Becoming a surfer is the first step in learning how to catch that wave, but how long before you can hang ten on that longboard and call the wave your own? While being in the beginner stages of learning how to surf can be frustrating, how long before you can perform a cutback on a perfectly good wave that you caught without help?
What makes an intermediate surfer?
While every person is different, there are fairly distinct points in your experience of learning how to surf. Beginners typically cannot paddle out on their own, catch a wave, and make it back without falling or losing their balance. Most beginners know the basics and can stand on the board; they have also at least had some instruction from either an instructor or a trusted, more experienced surfer.
But when it comes to intermediate surfers, you can start paddling out into the water alone in a location you know, can catch a wave and ride them to the end, either facing the wave or with your back to the wave, you can complete basic surfing turns such as the top turn, bottom turn, or cutback; you can keep your board in a line while you complete a dive, you can bail into the water without hurting anyone or yourself, have the proper equipment and know proper care of that equipment; and you understand the basics of a surf report before heading out into the water.
According to the Academy of Surfing Instructors, becoming what they consider an intermediate surfer also includes knowing information about the different types of boards, surfboard damage, and safety. They state that to become an intermediate surfer, it takes about 750 to 1500 hours of dedicated surfing instruction and practice.
How can you become a better surfer faster?
If you’re still considered a beginner, you’re trying to get to that next level of surfing. But what can you do to step up from beginner to intermediate surfer? Check out the tips below to find out what you can do to speed up that process.
1. Get yourself into surfing shape. As you may have realized as you’ve started your surfing journey, it can be physically taxing. Having decent cardio fitness and upper body strength is key as you learn how to surf and working on both will only get you closer to being considered an intermediate surfer.
Short runs and exercises that strengthen your arm muscles are both ways you can start preparing for this, but also make sure you stretch before doing any exercises s you can prevent injury.
2. Use the proper equipment and know the best beaches.
While you are just starting out, you may be using a foamie board or a softer beginner’s board. When you start to learn more about surfing, you can then shift to a different board like a longboard or a shortboard.
One way to know that you’ve become an intermediate surfer is making this change—when it’s time to get rid of the foamie board, you’ve graduated out of beginner status.
The more you surf, the more you start to learn about the best locations, and this is key as you start to learn more about surfing. Knowing which locations are best for you and your level of learning will only make you more comfortable in the water and allow you to grow as a surfer.
Looking to improve your skills as an immediate surfer? Follow these 5 tips.
3. Know the rules, lingo, and basics and be able to do them properly.
Intermediate surfers need to know several things before they can be considered intermediate, like the cutback, top turn, bottom turn, and how to surf frontside or backside.
Frontside and backside are related to how your body faces when you’re riding a wave. Frontside is when your chest and toes face the wave. When you surf regular footed, riding frontside means the waves are breaking to your right. Goofy-footed surfers— or surfers with their right foot forward—ride frontside when the waves are breaking on their left.
Backside is when your back and heels face the wave. Regular footed surfers ride backside when the wave is breaking to their left, and goofy-footed surfers ride backside when waves break to their right.
The bottom turn is when you bury the inside rail into the wave, allowing the bottom of the board to be seen from shore, Similarly, the top turn does the same, but shows part of the deck to the shore. The cutback turns you at least 90 degrees on the wave.
The Academy of Surfing Instructors also outlines several other surfing maneuvers, including how to trim, or keep the nose close to the water and conduct a gradual turn.
The best way to become a more experienced surfer is by making sure you and other surfers are aware of the best safety practices in your chosen area.
4. Surf as often as you can.
Becoming a better surfer isn’t just about knowing the moves and having the skills and how to do them; it is also gaining the confidence to say that you have made it past the beginning stages of surfing. The only way you can do that is if you’re practicing as often as possible—while this may not be a reality for those working 9 to 5, you can still put in the time to become an intermediate surfer; it just might take you longer. Having patience and confidence will be key in completing your journey from beginner to intermediate surfer.
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.