Can I Start Surfing at 40?

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Can I Start Surfing at 40? Learning to Surf at 40 and Beyond.

Catching a wave can be tempting for anyone at any age, but when are you too old to start surfing? Is there a time limit, and if you’re over 40, have you lost your chance to catch that wave?

Yes, anyone can learn to surf at any point in their lives. The keys to learning how to surf and getting comfortable in the ocean are:

Gaining enough strength to surf.
Having the proper equipment before heading into the ocean.
Scheduling a surfing lesson with a knowledgeable friend or certified instructor.
Maintaining confidence when learning and not giving up will lead to learning how to surf, regardless of age.

There are many benefits to learning how to surf, no matter your age. But how do you learn to surf? What are the things you have to have or know before you catch that wave? Read on to find out how you can get out onto the water safely.

1. Make the commitment to learn how to surf.

Surfing can be a complicated sport that is physically hard to achieve if you are not prepared to do so. Boards can also be expensive, and if you do not live close to the water, you will have to travel to reach the ocean. If you are committed to learning, though, age does not matter.

2. Get comfortable in the ocean and learn to swim.

Your safety is the priority when learning to surf. By making sure you can handle swimming in the ocean before you even consider learning to surf, you make yourself and the others around you safer. Not only should you know how to swim, but you should be a confident swimmer—if waves get rough, you should be able to know what to do to get yourself out of a situation and not endanger anyone else in the process.

Practicing your swimming strokes is key before you head out. Whether it is in a pool, lake, or even in the ocean, knowing some of the variables that may occur while you’re in the water and knowing how your body will react makes you safer.

If you need to take swimming lessons, this is the time! It’s imperative you learn how to swim before you head out into the water and being able to take care of yourself is the best thing you can do before learning to surf.

3. Gain enough strength to surf.

Surfing is physically taxing, no matter what age you are. You will need a base of cardio fitness and strength before you even consider going out into the water. You can start to improve your fitness by going on short runs and doing exercises to strengthen your muscles. You will need to have decent arm strength if you want to surf, as you will have to paddle yourself out into the water and maintain control.

Always make sure you stretch, as that will help you avoid any negative outcomes such as cramps or even injury. It is even more important if you are over 40 and starting to surf—the older you are, the more you should stretch.

If you are interested in getting more physically fit, this is a perfect chance to do so. Having a goal in mind—learning to surf—can make it easier for you to focus and schedule your workouts.

4. Have the proper equipment.

To even head out into the ocean, you need to have the right equipment for surfing. The main concern is your surfboard; surfboards for beginners tend to be different in their construction from intermediate or expert surfboards and are easier to learn on. Most have an extra layer of foam on top to help guard you and it from any dents or dings from your weight as you use the board and learn to surf.

For more mature beginning surfers, you should be considering a longer board. A longboard will be thick enough to help you learn how to surf the waves. A shortboard will be too small for you at this point in your surfing journey and is harder to manage.

Do you know the best surf conditions for beginners? Learn more here.

5. Schedule a surfing lesson with a certified instructor.

While it’s tempting to just get out onto the waves and try to surf yourself, it’s best if you seek out a certified instructor before you even consider hitting the water. If you know someone who is an experienced surfer and is willing to teach you, that is also advisable—as long as you seek out information from an expert before attempting those waves.

In surfing lessons, whether with a class or with a friend, you will learn any basic techniques, along with surf etiquette and ocean safety. Going out with someone who knows what they’re doing is also a safety precaution; having someone there to watch and make sure you are safe is just as important as knowing the basics.

They will help you learn some etiquette, including not stealing another person’s wave, or “dropping in” on another surfer’s wave. You can also learn who has the right of way on a wave—the closer a surfer is to the peak of a wave, or catching the wave further inside, the longer their ride will be, and they will have wave priority.

Having a surfing instructor also helps with choosing your location. Surf experts will know the best place to have you start getting into the water where the waves are shorter and there are no rocks or coral underneath you. They also know what days, times, or even weather is best for beginner wave conditions.

6. Maintain your confidence, no matter how difficult it is.

Everyone is at different points in their surfing journey, and it is easy to lose your confidence when comparing yourself to others either in your surfing class or on the waves. The moment you start to compare yourself to younger surfers or more experienced surfers is the moment you lose interest and lose that commitment.

When learning to surf, those individuals who are at a higher skill level than you may also be able to help you, so check your pride at the door and ask for help—you never know what insight they may have, regardless of their age compared to yours.

Following these steps, having patience, and being committed is what will drive you through to catching that wave you crave. No matter what age, knowing your limits and working through them is the best way you can learn to surf and stay fit.