How to Progress in Surfing: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

How to Progress in Surfing – The feeling of riding your first wave is pure magic. It’s a moment of exhilaration that hooks so many people on surfing. But after mastering the basics—catching whitewater and standing up—many beginners hit a wall. The next step, learning to catch and ride a green (unbroken) wave, can feel like a huge leap.

Don't worry. This comprehensive guide, created by our experienced instructors at Sōleïa Surf Academy in Canggu, Bali, is designed to help you break through that plateau. We'll walk you through the essential skills, mindset shifts, and training techniques you need to not just catch a green wave, but to ride it with confidence.

1. Mastering the Fundamentals: Why Basics Still Matter

Before you can fly, you need to learn how to walk. The same principle applies to surfing. Having a solid foundation in the basics is non-negotiable if you want to progress in surfing effectively.

The Art of Paddling: Your Engine on the Water

Paddling is the single most important skill in surfing. Without a strong and efficient paddle, you can't catch waves, and you can't get into position.

• Technique: Use long, deep strokes. Keep your hands cupped and your body centered on the board.
• Stamina: Paddle against currents or on flat water to build endurance. The stronger your paddle, the more waves you'll catch.

The Pop-Up: Consistency is Key

A quick, smooth, and consistent pop-up is what separates a beginner from an intermediate surfer. A slow pop-up will cause you to miss the wave’s face.

• On-Land Practice: Practice your pop-up on a soft surface. Go from lying down to a stable, low stance with your knees bent and feet shoulder-width apart in one fluid motion.
• Avoid the “Kneeling” Stage: Don't pause on your knees. This slows you down and is a bad habit to unlearn later.

2. Equipment Matters: Choosing the Right Board for Your Journey

The right surfboard is your best tool for progress. Using a board that is too small for your skill level is one of the most common reasons beginners get stuck.

Beginner vs. Intermediate Surfboard

Here’s a quick comparison to help you understand the difference.

Feature	Beginner Surfboard (e.g., Foam Board)	Intermediate Surfboard (e.g., Mini-Mal, Funboard)
Size	Long, thick, and wide (8-9 ft)	Shorter and narrower (7-8 ft)
Material	Soft foam with soft fins	Epoxy or fiberglass
Buoyancy	Very high buoyancy; easy to paddle	Moderate buoyancy; faster and more responsive
Stability	Very stable, ideal for learning to stand	Less stable, requires better balance
Ideal Use	Catching whitewater and learning fundamentals	Catching green waves and learning turns

As you can see, a longer board is your best friend when learning how to progress in surfing. It helps you catch more waves, giving you more time to practice your pop-up and stance.

3. Reading the Ocean: Understanding Wave Dynamics

Surfing isn’t just a physical sport; it's also a mental game of observation. Learning to read the ocean is crucial for moving on to green waves.

How to Spot a Green Wave

A green wave is an unbroken swell that is still forming. Look for a line of swell approaching that hasn't started to crumble yet.

• The Peak: This is the highest point of a wave, where it starts to break. Positioning yourself here gives you the best chance to catch the wave and turn.
• The Shoulder: The shoulder is the unbroken part of the wave. This is where you will ride. You’ll learn to turn along the face of the wave, riding on the shoulder.

4. The Transition to Green Waves: A Step-by-Step Approach

Once your paddling and pop-up are solid, you're ready to make the jump. This is the core of how to progress in surfing.

Step 1: Angle Your Takeoff

Instead of paddling straight toward the beach, paddle at a slight angle towards the peak. This helps you get onto the wave's face and gives you an immediate line to follow.

Step 2: The “Bottom Turn”

This is the first major maneuver you'll learn. As you stand up on the wave, you'll need to turn your board at the bottom of the wave to go either left or right along its face.

• Technique: As you pop up, bend your knees and shift your weight to your back foot. Press into your heels or toes to guide the board into a turn. Look where you want to go.

Step 3: Finding Your “Trim”

Once you've done your bottom turn, you need to “trim” along the wave. This means maintaining your speed and staying on the face of the wave. You’ll use your body weight and slight pressure on your feet to steer the board.

5. Why Expert Guidance is the Fastest Way to Progress

While this guide gives you the roadmap, nothing replaces the value of a professional surf instructor.

• Instant Feedback: An instructor can spot and correct your mistakes the moment they happen.
• Safety: They know the local surf breaks and will guide you to a safe and uncrowded spot suitable for your level.
• Local Knowledge: In a place like Bali, with so many different surf breaks, a local instructor knows exactly which spots are best for beginners and intermediate surfers on any given day.

Surfing in Canggu, Bali: The Perfect Place to Learn and Progress

Canggu is renowned as a surfing paradise for all levels. The area offers a variety of breaks, from the gentle waves of Batu Bolong, perfect for beginners, to the more challenging peaks at Echo Beach for intermediate surfers. The warm water and vibrant surf culture make it an ideal location to focus on your skills.At Sōleïa Surfing Academy in Canggu, our team of passionate and certified local instructors are dedicated to helping you progress in surfing in a safe, fun, and supportive environment. Our programs are designed to take you from a complete beginner to a confident intermediate surfer, complete with video analysis and personalized feedback.

6. Training and Mindset: Staying Sharp Outside the Water

Your progress isn't limited to the time you spend in the ocean.

Cross-Training for Surfing

• Yoga: Improves balance, flexibility, and core strength.
• Cardio: Activities like swimming or running boost your paddling stamina.
• Strength Training: Focus on your core, shoulders, and back to increase power and stability.

The Mental Game: Patience and Persistence

Surfing is full of ups and downs. You'll have amazing sessions and frustrating ones. The key is to be patient with yourself, celebrate small victories, and remember to have fun. The journey of how to progress in surfing is a lifelong adventure.

Are you ready to take the next step in your surfing journey? Join us at Sōleïa Surfing Academy in Canggu, Bali and let our experts guide you to the next level.