Do you dream of catching your first waves but are afraid of choosing the wrong equipment or never managing to stand up? This comprehensive guide for beginner surfers takes you step by step through the process of choosing the right equipment and
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A bad experience (waves too powerful, unwelcoming atmosphere, teachers who are not very good at teaching) can discourage you. On the contrary, a destination suited to beginners can give you confidence, provide you with unforgettable memories and make you want to keep improving.
So, how do you choose your first spot? Let’s break it down together: wave size, weather conditions, atmosphere on site, accessibility, and even the atmosphere out of the water. To learn more about the intermediate level, you can consult our guide.
The essential gear for your first waves
Having the right equipment from the outset is the only way to avoid becoming disillusioned with surfing after just a couple of sessions. It is the basis for having fun straight away rather than struggling against the elements.
The board, your best ally for beginners
Choosing the wrong board is the number one reason why novices give up at surfing. Forget the short models, it’s a error that can be fatal. The foam board, or soft top, remains the undisputed option. It offers maximum stability and safety.
Always aim for something big and bulky when you’re starting out. This golden rule ensures you have enough buoyancy to paddle without exhausting yourself. You’ll catch waves much more easily than with a thin board.
I strongly recommend that you rent the equipment to test it out before purchasing anything. a9> it is. This is the most sensible and economical approach to get started.
Wetsuit, leash and wax: accessories you shouldn’t forget
The neoprene suit is your armour against the elements. It protects you from the cold and prevents skin irritation. The thickness is chosen strictly according to the temperature of the water.
The leash is that vital cord which connects you physically to your board. It is an element of safety that is non-negotiable for you and the other surfers around.
Wax is a special wax to be applied to the top of the board. It creates the grip needed for your feet not to slip.
Foam board vs. resin board: a comparison to help you make the right choice
This table summarises the strengths and weaknesses of each board to help you make your decision. The aim is to give you a clear overview so you can decide without getting bogged down in technical details. You will quickly see why most beginners make the wrong choice.
| Feature | Board made of foam (soft top) | Board made of resin (hard top) |
|---|---|---|
| Safety | Very high (does not cause injury in the event of impact) | Low (may be dangerous) |
| Stability | Excellent (wider and thicker) | Average (more technical) |
| Buoyancy | Very high (facilitates paddling and take-off) | Good (depends on volume) |
| Price | Affordable (ideal for beginners) | Higher priced |
| Durability | Highly resistant to minor impacts | Fragile (frequent repairs) |
| Performance | Limited (not designed for manoeuvring) | High (allows for progress) |
| Verdict for beginners | The ideal choice for learning safely | To consider once you have mastered the basics |
The basics before taking the plunge
Now that you have the equipment, it isn’t enough to run into the waves. There are a few rules and basic techniques to know for it it goes well and.
Learning on your own or taking a course: my clear-cut opinion
Forget about struggling alone in the waves. Taking a surfing lesson is
A qualified instructor will take you straight to the right spot, with the right equipment. Think of it as a smart investment.
Stubborn? Then learn with an experienced friend and aim for minimal conditions. But remember well this: never go alone to the water.
Safety and right-of-way rules on the water
The ocean is not an anarchic playground. Respect for other surfers is essential. Mastering the rules of priority will prevent you from injuring someone or getting kicked out of the water.
- The surfer furthest inside, i.e. the one closest to the peak, has absolute priority .
- One single person per wave. Never tax anyone’s wave of someone, it is the supreme prohibition.
- Never let go of your board. It becomes a deadly projectile for others .
- Give the surfing area a wide berth to get back up to the peak, never get in the way of those who are surfing.
- Always observe the inside of the wave before committing.
- Communicate with others. A smile or a clear sign can make all the difference.
The take-off: the technique to finally get you up
Here comes the moment of truth: the take-off. This is the explosive movement where you go from lying down to standing up in a fraction of a second. It’s thankless and difficult at first, I know. But perseverance always pays off.
