. Our team is always happy to help you gear up for your first session!