I’ve been surfing since 2016 – for me, there’s nothing better than arriving at a new destination, grabbing my board, and checking out the waves first thing.
What started as a little test has become my passion on the road, maybe even in life. Being in the ocean challenges both my body and my mind. And usually, I step out of the water with this liberating feeling you just can’t get anywhere else.
But: every beginning comes with its struggles. Honestly, I wish I had known more surf beginner tips before I paddled into my first wave – in Balangan, Bali, during low tide. Let’s just say … not the best idea, haha. You’ll probably understand why further down in this article.
So, in this guide I’m passing along my own surf experience and giving you 11 surf beginner tips to make your surf journey smoother and way more fun. Let’s dive in!
Tip 1 | Choose the right surf board for beginners
One of the most important steps when you start surfing: the right surfboard! A softboard is your best friend in the beginning. These boards are usually 8–9 feet long (depending on your height), have lots of volume, and a soft, foamy surface. Plus: they’re basically unbreakable.
The extra volume gives you more buoyancy, making paddling easier and giving you stability when you pop up and try to stay on your feet. The soft top also minimizes the risk of injury if you crash into your board.
Important: make sure the length and volume fit your body weight and size – the longer and wider the board, the easier paddling and standing up will be. The nose shape and volume also play a big role in how beginner-friendly a board feels. Surfboard rentals usually know their gear really well, so they’ll hand you the right one.
If you don’t have anyone to ask, just don’t start out with a shortboard. It’ll be frustrating and probably kill your stoke before it even begins.
Tip 2 | The right surf gear for beginners
Besides the board, the right surf gear makes all the difference when speaking of the most important surf beginner tips. A wetsuit keeps you warm and protects you from sun and scrapes – thickness depends on water temperature. In tropical destinations, you can go lighter with a rashguard, lycra shirt, boardshorts or a surf bikini, and a shortsleeve to protect against UV rays.
In Europe, but also in places like South Africa, a wetsuit is almost always necessary. Even in summer, water temps can sit around 17–18°C (like in Peniche, Portugal). A wetsuit doesn’t just protect from cold, but also from sunburn, jellyfish, or small cuts.
Quick guide:
- 3/2 mm for warm summer water (France, Portugal, Spain, Canary Islands)
- 4/3 mm for European spring and fall, or if you’re always cold
- 5/4 mm for icy winter days
Personally, I use the Rip Curl Dawn Patrol 3/2 with front zip and the Xcel Comp 4/3, and I’ve been super happy with both.
Where to get them? Support your local surf shop whenever you can! Otherwise, brands like Decathlon, XCel, Blue Tomato, O’Neill or Billabong always have good beginner options.
Tip 3 | Pick the best surf spots for beginners
The surf spot you choose can totally make or break your first sessions.
For a beginner surfer, gentle beach breaks – sandy beaches where the waves break over sandbanks – are ideal. They’re safer than reef breaks or rocky spots and help you feel more secure in the water.
Look for small, mellow, consistent waves that give you a safe playground. In Europe, places like Peniche and Sagres in Portugal, Biarritz in France, and the San Sebastián area in Spain are classics for people who want to learn surf in a safe environment.
Beginner Surf Spots in Portugal
Our all-time favorite when it comes to Portugal: Peniche.
- Praia do Baleal, Peniche: a wide sandy beach with several beginner-friendly peaks that work even with small swell
➳ Read also: Surfing in Peniche
Along the Algarve, you’ll find even more beach breaks that are perfect if you want to learn surf as a beginner.
- Praia da Arrifana, Aljezur: a sheltered sandy bay with mellow waves, ideal for beginner surfers even when the swell is small
- Praia do Amado, Carrapateira: a spacious beach break with multiple peaks and soft, rolling waves
- Meia Praia, Lagos: a long, open sandy beach with consistent waves and plenty of space to practice
➳ Read also: Surfing in the Algarve
Beginner Surf Spots in Spain
Spain also has plenty to offer for beginner surfers – from the long sandy beaches of the north to the mellow waves of the Canary Islands.
- Playa de Somo, Santander: a long sandy beach with consistent, gentle waves and tons of space to practice
- Playa de Zarautz, Basque Country: a big, lively beach break with a welcoming surf community and smooth waves
- Playa de El Cotillo, Fuerteventura: a sheltered sandy beach with soft waves – perfect for surf beginners on small swell days
➳ Read also: Surfing on Fuerteventura
➳ Read also: Surfing in North Spain
Surf Beginner Tips: Surf Spots in France
- Grande Plage, Biarritz: centrally located sandy beach with gentle, consistent waves – great for your very first surf attempts
- Plage de la Côte des Basques: a long beach break with mellow waves, especially beginner-friendly at mid- to high-tide
- Plage d’Hendaye: one of the longest beaches in the region (right on the Spanish border) with small, long-rolling waves, perfect for relaxed practice sessions
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Beginner Surf Spots in North America: Costa Rica
Costa Rica also has plenty to offer for beginner surfers with warm water, relaxed surf towns, and countless mellow beach breaks along the coast.