The mechanics are simple: paddle hard, feel the wave pushing you, place your hands flat under your shoulders, and stand up in one smooth motion.
My personal advice: practise on the carpet in your living room before heading to the water. Muscle memory is your best asset. If you want to learn all the terms, take a look at our surfing glossary for beginners.
Deciphering the spot: how to read the ocean like a pro
Having the technique is good. Knowing where and when to apply it is even better. Learning to read the ocean will change the life of a surfer.
Beach break, reef break, point break: which spot is best for a beginner?
Your best ally remains the beach break. Here, the waves break over banks of sand. Why is it the best? Because the bottom is soft, it is less dangerous in the event of a fall.
Reef breaks (coral) and point breaks are for experienced surfers. The waves there are often more powerful and the seabed is unforgiving. The advice is simple: look for sandy beaches with calm waters and soft seaweed.
The wind, your best friend or your worst enemy
The wind literally sculpts the water surface. There are two types of wind to be aware of. The offshore wind (wind from the land) is the Holy Grail: it smooths the face of the wave, making it cleaner and easier to surf.
Conversely, onshore winds (winds blowing from the sea) flatten everything and create unpleasant chop. Avoid these when you are just starting out, as they make it impossible to glide.
Understanding swell, tides and wave periods
The weather forecasts are not Chinese. The swell determines the size of the waves. There is no point in trying to be a hero: a small swell of less than one metre is perfect.
Also check the tide (rising or falling). It influences the shape and power of the waves. Each spot has its preferred tide. Finally, the period (seconds between two waves) matters: a long period brings too much power. Look for a short period at the beginning.
Train out of the water to progress faster
Surfing doesn’t just happen in the water. To really improve and enjoy every session, good physical preparation makes all the difference.
Improve your balance without a surfboard
Balance is your absolute foundation. You don’t need to be on the water to work on it effectively. A few simple exercises at home are enough to simulate the feeling of instability specific to the board and sharpen your proprioception.
You can invest in an Indo Board or try slacklining for fun. Alternatively, simply standing on one foot on a cushion with your eyes closed is still a formidable exercise for strengthening your ankles and core.
The floor pop-up: your daily exercise
The take-off movement must become a pure reptilian reflex. The best way to achieve this is to repeat it tirelessly. You don’t need waves for this, just a little space on the ground.
Lie on your stomach with your hands under your shoulders as if you were doing a push-up, and jump up suddenly to land flat-footed. Do 10 to 20 repetitions a day, and you will see your responsiveness skyrocket once you reach your peak.
Where to put your board? The best destinations for beginners
Must-see spots in France and Europe
France is a great place to start. The Basque coast, with legendary beaches like Hendaye, is
Also consider the Landes region, such as Lacanau or Hossegor in summer, and Brittany. These are sure bets. For more details, our guide to the best surfing spots for beginners in France is here for you.
Elsewhere in Europe, Portugal (Algarve) and Spain, particularly the Spanish Basque Country, are some great options. The article about surfing in Spain for beginners will give you some great good tips.
Heading for the sun: warm destinations for learning
If you dream of learning in shorts, certain destinations are made for you. Morocco is a classic choice, especially in winter. The Agadir and Taghazout region is full of easy spots. It’s a complete change of scenery just a few hours away by plane.
I have an incredible memory of a session in Essaouira, perfect for beginners. To find out more, you can read our guide on surfing in Morocco.
Costa Rica, Senegal or Cape Verde are also paradises for surfers beginners with warm water and waves that are accessible all year round.
Criteria for choosing your first surf trip destination
Choosing a spot is not just a question of waves. Here are the things you need to look at before you book.
- Type of waves: Seeks beach breaks with foam and small waves rolling in slowly.
- Attendance: Avoid the crowded spots. The fewer people there are, the more you will catch waves in safety.
- Accessibility: An easily accessible spot with surf schools nearby is a big plus.
- Season: Find out about the best time to go. Summer is often ideal in Europe, while winter is perfect for destinations such as Morocco or the Canary Islands.
