How To Surf From Beginner To Intermediate in 5 easy steps
How to surf through the beginner stage to the intermediate stage of surfing. This is a stage that millions of people find themselves in.
The transition from beginner surfer to intermediate, and then on to advanced, is not a process often talked about or analysed. At least with any clarity, that is.
Surfing is one of the most alluring sports in the world, so it’s understandable you’d wana’ pass through the early stages of development as quickly as possible!
Let's get you shredding out there with a few hints, taken from The Surfer’s Roadmap curriculum.
1. Board Selection
Choosing the right surfboard is crucial. Beginners should start with a longer, wider, and thicker board to help with paddling and catching waves. As skills improve, transitioning to a shorter, narrower board with more rocker is recommended for better manoeuvrability.
Kale has actually created a line of surfboards to perfectly cater for the late beginner to intermediate market. Check those out here.
2. Popping up
The pop-up technique is essential for catching waves. Beginners should focus on staying centered over the board and popping up into a low stance for stability. Practicing core strength and coordination on land can help improve this skill.
3. Speed Generation
Once comfortable with catching waves, surfers should focus on generating speed by moving in and out of the wave's power zone. This can be practiced on land with a skateboard or surf trainer.
Kale covers a tonne of in-depth surf skate routines in his online course Ultimate Surf Skate.
3. Catching Unbroken Waves
Transitioning to catching unbroken waves involves learning to read waves and positioning yourself correctly. Look for non-uniform shapes in the swell to find peaks and shoulders for riding. This is something that you’ll naturally develop over time with exposure to the ocean and surfing.
5. Paddling Technique:
Effective paddling is key to progressing in surfing. It involves using the middle back muscles and maintaining a proper arm stroke close to the board. You can practice and train for good paddling technique on land, and of course just by doing in the ocean.
Kale has said many times, “your progression in surfing is tied to your paddling ability.” Its importance can not be understated. Consider using Kale’s Y T W exercises over a Swiss ball, covered in this video on YouTube, and inside The Beginner Surfer’s Roadmap.
Many of these skills and points are covered in much more detail, with visual help, inside The Surfer’s Roadmap online programs. The Surfer’s Roadmap, with over 10,000 students, is the world’s largest and most effective online surf training program. Check it out here.