- Tamarindo, Guanacaste: a wide, sandy beach with consistent, friendly waves and lots of space to practice
- Playa Samara, Nicoya Peninsula: a sheltered bay with gentle, predictable waves – perfect for first sessions
- Santa Teresa, Puntarenas: a long beach break with soft, rolling waves during smaller swells and a supportive surf community
➳ Read also: Our Beginner Surf Guide for Costa Rica
Important: when you start surfing, always go for spots with sandy bottoms and no strong currents. That way, you’ll stay safe and have the most fun in the water. Check tides, wind direction, and swell height beforehand (Surfline is a great tool!) – so you’ll find the perfect spot to begin your surf journey in a relaxed, safe environment.
Tip 4 | Enjoy the best time to learn surfing
In general, you can say that surf beginners in Europe get the best conditions during summer.
In France, the summer months from June to September are ideal: the waves are gentler and the water temperatures more comfortable – perfect for beaches like Biarritz or Hossegor during calmer swell phases. Even the Normandy coastline offers long sandy beaches with relaxed, beginner-friendly waves.
In Portugal, the best season stretches from spring to fall (May to October): mild weather, little rain, and at spots like Praia do Baleal in Peniche you’ll often find long, beautiful waves for beginner surfers. That said, don’t be surprised if you get a flat spell in July with no waves for a few days.
In Spain, the northern coastline around San Sebastián and Zarautz is perfect from July to September, when the sea is warmer and the summer swells bring smaller, more manageable waves.
- France (June–September): warm water, mellow summer swells, ideal in Biarritz or Hossegor during smaller days.
- Portugal (May–October): mild temps, fewer rainy days, great beginner waves in Peniche’s Praia do Baleal.
- Spain (July–September): especially around San Sebastián and Zarautz, warmer water and small summer swells.
Best time for surf beginners in Europe
| France | Portugal | Spain (North) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| When? | June – September | May – October |
July – September |
| Conditions & Surf spots | Gentle waves, pleasantly warm water; especially suitable: Biarritz, Hossegor (during calm swell), long sandy beaches in Normandy. | Mild temperatures, little rain; often long, beautiful waves, for example at Praia do Baleal in Peniche. | Warmer sea in summer; smaller, more manageable waves; ideal: San Sebastián and Zarautz. |
If you match your trip with the season, you’ll catch more beginner-friendly waves and progress way faster. This is one of the most underrated surf beginner tips, but it can save you from frustration.
Tip 5 | Surf fitness – Build bndurance & balance
Surfing works your whole body – arms, shoulders, back, and core. At first, I often crawled out of the water completely exhausted. In Morocco, I even had to grab an Ibuprofen on day two, haha.
Later I started prepping before trips – swimming for endurance, balance training, even some yoga. I noticed the difference straight away: my arms didn’t get tired as quickly, my whole body felt better prepared for the surf session, and even the sore muscles were easier to handle, haha.
The best way to prepare before your first surf session is with a mix of::
- Swimming laps (crawl/freestyle) for paddle endurance & breath control
- Push-ups & pull-ups for paddling and pop-ups
- Planks & core work for stability
- Yoga & balance training for flexibility
Or even better: grab our eBook to be perfectly prepared for your very first surf experience! (6 week surf prep plan included)
➳ Read also: Get fit for surfing
Tip 6 | Learn with a surf course or private coach
When I first started, I didn’t take a surf lesson. If I could go back, I’d do it differently. Maybe I wouldn’t have ended up over razor-sharp reef in Indonesia during low tide, haha.
These days, I’d definitely book a surf course. You’ll learn correct technique, wave reading, currents, and safety basics. Sure, it costs money and time, but if you can: do it!
If you’re short on time or budget, grab 1–2 private lessons. Having a coach in the water with you builds safety and confidence – and you’ll improve way faster. Many surf schools also film you, so you can see your mistakes. Spoiler: that wave you thought was massive? Not quite. ;)
It also helps a lot to take surf lessons from time to time. I still do this on almost every trip – just to keep getting fresh input.
Tip 7 | Mastering the Take-Off
The take-off – the moment you go from lying to standing – decides whether you ride the wave… or eat it.
Drill it again and again on the beach:
- Starting position: Lie flat on your stomach, feet extended, hands placed under your ribs.
- Arm movement: Push yourself up powerfully, as if you were beginning a push-up.
- Leg work: Make a quick jump into your surf stance: place your back foot near the tail and at the same time bring your front foot to the front middle of the board, with your feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent.
- Balance: Keep your knees slightly bent, eyes looking forward – not at your feet. “Julian, don’t look for fish, look for waves.” Repeat this movement dozens of times. That way, in the water you can fully focus on timing.
By the way: This is also where you find out whether you are goofy or regular – that’s your stance on the board.
