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How difficult is surfing?

Author

Sarah Smith

Published Jan 06, 2026

On a scale of 1 to 10, it is fair to say that learning to surf is a challenge with a degree of difficulty between 2 and 7. Everyone has their own pace. Some people will get the hang of it in a couple of hours; others will need several weekends to get their adrenaline running for the first time.

Is surfing really that hard?

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.

How long does it take to learn surfing?

Learning to surf requires between two hours and one month of practice. If you're struggling for more than two months to ride a wave, then there's something wrong with you. The first thing you'll need to master is lying and balancing on a surfboard - that could take you between half-an-hour and two or three hours.

Is surfing beginner friendly?

Surfers are often very protective of their waves, and can be hostile to beginners, particularly in crowded spots where the waves are good. Thus, when learning to surf on your own, make sure to choose a spot where the waves are not so good, so that surfers won't care so much if you mess up and get in their way.

Whats the hardest thing about surfing?

And the hardest part of surfing, by far, is paddling out, not surfing in. Carrying the board, getting back into the water, paddling through the waves, waiting for the next set…it's exhausting, and surfers spend far more time doing this than they do on the other part.

23 related questions found

Is surfing harder than skateboarding?

Surfing is generally considered harder than skateboarding because of the challenge of taking off on a wave. It involves hard skills like positioning yourself at the peak, paddling effectively into the wave, and popping up instantly before the drop while shifting your weight for steering.

Is surfing an expensive hobby?

Some surfers join surfing competitions to help fund their expensive lifestyles. You may spend around $600 to $700 for new surfing gear. Surfing can be a cheap hobby or an expensive lifestyle depending on how devoted you are to it. Surfing can be expensive for the beginner, especially if you live near the coast.

Can you surf in 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!

Can you 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 start surfing at 30?

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.

Can you learn surfing at 50?

At our surf and yoga retreats, we teach all different types of students–from varied backgrounds, athletic abilities, ages, and temperaments–how to experience the freedom and joy of riding the waves.

Do I need to know swimming for surfing?

So, the answer to the question "Is it possible to surf if you don't know how to swim" is yes, you need to learn to swim beforehand. Even if, technically, you can do it in a controlled, shallow water environment. In a way, it is like learning to walk before starting to run - one thing naturally precedes another.

How do I get fit for surfing?

5 ways to get surf fit

  1. Twisting burpees. Burpees mimic the explosive action of jumping up on your board after catching a wave, combining a push up and jump, while the added twist challenges your core and balance. ...
  2. Waking lunges. ...
  3. Straight arm pullovers. ...
  4. Single foot planks. ...
  5. Flying supermans.

Will surfing get you ripped?

As well as building muscle strength in your upper body and legs, the cross-training effect of surfing is a brilliant workout for your core, making it a full body workout. A lot of surf research suggests we use our trapezius, rectus abdominis, latissimus dorsi, obliques, triceps, biceps and deltoids.

Why you should date a surfer?

Dating a surfer opens your horizons to different surfboards and designs. It's fun to try different boards every now and then. When it comes time for a romantic couple vacation, you both have waves on your mind. There's no need to compromise or skimp on your surf trip to make your significant other happy.

What is the best age to 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.

Is it possible to surf every day?

Because if you can't surf every damn day, you can still surf every damn chance you get. Three waves counts as a session — no whitewater, of course. This rule comes from Dale Webster, the lunatic who surfed every single day for over forty years straight. It's the key to surfing every day.

What do you do if you see a shark while surfing?

If you do see a shark when you're surfing, please exit the water immediately. You don't need to thrash around and panic, but if you do see a dorsal or you hear somebody say that they saw a shark, you should leave the area. And I would recommend that you leave that area for a minimum of two days.

How can we protect sharks from surfers?

How to Avoid A Shark Attack While Surfing

  1. Avoid Prime Feeding Times. ...
  2. Avoid Areas Where They Feed. ...
  3. Be Aware of Your Surroundings. ...
  4. Surf with Others. ...
  5. Don't Swim in Murky Water. ...
  6. Be Mindful of What You're Wearing. ...
  7. Don't Bring Attention to Yourself. ...
  8. Use Shark Repellents.

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.

Is a 3ft wave big?

As far as I'm concerned, three feet is the perfect size for a wave. It's big enough that you can ride a shortboard and still have some decent faces to work with, but it's small enough to bust out the longboard and work on your nose-riding without worrying about bouncing your head off the reef.

What size wave is good for beginners?

If the surf forecast says 1-3m (3-9ft), then it's usually a good time to go surfing. 3m waves are not appropriate for beginners, but experienced surfers take on waves of incredible height. Under 1 meter, waves are usually more suited to beginner surfers.

Is surfing affordable?

Alongside the grown-ups, surfing has never been more popular with teens and even tweens! Once you have a board, it's even a pretty economical hobby. Some of the best surf destinations around the world are a travel bargain.

How much do surfers make?

In 2021, the base salaries of the top pro surfers range from $200,000 per year to over $2 million, based solely on surf sponsorships. Most professional surfers earn in the low hundreds of thousands of dollars per year.

Is surfing a fun hobby?

Not many surfers ever quit this hobby because of lack of fun. Most surfers all agree on that surfing is the most fun sport they've ever experienced, and that considering that at most, a typical ride on a wave only last a few seconds.