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Is it hard to learn to surf?

Author

Mia Kelly

Published Jan 09, 2026

Learning to surf is hard

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.

How long does it take to learn to surf?

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 hard for beginners?

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 surf with no experience?

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 hard is it to get into 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.

44 related questions found

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.

Do you need to be strong to surf?

First, the obvious: it is a full body workout. Nearly every move you make while out on the water requires a combination of strength and cardio. But don't worry: you don't need to be ultra fit to get started. In fact, you don't have to be in perfect shape to surf or even start surfing.

How do beginners surf?

10 tips for beginner surfers

  1. Get a soft-top surfboard. ...
  2. Surf somewhere with few people around. ...
  3. Practice your pop up. ...
  4. Shuffle your feet. ...
  5. Find that sweet spot when paddling. ...
  6. Stay perpendicular to the whitewash. ...
  7. Take that extra paddle. ...
  8. Bend the knees, not your back.

Where is the best place to surf for beginners?

Best 8 beginner surf spots in the US: learn to surf on these...

  • Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii. ...
  • San Onofre State Beach, San Clemente, California. ...
  • Cowell Beach, Santa Cruz, California. ...
  • Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area, Otter Rock, Oregon. ...
  • Galveston Beach, Texas. ...
  • Cocoa Beach, Florida. ...
  • New Buffalo, Lake Michigan.

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.

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.

Is surfing good exercise?

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.

What is a good 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 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.

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.

Can beginners surf trestles?

While Middles is certainly not the most popular surf spot in Trestles Beach, it provides plenty of excellent waves for beginners. We always recommend it to those who are just getting into surfing.

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.

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 anyone learn to surf?

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.

How many days a week should you surf?

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.

Can I do surfing if I can't swim?

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.

Does surfing hurt?

Surfers most often sustain injuries to the leg, the head and face, the back, and the shoulder and arm. The main cause of injury is contact with a surfer's own board or someone else's board. 'Wiping out' and striking the seabed are also common causes of injury.

Does surfing require swimming?

You don't have to be a pro-swimmer but having a certain level of swimming ability is important when surfing. If you can't swim, chances are you also won't be able to paddle. Surfing involves a lot of paddling and without knowing how to paddle a surfboard, it will be difficult to catch a wave.