Here are 12 tips to continue improving as an adult surf learner: maintain a learner mindset, understand the ocean, nail your etiquette, train specifically for surfing and more!
Imagine this, you are ready to start learning how to surf as an adult woman. In your mind this new adventure will take you to spend endless days in the blue ocean, feel connected with nature, spend time with friends, and ride a myriad of easy breezy waves.
It's only until you start taking some surf lessons that you realize the idle image of surfing you had in your mind was a little off and it takes real commitment to improve your surf skills.
For some of us, this is what learning to surf may actually look like: waking up at 5 a.m. since it's the only time you can surf before work, school or family responsibilities; enduring cold water (depending on your location), wearing uncomfortable wetsuits, suffering long paddle outs and heavy wipe outs, and all for what? To maybe catch a couple of waves on which your pop up was off and you ended up riding the white water to shore.
On top of that, since you're learning in your 30s, 40s, 50s or 90s, you may find out that most days not a lot of other people look like you in the line-up.
We got it; surfing can be frustrating. However, in a way we cannot really explain, surfing can also become a big part of our lives, and for some of us, an obsession.
So, to give you some encouragement, I want to share some tips I have gathered throughout the years to stick to your surfing progress and enjoy the ride.
I'm now in my mid-40s and I've been surfing for 15 years. I surf at least 4 times a week, enjoy most of it and, while I'm not a great surfer, I do feel great when I'm surfing.
No, I'm not where I want to be, yet. But I think I have done one or two things right that have helped me advance.
While I still believe age is just a number, there are some things like learning how to surf that become a little harder as we grow older.
If you're starting to surf as an adult, chances are that you have wondered until what point you can actually advance. And while advancing in surfing is relative, I want to summarize some tips that keep helping me and may help you, too:
Maintaining a learner mindset is key to improving your surfing
One thing I have realized is that I don't feel like I ever stopped learning how to surf. I'm constantly seeking information about the ocean, different wave types, board shapes, maneuvers, surf etiquette and even different surf styles.
Cultivating this mindset takes intentional effort. I hire surf coaches and follow experienced surfers on social media, watch surf films and competition footage, and keep a surf journal where I jot down observations after each session. Over time, these small habits add up and accelerate your progress in ways that more time in the water alone cannot. The key is to stay curious and treat every session as a learning opportunity.
What is surf etiquette and why does it matter?
Surf etiquette is (more or less) a set of rules to keep some order in the lineup.
The important part here is that there's little improving in surfing if you don't know how to safely share the lineup with others.
While mistakes may occur, the best you can do is learn as much as you can about surf etiquette. You may even find that there are some particular rules to your local surf spot. Having that knowledge will not only keep you safe, but also give you confidence to paddle out and sit on a crowded line up.
There are plenty of online resources and literature about surf etiquette, start reading and sharing the knowledge with your crew.
Learn about the ocean
Once you start learning more about the ocean, its importance for a healthy planet and its beauty, you will start feeling even more passionate about surfing.
Knowledge about the ocean may also give you an extra feeling of being connected with the water and all elements that surround you while you are surfing. The constantly changing dynamics of the ocean is what makes surfing so beautiful, and becoming a water-woman is an existing part of surfing.
Train out of the water to improve your surfing
I became a certified personal trainer because I love fitness, but I have to admit that staying healthy for surfing is my main motivation to hit the gym, workout constantly and follow a surf-specific health program.
There are some really good coaches and personal trainers, or even fitness apps that can help you achieve your surf goals by training smart out of the water.
Learning about the main muscles you need for surfing and how to keep them strong and healthy can be the difference between long surf sessions and an injury.
Personally, I quickly realized that I didn't have enough upper body strength to surf the waves I envisioned myself surfing. More importantly, I learned that not all upper body exercises are adequate for someone who surfs frequently. Learning to balance your in-water training with your on-land workouts is fundamental for surf longevity.
A general rule of thumb is strengthening your core muscles, build paddle endurance, work on your balance, throw in some explosive exercises and include resting.
Learn to read the surf forecast
I have to admit that when I started surfing, I knew basically nothing about the ocean. I grew up far from the ocean and my oceanography and meteorology education was basically nonexistent.
