7 Common Beginner Surfing Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

Surfing is all about improving technique, building confidence, and making progress in the water. But, as any surfer knows, there are some common mistakes that hold beginners back from reaching their full potential. In this post, we’ll cover seven of the most frequent beginner surfing mistakes and how to fix them, so you can start surfing smarter, not harder.

1. Popping Up Too Quickly

Surprising, right? Many beginners rush their pop-up, thinking it’ll help them get to their feet faster. But this actually throws off your balance and increases the likelihood of wiping out. To avoid this, take a brief moment to pause in the prone position before popping up. This calm pause will act as an anchor, helping you center yourself before the transition to your feet. Remember, popping up isn’t a race; it’s a smooth, controlled movement that should be slower and lower to keep your balance in check.

2. Not Resting Effectively Between Waves

A common mistake is not giving yourself enough time to rest and recover between waves. If you’re holding a strong arch in your back for long periods, you’ll quickly tire out. Instead, sit toward the back of your board, grab the rails, and allow your back muscles to relax. When you’re ready to paddle again, simply lean forward, lifting the board out of the water, and start paddling. Resting effectively helps prevent burnout and allows you to stay energized throughout your session.

3. Poor Positioning

Surfing is all about positioning, but many beginners struggle with this. Getting your positioning right is essential for catching waves and progressing. Spend time learning to read the waves, noticing different colors and textures that indicate a peak or shoulder. A big part of positioning is being in the right place at the right time, which comes with experience. The more time you spend in the water, the better you’ll understand how to position yourself for success. Learning how to read waves is like learning a new language; consider this your next big project!

Bonus tip: spending time swimming and body surfing is a great way to learn how to read waves.

4. Weak Paddling Technique

Good paddling is crucial for catching waves, but many beginners underestimate its importance. To paddle effectively, you need strong back and lat muscles to propel yourself forward and generate enough speed to catch the wave. Practice paddling with an activated “banana” back, keeping your body arched to engage the right muscles. Paddling is often overlooked, but it’s essential for both positioning and wave catching. The stronger your paddle, the easier your sessions will become.

KEZ reference my paddling video *******Here’s a video that explains paddle technique and how to perfect it

5. Not Paddling Enough Before Popping Up

This mistake usually comes from either fatigue or fear. Many beginners paddle too slowly, which results in a poor line into the wave and a difficult drop. To avoid this, make sure you paddle enough before you pop up, giving your board the momentum it needs to glide into the wave. Extra paddling ensures you catch the wave at the right speed, setting you up for a smoother ride and a better pop-up.

If you find yourself missing a lot of waves (or popping up and fading off the back of the wave) then try this mantra; two extra strokes. By adding in two final strokes before you pop up, that is, two more than you feel is adequate, you’ll more likely be in the optimal position to take off cleanly with a good line. This then becomes your new normal.

6. Looking Down All the Time

One of the most common mistakes beginners make is constantly looking down at their feet, which throws off their balance and the direction they’re going. As the saying goes, “Where you look is where you go.” Focus on looking up and down the line of the wave, and your body will naturally follow your gaze. Looking ahead helps you make better decisions about your line, allowing you to adjust your body position and maintain control as you ride the wave.

7. Standing Up Too Straight

Standing up straight with stiff legs is a recipe for a lack of control and poor wave performance. Many beginners are surprised to see themselves standing like a robot in photos, but this is a common mistake. The key is to lower your center of gravity and find that sweet spot of balance. Bend your knees, keep your belly button low, and think about folding slightly as you stand. This will give you a more stable base and allow you to build speed on the wave as you go. Don’t make the mistake of hingeing too much at the hips without bending your knees as well, which also results in a lack of stability and power.

Many of these skills and points are covered in much more detail, with visual help, inside The Surfer’s Roadmap online programs. The Surfer’s Roadmap, with over 10,000 students, is the world’s largest and most effective online surf training program. Check it out here.