5 Common Beginner Surf Mistakes & How to Fix Them
Learning to surf is an exhilarating journey, but it doesn’t come without its challenges. From balancing on the board to catching your first green wave, every surfer starts somewhere. At our Panama surf and yoga retreats, our ISA-certified instructors guide students through these early hurdles, helping them build strong fundamentals. While every surfer's journey is unique, there are common mistakes many beginners face that can slow progress. Here’s our guide to the 5 most common beginner surf mistakes and how to fix them, ensuring smoother sessions and faster improvement. Check out our other tips like the best beginner board to use and navigating the line up.
1. Poor Paddling Position
The Mistake: Beginners often lie too far forward or back on their boards while paddling, leading to nosedives or missed waves.
The Fix: Proper positioning is key. Lie on your board so it floats flat on the water. A quick trick is to use your board's logo as a reference—align your chin with it. Consistently finding this spot will improve your paddling efficiency and wave-catching success.
2. Not Paddling Hard Enough
The Mistake: Many new surfers fail to paddle with the intensity needed to catch a wave, leading to missed opportunities.
The Fix: Paddle with purpose. Use a freestyle stroke, digging deep with your hands to generate speed. As you feel the wave lift you, add an extra one or two powerful strokes to ensure you’re fully on the wave before attempting to pop up. Commitment is everything when paddling for a wave.
3. Poor Pop-Up Mechanics
The Mistake: Struggling to get to your feet quickly and cleanly is a major hurdle. Common errors include using a knee to pop up or gripping the board's rails.
The Fix: Focus on technique. Avoid using your knee—this shifts weight unevenly and destabilizes you. Instead, push up like you're doing a burpee: plant your hands flat under your chest, press through your back foot, and lunge your front foot forward beneath you. Avoid grabbing the rails; keep your hands flat on the deck for better balance. Practicing on land before hitting the water can help refine this motion.
4. Choosing the Wrong Board
The Mistake: Starting on a board that's too small is a classic beginner error, often inspired by wanting to mimic friends or pro surfers.
The Fix: Embrace the beginner foam longboard. These boards offer the buoyancy and stability needed for easier paddling and standing up. They allow you to catch waves early, giving you more time to practice your skills. Transition to a smaller board only after mastering the basics like paddling, popping up, and riding waves cleanly down the line.
5. Not Looking Down the Line
The Mistake: Many new surfers focus on the beach while riding a wave instead of looking down its face, limiting their ability to turn and ride effectively.
The Fix: Your head and shoulders dictate your board’s direction. As soon as you pop up, turn your head and shoulders toward where you want to go—the board will follow. This simple adjustment helps you ride the wave's face rather than being pushed straight to shore. Riding green waves is one of the most rewarding milestones for a beginner surfer.
Mastering the Basics in Santa Catalina, Panama
Surfing is as much about patience and practice as it is about passion. By identifying and addressing these common mistakes early, you’ll progress faster and enjoy the experience more. Our surf and yoga retreats in Santa Catalina, Panama, offer the perfect environment to refine your skills, with expert instructors and world-class beginner breaks like Playa Estero.
Whether you’re learning to catch your first wave or looking to improve your pop-up, we’re here to help. Visit our website to book your spot on our next retreat and start your surfing journey the right way.
Stay tuned to our blog for more tips, tricks, and insights to keep you stoked!
