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Can I start surfing at 19?

Author

James Craig

Published Jan 07, 2026

You're not too old to start surfing. Seriously, no one is going to ask for an ID when you enter the lineup and you don't have to be this tall to ride a wave. There's no age limit to surfing and it doesn't matter if you begin as a 19, 25 or 35-year-old.

Can I learn to surf in my 20s?

You definitely can. Many surfers have taken up surfing while in their late 20s or early 30s. Even people in their late 30s and 40s can learn, although they may face more challenges.

At what age can you start surfing?

You can start surfing as early as 5 years old, but it is often best to start at around the age between 7-9. However, just because you didn't start at that age, does not mean you can't surf! There are certain surfing camps that have taught children as young as five years old.

Can I start surfing at 21?

Plenty of people start surfing in their 20s, 30s, 40s – some people even first jump on a board post-retirement. It might make it a little harder, but it's completely doable – it just takes a little bit of effort and perseverance.

What is the best time to surf as a beginner?

The generalized idea is that early morning is the best time to surf. This time would usually fall around sunrise. However, another excellent time to go surfing is in the early evenings around sunset. This is primarily due to there being a swell present in the water.

32 related questions found

How do beginners get waves?

Push the surfboard in the direction of the beach while lying flat on top of it. Make sure you are in the “sweet spot” on your surfboard – being too far forward on the board will also cause you to pearl. After finding your balance, it is time to paddle. Paddling helps to keep up with the speed of the wave gradually.

Can you surf on 1 ft waves?

As a general rule, if it's only 1ft, it's pretty difficult to surf on, unless you longboard or are a lightweight grom/ shredding machine!

Is it too late to start surfing?

Just like there is no age limit for surfing, there is no age limit for learning how to surf. It's never too late to start! Regardless of your age, learning how to surf can be achieved with enough time and determination.

How do I start surfing?

To start, surf only at beginner spots. (See Where to Surf, below.) Before paddling out, spend at least 30 minutes watching the surf. You'll want to watch where other surfers paddle out, where the waves are breaking, and the ability level of the people in the water.

Can anyone be good at surfing?

Yes, surfing is hard- but anyone can do it if they put in the effort. Here are five things you should know before you dive into the world of surfing and what expectations you should have before beginning this incredible sport.

Is it hard to surf?

Before you start surfing, you must know this: surfing is one of the most difficult and complex sports in the world. Think about it. Not one wave is the same, so your playground is constantly changing. Elements such as wind, tides and swells are affecting the waves you surf differently every single day.

Can a toddler surf?

Whatever it is, we find that kids can start surfing at about 5 years old if they are confident in the water and eager to try something new. Safety is our #1 priority for our youngest surfers. We have a lifeguard tower on the beach which is staffed with CPR certified guards from 6am – 6pm.

Where did surfing come from?

Surfing originated in the region we now call Polynesia but was the most advanced and documented in Hawaii. Originally called wave sliding, this sport was more than just casual fun for both genders. It had a lot of societal and spiritual meaning to the people, making it vastly important to their culture.

How long does it take to be good at surfing?

When you start surfing you typically use longer, wider boards, because these are easier and help you develop confidence and skill. If you can spare the time to surf three to four times weekly, you should find you've developed good skills in about two years.

Can I start surfing at 25?

Definitely. I started surfing at age 25, but I body boarded for 10 years before that, so that helped with wave knowledge. It's up to you ( and your significant other ) how much time and effort you put into surfing to reach that "advanced" level. My advice, don't worry about levels.

Is it hard to learn to surf Reddit?

Basic surfing isn't difficult at all.

What is a beginner surfer called?

Grom – a young and inexperienced surfer; also known as a grommet. Grubbing – falling off the surfboard while surfing. Gun – a big wave surfboard.

Can I learn to surf on my own?

It's completely possible to learn surfing on your own provided you are a persistent person, you have decent arm and leg strength and balance skills, you are willing to learn the surfing etiquette, and you have able to learn in a safe, beginner-friendly beach spot with small waves and low currents.

Can I surf alone?

Many people like to surf alone. Because they can manage their time before, during, and after the session, and because they can choose the break they prefer at any given time.

Can I learn to surf at 24?

Its never too late to learn to surf... i was 4 years older and there are many in here who learned to surf in their 40s or 50s... so dont you worry. lessons are definately the way to go. you can check out in a "safe" environement, if surfing is something for you.

How do I get in shape to surf?

Here are the best surfer exercises you can do to improve your fitness and endurance.

  1. Chin-ups. Getting up on a surfboard and keeping your balance has more to do with your upper body than you might think. ...
  2. Front squats. ...
  3. Running exercises. ...
  4. Pushups. ...
  5. Mobility drills. ...
  6. Dumbbell drills. ...
  7. Planking.

What is mushy surf?

Mushy. What it is: Also referred to as “crumble” waves, mushy waves are slow rolling, gently breaking waves. Perfect for beginners, these waves lack speed and are not particularly steep. How it's formed: Mushy waves occur when a swell approaches a more gradual bottom contour.

How big is a 5 foot wave?

That's very close to about 20-inch units for each half meter," Goddard told SurferToday. "So, two half meters is one meter, or about 3.28 feet - about waist high. Then, three half meters is about 60 inches or about head high. It looks like a five-foot wave, from the surfboard up to the lip of the wave."

How big is a six foot wave?

Thus, a "3-foot" wave is roughly six feet high (in actuality an Hm0 of ~1.8 m), i.e., head-high to a 6-foot (~180 cm) person; a "2-foot" wave is roughly four feet high (Hm0 of ~1.2 m), i.e., chest-high to such a person; and a "6- to 8-foot" wave would be 2 to approaching 3 times head-high to such a person (Hm0 of ~3.5 ...