Surf is a sport that requires time, dedication, and a lot of practice to improve.
If you're wondering what your current level is, it's important to assess your skills realistically in order to progress properly and choose the right equipment. In this article, we break down the five most common surf levels, from beginner to advanced, so you can identify where you stand and what the next steps are in your evolution as a surfer.
Additionally, it's very important to know your true surf level to correctly choose the size of your surfboard.
If you've just started in the world of surfing or have only taken a few lessons, you're likely at this level. The main characteristics of a beginner surfer are:
✅ You can get up on the board in the foam of the wave.
✅ You are learning the take off technique (getting up on the board).
✅ You use a beginner board (softboard).
✅ You still don't surf on the wave face; you only follow the foam wave.
✅ You are learning to paddle and choose the right waves.
👉 Goal to progress: Improve stability, paddling, and the take off technique to start surfing unbroken waves while following the line.
At this level, you've already surpassed the initial stage and start facing unbroken waves and catching walls. If you identify with the following, you are likely at this level:
✅ You manage to get standing on the board 70% of the time.
✅ You surf the wave face on small and medium waves.
✅ You begin to make your first basic turns and lightly pump on the wave.
✅ You can identify the direction of the waves and paddle correctly toward them.
✅ You continue to improve your paddling technique and positioning in the peak.
👉 Goal to progress: Gain confidence in bigger and more powerful waves, improve board control, and start making more defined turns.
This is where you start to feel more comfortable in the water and develop a more fluid surfing style. If you meet the following characteristics, you can already consider yourself an intermediate surfer:
✅ You alternate bottom turns (turn at the base of the wave) and turns on small and medium waves.
✅ You still lack fluidity in some movements but manage to complete good turns.
✅ You can select almost all waves well and anticipate their direction.
✅ You have better control of speed and positioning on the wave.
✅ You can surf both beach breaks and softer reef or point breaks.
👉 Goal to progress: Improve fluidity in turns, work on reading waves, and start trying more advanced maneuvers.
If you've reached this point, you already master most of the basic techniques and are starting to look for more technical maneuvers. An intermediate/advanced surfer is characterized by:
✅ Alternating bottom turns and fluid turns on any type of wave.
✅ Starting to try more technical maneuvers like tighter turns, snaps, or floaters.
✅ Having good wave reading skills and being able to anticipate their movement.
✅ Maintaining board speed easily without depending on the wave.
✅ Adapting well to different types of waves, including reef breaks and larger point breaks.
👉 Goal to progress: Perfect technical maneuvers, gain more aggressiveness in turns, and improve control on bigger and faster waves.
This is the level of the most experienced surfers, those who have total control over the board and the waves. If you meet the following, you are an advanced surfer:
✅ You perform radical maneuvers like airs, tubes, and powerful turns on any type of wave.
✅ You surf on big and powerful waves with confidence.
✅ You have great control over the speed and direction of the board.
✅ You easily adapt your surfing style to the conditions of the sea.
✅ You are capable of surfing on demanding spots with fast, hollow, and powerful waves.
👉 Goal to progress: Polish technique details, train endurance, and start challenging bigger and more complicated waves.
Regardless of your current level, surfing is a sport that always offers room for improvement. Here are some key tips to keep evolving:
✅ Surf regularly: Consistent practice is key to improving your level.
✅ Record your sessions: Watching videos of your surf helps you identify mistakes and correct them.
✅ Try different types of surfboards: This will help you improve your control and adaptability.
✅ Train off the water: Improving your strength, balance, and endurance will make you a more complete surfer.
✅ Take lessons with professionals: A surf coach can help you perfect your technique.
Now that you know the different surf levels, where do you stand? Leave us a comment and share your experience! 🏄♂️🌊
Products that might interest you:
