1
Equipment
Choosing the Wrong Surfboard
This is one of the biggest mistakes beginners make.
New surfers are often attracted to boards that look smaller,
faster or more advanced than the boards they actually need.
Why it's a problem
- Less stability
- Harder paddling
- Fewer waves caught
- More failed pop-ups
The fix
Start with a larger, high-volume board designed specifically
for beginners. For many adults, that means an 8ft–9ft foam
surfboard.
See the Best Beginner Surfboards →
2
Technique
Standing Up Too Slowly
The pop-up is one of the most important movements in surfing.
A common mistake is trying to stand up in stages — knees first,
pause, then attempt to stand.
Why it's a problem
- Loss of balance
- Late take-offs
- Missed waves
The fix
Practise a quick, smooth movement: hands down, push up,
bring your feet underneath you and land in a low stance.
Why Can't I Stand Up? →
3
Balance
Looking Down Instead of Forward
Your body tends to follow your eyes.
Looking down at your feet might feel natural when you're
nervous, but it can make your stance and direction much less stable.
Why it's a problem
- Reduced balance
- Poor direction
- Less control
The fix
Look where you want to go. Once you're standing, keep your
eyes down the wave rather than staring at your feet.
4
Wave Knowledge
Poor Positioning in the Water
Positioning is one of the hardest skills to learn because
every beach and every wave behaves differently.
Why it's a problem
- You miss waves
- You take off too late
- You get caught in whitewater
The fix
Watch the waves before paddling out. Watch where experienced
surfers are sitting and look for the point where waves begin
to break.
You don't necessarily want to sit exactly where everyone else
is — but observing the lineup gives you valuable information.
5
Wave Count
Not Catching Enough Waves
Surfing is learned by actually surfing.
Spending most of your session sitting and waiting means
you're getting fewer opportunities to practise.
Why it's a problem
- Slower improvement
- Less confidence
- More frustration
The fix
Use equipment that makes wave catching easier. Paddle,
practise positioning and take more suitable waves.
More waves = more practice.
6
Safety
Letting Go of Your Surfboard
This is more than a progression mistake — it can become
a genuine safety issue.
When a wave arrives, beginners sometimes panic and jump
away from their board.
Why it's a problem
- The board can hit another surfer
- You lose control of your equipment
- The situation becomes unpredictable
The fix
Learn how to manage your board safely and understand
what to do in whitewater before heading into conditions
beyond your ability.
Your leash is there to keep the board connected to you —
but it isn't a substitute for good board control.
7
Surf Etiquette
Ignoring Surf Etiquette
You don't need to know everything about surfing before
paddling out, but you do need to understand the basics
of sharing the lineup safely.
Common problems
- Dropping in on another surfer
- Paddling into someone's line
- Taking waves out of turn
The fix
Learn right of way, watch what other surfers are doing
and give people enough space.
When in doubt, sit back and observe before joining in.