- Goofy – right foot in front, your left foot set back
- Regular – left foot in front, your right foot set back
How do you figure it out? Most surf instructors will give you a little push from behind and see which foot you instinctively step forward with – that’s your position on the surfboard! :)
➳ Read also: 5 exercises that improve your balance
Tip 8 | Lear to read waves
From the beach
Surfing isn’t just about technique – it’s about understanding the ocean. Before every session I take time to warm up and observe the ocean. Can only recommend this to anyone who’s new to the water.
- What’s the water like? Calm or rather messy?
- Where do the waves start breaking?
- Which ones have a nice, clean shape?
- How long are the sets apart?
This observation helps you find the best position and save your energy, using it more wisely. Over time, you’ll learn to read the waves even before they reach you.
From the water
Even in the water it’s extremely important to never take your eyes off the wave or the area behind you. You always want to be aware of what’s coming next.
As soon as you paddle into a wave and want to pop up, always look in the direction you want to ride. Beginners often stand too far back on the board, which of course makes you unstable and often results in the board slipping out from under you.
If you’re standing well, move into a wide, low stance and hold both hands out in front of you – because your shoulders determine where you’re going.
Wave reading is a skill that grows with every session – give yourself time. Another of those surf beginner tips you’ll thank yourself for later.
Tip 9 | Surf etiquette – rules in the lineup
The surf community runs on respect and some basic rules:
- Right of Way – The surfer sitting closest to the peak (the point where the wave breaks) has priority.
- No Dropping-In – Don’t cut into a wave if someone is already riding it.
- Keep Distance – Avoid collisions, always leave enough space between you and other surfers.
- Paddle Correctly – Don’t paddle straight through someone else’s line of ride, go around instead.
- Be Patient – Wait fairly for your wave and don’t push ahead of others.
- Show Respect – Be friendly to locals and fellow surfers.
It’s normal and only human that, especially as a beginner, you might accidentally drop in on someone’s wave because you didn’t read it correctly. Or maybe you misjudged the situation. Perhaps you didn’t estimate the distance properly. What really matters is that you try to be considerate of others while you’re in the water.
One important point: always be aware of the radius your board has when it’s attached to your foot with the leash – usually about 2 meters long. If you lose your board, it can easily fly out more than 2 meters away from you, causing damage or even injuring people around you.
And if you’re ever unsure whether a wave is yours or belongs to the person next to you? – Then simply don’t take it and pull back. There will always be plenty more waves. :)
In the end, it’s all a learning process, and misjudged situations are simply part of it. That’s exactly how you learn.
Tip 10 | Patience is key
Surfing requires patience – and humility.
The first sessions in the water can be super nice, but also frustrating: sometimes you miss the wave, sometimes you slip during the take-off, or you crash straight back into the water and swallow some of that tasty salty seawater. Sometimes all of it at once.
There can be days when not a single wave works out. What’s important is to celebrate the small progress: the first solid take-off, the first ride on a green ‘real’ wave, paddling longer without tired arms.
With realistic expectations you avoid frustration. Many surfers still remember years later the feeling of riding their very first ‘real’ wave – for me it was in Sri Lanka, 2016, and the feeling was just insane.
Tip 11 | Surf Beginner Tips: Safety first
No matter how big your desire to surf is – the feeling of safety inside you always comes first. Check the wind and wave forecasts before surfing.
Don’t surf during thunderstorms, strong currents, fog, or alone at unfamiliar spots without first talking to locals or thoroughly informing yourself about the spot. If you notice that you’re exhausted or that the conditions are worsening, paddle out of the water in time.
If you’re standing outside and don’t feel comfortable when you look at the waves, then don’t even go in. That still happens to me today when the waves are simply too big for me personally. And usually, my gut feeling doesn’t deceive me.
Sure, that might be a bit frustrating at first, but later (or tomorrow) the ocean will still be there, firing continuous waves. Or: at some point you’ll push yourself to go in, and maybe the waves weren’t even that big after all.
In general, a good rule of thumb: only go into the water if you trust yourself to swim the same distance back to shore – even without your board.
Surf Beginner Tips – FAQ
Some people stand up on their first try, others take a week or two of daily practice. Getting truly confident takes months of regular sessions.
A softboard, 8–9 ft, with lots of volume. Easy to paddle, stable, forgiving.
Nope! Renting is often better until you know which type and size suit you.
Only in artificial wave pools. For real conditions, head to France, Spain, or Portugal.
Flat, sandy beaches with small, consistent waves are best suited für beginners. Ideal spots in Europe include Peniche (Portugal), Biarritz/Hossegor (France), or the area around San Sebastián to Santander (northern Spain). Avoid spots with strong currents or rocky bottoms.
With the right gear and respect for the rules, risk is low. Most injuries happen from your own board or collisions.
Did we forget anything, or do you have more surf beginner tips or spots you’d recommend to beginner surfers? Feel free to share them with us in the comments!
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More saltwater?
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