That makes the process of learning how to read the forecast harder, but also more exciting. I am proud to say that I have read entire books about oceanography and that I can understand pretty much every element of a basic surf forecast.
Perhaps the most well-known surf forecast app is Surfline. You can find up to 17 days in advance of surf forecast for hundreds of surf spots around the world. Try to learn what each element on their forecast means: swell direction and size, wave period and energy, wind and tides, and start learning how each of those apply to your spot.
Keeping a surf journal can also be an amazing tool to write down your own observations.
Set realistic surfing goals as an adult learner
At the beginning, I felt like I was overwhelmed with everything that I was supposed to learn in just one surf lesson. That feeling can stick with you for a long time as you want to improve your paddle technique, your pop-up and your style on the waves. All at once.
Instead, I decided to focus on specific, realistic goals.
For example, I may set one goal for a week or for a session. Practice getting more speed on the waves, practice duck diving etc.
Other times my goal has been more about my mindset. For example, I try to pay attention to my self-talk in the water and see if I'm being mostly positive or negative with myself.
The important part is that focusing on one goal will help you silence the noise about everything else. I suggest you write your realistic goal for the week and see how that impacts your surfing.
What surfboard should an adult beginner ride?
My first surfboard was a 7’6” funboard. I think boards close to 8 feet are a great starting point. My first board had enough foam and volume for me to practice in the white water at first and then transition to the green waves.
These days my quiver consist on:
A couple of shortboards that I love, but they teach me to be patient. A shortboard is unforgiving so you need to be quick to your feet and fast at reading waves.
A mid-length surfboard is basically my best friend. I take it with me for fun sized waves and usually feels easier to paddle around. I cannot duck dive on it so I avoid taking in when the waves are faster or heavier.
A longboard that forces me to slowdown and teaches me how to be a little more "elegant" on the waves. I usually take this one out when it's small.
I've heard many times that switching boards really helps your surfing and I believe that's 100% true.
Should you paddle out when conditions are beyond your level?
It is important to know one’s limits and stay safe. However, pressure from friends, surf buddies, or even ourselves, can make us paddle out to dangerous situations beyond our limits.
What you consider big waves may be small for your friend, and that's ok.
The important part is that you don't ruin your session or even put yourself in danger for fear of saying no.
There's nothing wrong about admitting that you don't want to paddle out. Look for a different spot or even wait for a smaller day.
How to safely push your surfing limits as an adult?
On the flip side, the best way to improve is actually pushing your limits a little., but always make sure you are safe.
Going out on a slightly bigger day or paddle out at a new spot with a coach can be a great way to improve.
Learning about fear management can change your life. There are great books and online content about it.
Finally, I am taking an underwater breath hold class that is changing my life.
These are excellent tools to push your limits little by little while staying safe.
Can surf travel actually improve your surfing?
One time, after several days of bad surf sessions, a good friend said this: don't worry, it's not you, it's the waves.
I only fully understood the meaning of that when I started traveling to surf in really high-quality waves.
While I'm grateful for living in a place where there's surfable waves virtually all year round, there are only few days when the waves are really awesome around my town.
It's been mainly while traveling that I have experienced the longest rides of my life, the most exhilarating drops and the most amazing views of a long, welcoming wave face in front of me.
I can recommend Surf With Amigas, A Week Awake and Kassia Meador's retreats, which are women only surf retreats I have joined and have helped my surf journey tremendously.
How does a positive mindset help you become a better surfer?
I know this is easier said than done, but maintaining a positive attitude towards yourself and others will make you a better surfer, period.
So many things can make us angry in the water: not catching waves, people dropping in on our waves, rude comments in the lineup. However, even when you feel frustrated because of any reason, try to find something positive to focus on, admire the beauty of your surf spot, focus on your breath and let any negative experiences fly away.
Don’t forget to have fun!
Why joining a surf group can change your surfing journey?
Last but not least, and this can actually be a life changing step, join a group of like-minded adult surfers.
In my case, I cannot thank the Wahine Kai women's surf club enough for their support and camaraderie.
Joining a surf group will motivate you and most likely, will help you find your new best surf friends.
I hope some of these tips can help you today. Most importantly, what I really want is for you to have fun in the water and love surfing!
Do you think I missed something? Are there other tips that have helped you while you progressed in your surf journey? Let's start the conversation in the comments!