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How do you become a pro surfer?

Author

Emma Payne

Published Jan 10, 2026

To be a pro surfer, you'll need to get yourself out there, gain experience and engage in contests. You should be able to perform well on the beginner level and improve your performance as you transit from one level to the other.

How do you go pro in surfing?

GoPro Surfing Guide: 13 GoPro Surfing Tips, Settings, Mounts, Composition

  1. Avoid water drops and condensation.
  2. Start with a GoPro surfboard mount.
  3. Test your angles before you surf.
  4. Ask a friend for help.
  5. Plan some still shots.
  6. Switch up your angle and field of view.
  7. Play with Protune.
  8. Best GoPro surf settings.

How long would it take to become a pro surfer?

Most keen surfers don't have the ability (or guts!) to up the stakes and head off to more challenging beaches to hone their skills. But, if you were to do this, you could probably move up to expert/pro surf levels within six months or so.

Can you be a professional surfer?

Multiple USA National Champion, Kolohe Andino, is …

Most of us, at least those who have the talent to take a serious shot at turning pro and being a professional surfer, stumble on two hurdles: contest results and being lost amid the tens of thousands of other surfers with the same desire and roughly the same ability.

Is it hard to be a pro surfer?

Becoming a sponsored surfer is a hard-fought battle. There are thousands of aspiring pro surfers that may very well perform better than you, so the road's tough. Nevertheless, if you tick on some of our guidelines, the chances of getting companies behind your back will likely increase.

40 related questions found

What age do pro surfers start?

On average, a surfer starts his or her professional career at between 14 and 18 years of age and hangs the leash around 35. Nevertheless, we've athletes reaching their peak of performance around 35 or 40.

Can I start surfing at 19?

There's no age limit to surfing and it doesn't matter if you begin as a 19, 25 or 35-year-old.

How do you get sponsored as a surfer?

Just follow our 10 ways to get sponsored guide and you will massively increase your chances of getting sponsored, we guarantee it!

  1. Start Small. ...
  2. Surf Plenty. ...
  3. Get Photos Of You Surfing. ...
  4. Make Surf Videos. ...
  5. Compete In Surf Competitions. ...
  6. Message Potential Sponsors. ...
  7. Treat It As A Job. ...
  8. Be A Pro On Social Media.

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.

Who is the oldest pro surfer?

Kelly Slater, the world's oldest living professional surfer and once the crown jewel of the World Surf League, becomes massive liability as reality of Covid-19 infections settle in!

How hard is learning to surf?

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.

Can you teach yourself to surf?

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.

How many hours a day do you surf?

Water time - if you are young and fit, anywhere from 2-4 hours on average. Managing 3 surfs per day 2 hour sessions isn't unheard of. Surfed for 6 hours in cold water once in my 20s and got hypothermia and slept for 14 hours straight afterwards.

How much money does a surfer 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.

What GoPro should I get for surfing?

The new Hero9 Black is reportedly the best GoPro for surfing. This is a major upgrade to the Hero 8 Black. Its 1.4-inch front display color and 23.6MP sensor are the most notable features. The new flagship retains its built-in mount, 33ft water depth, and the same waterproof depth as its predecessor.

What is a female surfer called?

Wahine – Female surfer.

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.

How many surfing lessons do I need?

Different people, different needs

However, the majority of people need around 3 or 4 surfing lessons to get the basics down pat, which includes paddling, popping up to a standing position and riding an already broken wave (the whitewater).

How do I get sponsored by Quicksilver?

HOW CAN I GET SPONSORED? If you want to get sponsored, get out there and rip. Win contests, get photos in the mags, get yourself in videos. If you're killing it, our team of talent scouts will find you.

How do you get sponsored for a surf shop?

How to Get Sponsored:

  1. Adjust Your Expectations. It's no secret that the surf industry is going through some transitions. ...
  2. Start Local. If you're looking for a sponsor, the best thing you can do is to start with your local surf shop. ...
  3. Go To Traditional School. ...
  4. Elevate Your Attitude and Your Surfing.

How do you become a sponsored longboard surfer?

  1. Learn to surf! and become the ripper at your local beach, train and train hard.
  2. Make a good CV/Resume. ...
  3. Tell the brand why you like them and why you would like to be on their team.
  4. Become a social media leader. ...
  5. Get some high resolution shots of your surfing, chose only the very best and send those with your CV.

What is a good age to surf?

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 you become a pro surfer later in life?

No matter how good you get, there's always someone inconceivably better. And by a realistic account, it's completely true. Almost every single pro surfer alive started in childhood, and like most athletes, retirement is usually in your 30s or 40s, unless you're a freak of nature like Kelly Slater.

Who is the most famous surfer?

PHOTOS: Kelly Slater, the most famous surfer in the world, is from Cocoa Beach. Kelly Slater on the beach in Fiji. Slater, a Cocoa Beach native, has won 55 major titles. He is the most famous surfer in the world.