How long does it take to be good at surfing?
Daniel Moore
Published Jan 22, 2026
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. What that means is that you'll probably become a good judge of surf and tides, will be able to catch all the waves you aim for, and won't have any problems paddling a long way out.
How hard is it to get good at surfing?
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.
How long does it take to become intermediate at surfing?
Skills Development
From Level 5 Intermediate Surfer, it takes approximately 250-500 hours to acquire Level 6 Intermediate surfer skills. To progress from Beginner (Level 3 Surfer) and become a Level 6 Intermediate Surfer, it takes approximately 750-1500 hours in total.
How do you get really good at surfing?
- Pick a Good Teacher. If you decide to take some surf lessons, research the teacher in advance. ...
- Get Yourself a Soft-Top. ...
- Spend Some Time on Dry Land First. ...
- Pace Yourself. ...
- Don't Get Tangled with the Big Dogs. ...
- Get Comfortable Sitting on that Board. ...
- Paddle, Paddle, Paddle. ...
- Get Used to Wiping Out.
Is surfing hard to learn?
The truth is, learning to surf is tough and it takes time, a long time. How hard can it be? From mastering the popup, reading waves to navigating the lineup and brutal paddle outs, surfing can at times be a hard sport to become good at.
19 related questions foundIs 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 I learn to surf in a day?
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.
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.
How do surfers stay low?
4. Keep a Low Center of Gravity. Try to maintain a low center of gravity in the surf line by bending your knees. Staying low will increase your stability and will help you gain speed.
Why is surfing so addicting?
SURFING ADDICTION IS ALL ABOUT BRAIN CHEMISTRY
This results in you experiencing a flood of dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. Once you feel the intense joy and pleasure, your body and brain want you to keep going back for more. If you feel irritable after a few days away from your board, this is likely the reason.
What is the hardest part of 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.
Why is surfing so 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 surf unbroken waves?
Therefore, to learn to take off on an unbroken wave, expect to spend around 80-120 hours in the surf at most spots before you can do this confidently. Again, this depends on the kind of board you are riding, as well as the kind of waves you are trying to surf.
Can you be naturally good at surfing?
A naturally talented surfer can become even better by thoroughly investing in improving their moves and responsibly overcoming physical and psychological limitations. Research, learn from the best, train consistently, and remember that there is always room for improvement.
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 harder than snowboarding?
Surfing is harder than snowboarding. Surfing is more difficult because it takes place in the ocean and the conditions are always changing. Snowboarding is easier because it takes place on a mountain on ski runs that stay in the same place.
Where do you look when surfing?
Experienced surfers can ride waves with shoulder lines that gradually drop, creating fast peeling waves. When you look at a wave out to the horizon, identify the highest point of the wave (the peak). From the peak, look at the shoulder line. If the shoulder line drops gradually, the wave will peel faster.
How do you pop up fast in surfing?
Warm up on the beach with some rounds. Aim for the center line in one smooth, agile motion. Try not to look down at what your body is doing. Keeping your head up and focused on where you're going next will help make the move translate into the ride faster.
How do you catch a wave?
Waves "break" when the top falls over, and the ideal place to catch a wave is in the pocket just next to the breaking point. These places, where the wave is steep but no yet curled over and breaking, are called the wave's shoulders.
Is 30 too old to learn to surf?
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.
Why do surfers surf in the morning?
Light offshore winds are the most important reason for why the surf is better in the morning and evenings. As a basic rule of thumb, the winds are typically lighter in the morning, stronger in the afternoon and occasionally become light again just in time for a beautiful sunset session.
What surfboard colors attract sharks?
One of the findings of this research was that the colour of an object floating in the water had a strong influence on the likelihood that a shark would approach and interact with it. Highly reflective silvery and white objects were more likely to attract bull sharks and tiger sharks than blue or black objects.
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 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.
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.