Learning to surf can be intimidating. Thereʻs the ocean, the currents, the waves, what board to ride, how to paddle out, and so much more. Lessons are a great way to jumpstart your new-found surf passion, but how many surf lessons do you need?
If you consider yourself athletic you could pick up the basics of surfing in a single 1-2 hour surf lesson. For everyone else, expect to take 3 surf lessons before you get a solid grasp on the basics of surfing, which includes paddling, wave positioning, and popping up in the whitewater.
From there, surfing really takes a lifetime to master. It took me a month to pop up on my surfboard without taking lessons as a kid and 30 years later, Iʻm still trying to figure it all out. I wish there were lessons around when I was younger, it might not have taken me so long.
What To Expect Out Of A Surf Lesson?
Going out surfing for the first time will be an experience you will never forget, but it can also be a little nerve racking. However, there is no need to worry, if you are with a competent surf instructor at a good beginner wave, youʻre most likely in for the best experience of your life.
Here are a few things you can expect out of a surf lesson:
- The Lesson Will Start Out On Land
Your surf instructor should begin the surf lesson with ocean awareness exercises; by going over the conditions, how to read the waves, where to paddle and so on.
However, most surf lessons just give a quick tutorial on how to pop up on a board on dry land and then send you out there. When booking your lesson, ask what their beginning protocol is.
- SurfBoard Selection
Most likely you will be equipped with a soft-top longboard that is suited for your height and weight. Your instructor knows what you should be riding but may not necessarily tell you why.
Be sure to ask questions about board selection with your surf instructor. Why did they choose that board for you? What kind of board do they think would be good for you to use after your surf lessons are over?
If youʻre looking for a few more tips on how to choose the right surfboard, feel free to click on this post. - Paddling Out Will Be Hard
The hardest thing about surfing is paddling out. Even if you are good at swimming, surfing requires slightly different muscles. Plus you have to contend with waves trying to push you back to shore.
Learn a few tips on how to paddle better by reading this guide diving deep into everything you need to know.
- Your Instructor Will Push You Into Waves
Before paddling out to the outside to catch unbroken waves, you will start off closer to shore where the waves have already broken. This is where you want to catch your first waves.
If you are in a group lesson, expect to catch a lot of waves on your own, but your instructor should be pushing you into a couple. If they arenʻt helping and you cannot catch waves on your own, ask for help. Thatʻs what theyʻre getting paid for. - You Will Still Be A Complete Beginner After Your Surf Lesson
Unless you are a born natural (they do exist), you will still be a complete beginner after your surf lesson. Whether you take more lessons or practice on your own, this is where the real work and dedication come in.
If you want to get past beginner status, you need to take what you learned from your surf lesson and apply it to surf sessions where you go out on your own. It can take a month to a year of regular surfing to get past this stage depending on how regularly you surf.
How Much Do Surf Lessons Cost?
Surf lessons can range anywhere from $80 for a group lesson to over $200 for a single one on one session. The price depends on whether or not these lessons are taken in a vacation destination and the time of year that they are taken.
The best way to find quality surf lessons is to search google for your desired location or call your local surf shop for recommendations.
As with almost everything, a good deal is not always a good deal. Some surf lessons go the extra mile with new equipment, certified instructors with lifeguard experience, and everything in between to make your experience run smoothly. But youʻll pay for it.
You can find quality lessons from a smaller operation, but make sure they are reputable before you sign on, there are some swindlers out there.
Are Surf Lessons Worth It?
If you are a complete newbie to the ocean, then surf lessons are almost a must. The ocean is not a swimming pool and it can turn on you really quickly. Getting knowledgeable guidance, at least for your first surf session, could be the difference between life and death.
I would suggest at least one lesson, then take what you learned and apply it for future surf sessions without the lessons.
Besides, before going out to buy a new surfboard, wetsuit, and whatever else you may need to go surf, it could be a good idea to take a lesson, use their equipment and see if you even enjoy surfing before spending all of that money.
Can I Teach Myself To Surf?
If you are determined, in good shape, and have good common sense when it comes to staying out of trouble, you can teach yourself to surf. I have a bunch of tips for you if this is the route you take in this post about how to teach yourself to surf.
In fact, if you are a complete beginner, one or two lessons should leave you with everything you need to know as a beginning surfer. After that, itʻs up to you to get out in the water regularly to work on those skills.
It can take a couple surf sessions to over a month of regular surfing to dependably get on your feet and up to 6 months to get a successful riding going down the face of a wave, so if you feel like your progress is slow, just know that getting good at surfing takes time and a lot of practice.
But hereʻs a ninja tip for you if you still donʻt feel confident in your surf knowledge.
When I was a kid, there was a surf coach who regularly gave private lessons at my local beachbreak. I remember somehow “drifting” close to them so that I could listen in on the tips he was sharing with his clients.
I learned a lot about surfing that way, and the best thing, it didnʻt cost me a dime.
What Is The Hardest Thing About Surfing?
When you go surfing for the first time, the hardest thing for you will be popping up to your feet in the whitewater. There shouldnʻt be a lot of paddling at this stage of your surf career because youʻll be catching waves in the whitewater.
When you progress past catching waves in the whitewater, itʻs time to paddle to the outside. Only thing is, paddling is the hardest part.
Catching waves and standing up is the easy part, paddling back out is where the skill and fitness come in that will make or break your session. Without the ability to paddle back out, youʻll just be tiring yourself out and limiting your ability to catch waves.
Lucky for you, I created an epic resource to help you paddle back out successfully.
How Can Improve My Surfing When The Surf Lessons Are Done?
Once youʻve taken a lesson and mastered catching waves in the whitewater, howʻs a beginning surfer like you supposed to take it to the next level?
Surf With Friends
The best way for you to take your surfing to the next level is to go out with friends who are just a little bit better than you.
Surfers at the advanced intermediate to advanced level are not very good teachers, unless you are just below their skill level.. They want to surf waves where you probably shouldnʻt be and normally arenʻt very good breaking down what you need to do because theyʻre way past that already.
If you just mastered getting up in the whitewater, find someone who just mastered how to go down the line. If you can go down the line, find someone who can show you how to shuffle your feet, and so on.
Most beginners are eager to have a surf buddy, so donʻt be afraid to strike up and conversation. Who knows, maybe it can lead to your next mentor.
Hire A Coach
If you have money to spend and want to speed up your learning curve, you could pay for a private surf coach.
Professional level surfers have coaches these days, so it stands safe to reason that having a surf coach as an advanced beginner can be beneficial for you as well.
Personal coaches are trained to see what you need to work on and when you need to work on it. The cost can add up, but if youʻre serious about upping your game, it could be well worth it.
Join a Surf Program
Something that didnʻt exist when I first started surfing was the internet. I would have to wait for the once monthly surf contest on TV and I would study every move they made. Now, with the internet, you can learn how to surf from the very best for very little money.
Youtube has a lot of content that can get you going, but signing up for one of the many online surf programs can be really beneficial.
If you are thinking of going this route, may I suggest OMBE Surf. I do not get paid to recommend the program, I am recommending the program because I am a member.
Let me tell you, their program is legit. Iʻve progressed my surfing more in the past 6 months as part of their program than I have in my whole surf career. I sure wish this program was available years ago!
Surfing is more than a sport. It is a passion. However you decide to move forward, just remember, paddle out, show respect, and have fun!! Aloha!
