How long does it take to get decent at surfing?
William Rodriguez
Published Jan 06, 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 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 long does it take to become advanced surfer?
Skills Development
From Level 8 Advanced Surfer, it takes approximately 270 - 540 hours to acquire Level 9 Advanced Surfer skills. To progress from Intermediate (Level 6 Surfer) to Advanced (Level 9 Surfer), takes approximately 710-1,440 hours in total.
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.
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.
32 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.
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.
Why is surfing so difficult?
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 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.
How can a beginner get better at surfing?
10 tips for beginner surfers
- Get a soft-top surfboard. ...
- Surf somewhere with few people around. ...
- Practice your pop up. ...
- Shuffle your feet. ...
- Find that sweet spot when paddling. ...
- Stay perpendicular to the whitewash. ...
- Take that extra paddle. ...
- Bend the knees, not your back.
Is surfing once a week enough?
Surfing once, twice, or three times a week - it doesn't matter. As Duke Kahanamoku once said, "The best surfer out there is the one having the most fun." In order to have that fun, however, staying fit to surf is critical. Improving your surf technique depends on how ready you are to challenge the next wave.
How often should I surf?
Re: How often do you surf? At least two days a week, up to five days a week depending on what the waves are doing.
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.
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.
Is surfing the hardest sport to learn?
Surfing is one of the hardest sports to learn because it takes a lot of effort, perseverance, dedication and patience to become a competent surfer. Developing the skills necessary to catch waves, generate speed, carve turns and ride the unbroken face of a wave is very challenging.
Does surfing get boring?
To quote the Surf Jedi himself " People surfing is not boring, there are just boring people who surf". If you get bored surfing, you are either the best in the world with no place for improvement, or just too lazy to try something new.
Is surfing the hardest sport in the world?
Stab Magazine | Surfing is the most difficult sport in the world.
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.
Does skating make surfing easier?
Skateboarding allows for easy repetition. You can practice tricks on your skateboard anytime, anywhere there is concrete. This allows for practice of your surf skills out of the water. Skateboarding can help you become a better surfer.
How many lessons does it take to surf?
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).
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 to surf at 40?
If learning to surf at 30, 40, 50, 60, or well into the age of retirement is your goal, you've come to the right place. 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!