Beginner Surfers Learn Fundamentals

Beginner surfers learn 4 techniques that begin their adventures and allow them to practice on their own.

New students in Oceanside Surf Lessons learn to balance and paddle on their surfboard, learn to catch waves, pop up onto the surfboard, and ride to the beach on foam waves. Once these techniques are learned in a lesson, the student has all the information they need to practice.

Getting on the Surfboard

Beginner surfers begin in waist deep water in front of foam waves. They hold the board with the top side facing their chest and the tail towards the oncoming waves. Then they gently roll over so their feet are at the back of the board and they are perfectly balanced on the board. Their nose is in the middle and their feet together on the back of the board and balanced is obtained by moving their butt.

Catching Waves

Catching waves is a matter of timing and patience. When the foam wave is 20 feet away, the student rolls over on the surfboard and starts paddling. They look back and when the wave is 5 feet away they begin to paddle hard in short deep strokes. When the foam wave hits the surf board, it is important to paddle four more times until the surfboard is in front of the wave and moving smoothly.

Popping Up

Popping up is a process that requires steps and smoothness. After catching the wave, the student places his hands on the board in a man’s push up position under their chest. You do not grab the rails.Then with a smooth full extension push up, the student puts their back foot flat on the board under their butt and stands up. At the same time they are lifting their arms and driving their front foot to the middle of the board.

Riding the Surfboard

The proper posture is the front foot in the middle of the board at a 45 degree angle. The feet are shoulder width (3′) apart. The hips and shoulders are squared to the front. The knees are flexed. If in the proper position, the board will ride straight to the beach without any additional work.

Falling Off

If the student falls off on the butt side, it means their shoulders and hips are not squared to the front. If the student flies off the front of the board, it means their hands were still on the board when they put their front foot on the board instead of being up in a standing position. (see my video below)

Learn More:

For Oceanside Surf Lessons, see the Home Page

See the Post Surf Lessons Begin with Foam Waves

See the Post What You Learn in a 2 Hour Lesson

See the Post How to Progress in Surfing

See My Dry Land and In Water Demo video

See How to Catch a Green/Real Wave video