Can You Learn to Surf on Your Own? (Advantages and Pitfalls)
Learning to surf can both be a daunting and exhilarating process, but it can also be shrouded in mystery by those unfamiliar with the sport. Is it possible to learn to do it on your own, or do you have to take lessons or meet with an instructor?
Can you learn to surf on your own?
Yes, it is possible to learn to surf on your own, but there are both advantages and pitfalls:
Advantage: Surfing is relatively simple.
Pitfall: It is safer to surf with others.
Advantage: You can pick the location that best serves you.
Pitfall: If you’re not familiar with the location, you may not know its dangers.
Advantage: You are not taught any bad habits by experienced surfers.
Pitfall: Learning the rules of surfing and the lingo comes from experienced surfers.
Advantage: You can learn at your own pace.
Pitfall: You may not learn the right information without an instructor.
Read on to find out more about each of the advantages and disadvantages to learning how to surf on your own, and what you can do to make your journey into the waves easier.
Advantage: Surfing is relatively simple.
Because all you need is water, some waves, and a board, surfing is a relatively simple sport. There is no court, ball, team, or anyone else, making it a one-person sport already.
While you should start with a soft surfboard—called a foamie or a soft-top—because they provide more safety for you and require less maintenance. It’s very easy to dent a surfboard, especially when you’re starting out, and having a soft top will help reduce that possibility.
When picking a surfboard, make sure the board is big enough for you. A foamie board is usually best suited for a beginner surfer when it is a few inches taller than you. If the board is too small, it can be too hard to paddle and stand up, while a board that is too big is too hard to get across the whitewater. Find one that is just right before you start.
In terms of equipment, it depends on where you plan on surfing. You should consider getting a rash guard or simply making sure you have sunscreen if you are surfing at a warm-water beach. Cooler waters require you to have a wetsuit to be comfortable.
Pitfall: It is safer to surf with others.
While surfing is not a team sport, you shouldn’t be heading out into the water alone. It may be tempting, especially early in your foray into the sport, but if you don’t know how the water is going to react, you should go to the beach with another person, preferably someone who knows how to surf at a higher level than you.
Having another person also helps with your situational awareness—being aware of your surroundings means you aren’t getting in the way of others, especially more experienced surfers, and you have a lower risk of running into someone else.
Advantage: You can pick the location that best serves you.
By being a single surfer, you have the freedom to go wherever you want. Being a beginner, you should look for a beach that is beginner-friendly—that comes down to two things, the wave size and the surfers.
When it comes to wave size, look for a beach that has small waves that are around one to two feet high. This height will make it easier for you to dive under the wave as you paddle out into the ocean.
Also, be aware of the local surfers. They can either help or hurt, depending on your attitude, but make sure you stay out of their way or even seek their advice on the best locations.
Pitfall: If you’re not familiar with the location, you may not know its dangers.
Picking your own location also comes with concerns, though, especially if you’re not familiar with the area you’re considering. Before you head out into the water, make sure you look into whether there are any rock formations at the beach you’re heading to, or consider the wildlife—is that area known for sharks, jellyfish, or stingrays? These are all things you may not think of when looking into a location when learning on your own. Try asking around the community of surfers, swimmers, or even fishermen who are typically found in that area.
Advantage: You are not taught any bad habits by experienced surfers.
Going into surfing by yourself means you aren’t being taught any bad habits by more experienced surfers. There are plenty of things that surfers do, like paddling blind or looking over their shoulder to spot the wave that you aren’t going to be taught when someone else is instructing you.
Pitfall: Learning the rules of surfing and the lingo comes from experienced surfers.
Without a teacher, you may be missing some of the key rules of surfing. While there are two widely accepted rules when it comes to surfing, there may be more localized traditions that you are missing out on when you surf on your own.
Before you head out, learn the rules of surfing—don’t drop in, don’t get in the way, and stay with your board.
Dropping in means riding a wave that another surfer is already riding. Dropping in is considered a cardinal rule and could get you banned from a beach if you do it.
As mentioned before, don’t get in the way of more experienced surfers. When you are paddling out of a wave, make sure you are aware of where the other surfers are at all times.
Holding onto your board may seem like a no-brainer, but you don’t want to risk hitting someone, especially on busy beaches.
There’s also lingo that you should learn, like names of moves or waves, that you can learn by searching online, but is more fun when you’re taught by someone who knows.
Need to work on your surfing stance? Follow these tips.
Advantage: You can learn at your own pace.
You don’t need an instructor to learn how to paddle and to practice. Most of this is usually trying to figure out where your body best balances on the board while working on how much you need to paddle in the water. You can do that by yourself in flat water like a pool or a lake, and it can be much easier to learn that way.
You can also learn to and practice popping up without another person—by using a mat or drawing out a surfboard on the ground, you can learn how to push your feet up and get into the surf stance by yourself and at your own pace.
Pitfall: You may not learn the right information without an instructor.
While you can practice on your own, it is possible to not learn the right information if you do not have someone teaching you. You can also start developing bad habits and you have no one to tell you when you’re doing things wrong. Even having another more experienced surfer in which to ask questions can help you avoid this.
While learning to surf by yourself is entirely possible, understand the benefits and pitfalls before you start on your journey. There are advantages and disadvantages to doing so, so finding a happy medium or at least finding an experienced surfer in which to ask advice can make your journey easier and smoother—and help speed up your journey to the waves.
Understanding your limitations and having realistic expectations about your surfing journey is going to be the best mindset before you even start, regardless of whether you choose to learn with an instructor, an experienced friend, or by doing so yourself.
RELATED QUESTIONS
How long does it take to get good at surfing?
If you can find the time to surf several times weekly, it should take about two years before you have developed the skills to be considered a good surfer. If you are simply looking to get up onto a wave, it shouldn’t take you more than a month before you can start riding. If you can practice how to lie down and pop up onto your surfboard, you will have a better chance of improving.
What is the best time for beginner surfers to go surfing?
The best time to surf is usually early morning, around sunrise, or early evenings, around sunset. At this time, there is a swell in the water that creates better waves in which you can surf. The best time of year to surf is usually between October and April, as storm fronts are not creating massive waves, and peak tourist season is usually over for most beach locations.
What do I need to know before I start surfing?
The only thing that you need to know before you start surfing is how to swim. Because the sport is completely in the water, if you are not a confident swimmer, you will not be able to learn how to properly surf. Start by taking swimming lessons before you consider learning to surf.
Please note: This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Please consult a legal expert or medical professional to address your specific needs.