Ask the right questions before you book
- How long do you want to go away for?
A long weekend = head for the Atlantic coast.
Two weeks = why not go abroad. - What’s your budget?
If you plan to rent a board + wetsuit + take lessons, remember to include these costs. - Are you comfortable with long-distance travel?
If you’re already stressed about flying or dealing with an unfamiliar language, start closer to home. - Do you just want to try it out or really get into it?
A surf camp (accommodation + lessons + atmosphere) is perfect if you want to immerse yourself. To try it out, a local school for a few sessions is enough.
Mistakes to avoid
- Choosing a spot that is too technical: some famous spots (Pipeline, Teahupo’o, Nazaré) are monsters. Even just swimming there can be dangerous. Forget about them when you’re just starting out.
- Underestimating currents and safety: even a small wave can be dangerous if the current is strong. Always check the conditions.
- Getting discouraged too quickly: surfing is difficult at first. The first time, you’ll often fall. But every little victory (getting up for two seconds, taking your first lather) is a real thrill.
- Leaving without a course: learning on your own is possible, but it can be time-consuming and sometimes dangerous. A teacher will help you correct your mistakes right away.
The atmosphere around surfing: as important as the waves
What a lot of people forget is that surfing is a culture, a way of life. Your first surf trip is also :
- Breakfast on the terrace after an early morning session.
- Evenings spent with other surfers, talking about waves and laughing about your wipeouts.
- Quiet moments, just sitting on your board watching the sunset.
Choose a destination where you feel you’ll be able to soak up the atmosphere. Even if you only spend 2 hours a day in the water, your entire stay will be marked by this vibe.
Now you’re ready to tackle your first waves with the right gear and technique. Remember that surfing is a lesson in patience and humility. Respect the ocean, have fun in the foam and
FAQ
To get off to a good start, the key is humility and choosing the right equipment. Start by renting a large foam board that will forgive your mistakes and offer you stability. a14> mistakes and offer you a stable ride. Choose some sandy (beach breaks) with gentle waves or foam. The ideal is still to take a few lessons to acquire the technical basics and above all understand the rules of safety essential for not put yourself in danger or disturb others.
Absolutely! There is no age limit for discovering the joys of skiing. If you are 40 (or older), you have the advantage of often having more patience and mental strength. Good physical condition is recommended, so don’t hesitate to work on your cardio and your flexibility at the same time. Go at your own pace, listen to your body and prioritise enjoyment over pure performance. The ocean is open to everyone in the world.
Forget the short and stiff boards for now. Your best ally is the foam board (soft top). It is voluminous to make paddling easier, stable to help you take off successfully, and safe in the event of an impact. Aim for a board between 7 and 9 feet. This is the choice for learning quickly and safely before moving on much later to a resin board.
We are not going to lie to ourselves, surfing is a demanding sport. The progression curve may seem slow at first, but it is actually quite rapid. a9> progress may seem slow at the beginning because the environment (the ocean) changes all the time. It takes a lot of perseverance to master rowing, balance and reading the waves. It is a demanding sport in the early days, but the sensation of your first real glide will make you forget all the falls and fatigue.
It is possible, but it is far from ideal. Learning on your own takes much more time and you risk developing bad technical reflexes that are difficult to correct later. More seriously, without an instructor, you may ignore the rules of priority and the dangers of the current, dangers of electricity. If you do not take a course, make sure at least that you are accompanied by an experienced friend and stay in very calm conditions.
No need for walls of water! For your first sessions, look for waves less than one metre high, or even just the foam (the white wave that has already broken). This is enough to feel the propulsion and work on your balance without making you make paddle. A small swell with a period short period is perfect for stringing together the attempts in complete safety.
It all depends on how often you go in the water and your physical condition. In general, during a week-long course, you will be able to stand up (take-off) and slide straight into the foam. To start riding a “green” wave (one that hasn’t broken) and make your first turns, allow several months or even a few years of regular practice. Patience is your best friend.
