Top 7 Mistakes Beginner Surfers Make (And How to Fix Them)
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Learning to surf is one of the most rewarding things you can do — but it’s also one of the most challenging.
Most beginners struggle not because surfing is impossible, but because they’re making a few common mistakes that slow down progress.
The good news?
These mistakes are easy to fix once you know what to look for.
In this guide, we’ll break down the top 7 mistakes beginner surfers make, and more importantly, how to correct them so you can improve faster, catch more waves, and enjoy your time in the water.
1. Choosing the Wrong Surfboard
This is by far the biggest mistake beginners make.
Many new surfers choose boards that are too small, too thin, or too advanced.
Smaller boards may look exciting, but they are much harder to paddle, balance on, and catch waves with.
Why It’s a Problem
- Less stability
- Harder wave entry
- More failed pop-ups
How to Fix It
Start with a larger, high-volume surfboard, ideally:
- 8ft to 9ft foam surfboard
- Wide and stable
- Designed for beginners
The right board will dramatically improve your wave count and confidence.
2. Standing Up Too Slowly
The pop-up is one of the most important movements in surfing.
Beginners often hesitate or try to stand up in stages, which causes them to lose balance.
Why It’s a Problem
- Missed waves
- Poor balance
- Late take-offs
How to Fix It
Practice a fast, smooth pop-up:
- Push up explosively
- Bring your feet under you in one motion
- Keep your eyes forward
Practising on land can make a huge difference.
3. Looking Down Instead of Forward
Where you look is where you go.
Many beginners look down at their feet, which throws off balance and direction.
Why It’s a Problem
- Loss of balance
- Poor wave direction
- Reduced control
How to Fix It
Always look:
👉 Where you want to go (down the line)
This keeps your body aligned and improves stability.
4. Poor Positioning in the Water
Positioning is one of the hardest skills to learn.
Beginners often sit:
- Too far out
- Too far inside
- Or directly in the wrong spot
Why It’s a Problem
- Missing waves
- Late take-offs
- Getting caught in whitewater
How to Fix It
Watch where other surfers sit and adjust accordingly.
A good rule:
👉 You should be where the waves start to break, not after they’ve already broken.
5. Not Catching Enough Waves
Many beginners spend too much time sitting and waiting.
Progress in surfing comes from wave count.
Why It’s a Problem
- Slower improvement
- Less confidence
- Frustration
How to Fix It
- Paddle more
- Commit to waves
- Use a board that helps you catch waves easily
Catching more waves = faster progression.
6. Letting Go of the Surfboard
This is a common and dangerous mistake.
When waves hit, beginners sometimes jump off and let go of their board.
Why It’s a Problem
- Risk of hitting other surfers
- Loss of control
- Dangerous in crowded surf
How to Fix It
Always hold onto your board.
If you can’t duck dive or turtle roll yet, practise managing whitewater safely.
7. Ignoring Surf Etiquette
Surf etiquette is essential for staying safe and avoiding conflict.
Beginners often:
- Drop in on other surfers
- Paddle into someone’s line
- Take waves out of turn
Why It’s a Problem
- Dangerous situations
- Frustration in the lineup
- Poor surf experience
How to Fix It
Learn the basics:
- Respect right of way
- Don’t drop in
- Wait your turn
Understanding etiquette will make your sessions much more enjoyable.
Bonus Tip: Expect Slow Progress (At First)
Surfing takes time.
It’s normal to struggle in the beginning.
The key is consistency.
The more time you spend in the water, the faster you’ll improve.
How to Progress Faster as a Beginner
To speed up your progress:
- Use the right surfboard
- Focus on fundamentals
- Surf regularly
- Stay patient
Small improvements each session add up quickly.
Final Thoughts
Every surfer makes mistakes when learning — it’s part of the journey.
The difference between slow and fast progression often comes down to recognising and correcting these common issues early.
By avoiding these 7 beginner surfing mistakes, you’ll:
- Catch more waves
- Improve faster
- Enjoy surfing more
Stick with it, stay consistent, and most importantly — have fun.
