Surfing is a fun sport. But before you get to the fun, you have to learn the basics, and success takes practice and patience. As a beginner, there are several common mistakes to watch out for that can delay learning or, worse, jeopardize your practice.

Let’s discover the 7 most common mistakes surfing beginners make, the ones to avoid for both “technical” and safety reasons.

Read also: Where to surf in Fuerteventura: 5 best spots for real surfers.

Beginner’s mistakes: the 7 most frequent in the world of surfing

Wrong choice of the table

The first mistake concerns the choice of board: many beginners start with boards that are too advanced or too small. On the contrary, beginners should use a soft-top or foam board, as it is more stable and buoyant, which makes it easier to learn the basics of surfing: a board of this type offers more stability and ease of maneuvering.

Equally important is to always use the right equipment and products, such as leash, rash guard and sun protection. Wetsuits are essential in cold water.

Wrong beach

Another mistake has to do with the choice of location. Beginners should avoid crowded beaches with strong waves or strong currents. Instead, it is better to opt for less crowded beaches with smaller waves and sandy bottoms.

Not knowing how to swim

A surfer must know how to swim, especially if surfing in deep water or in the presence of high waves. Make sure you have perfected basic and advanced swimming techniques before venturing out.

Not training enough

Technique is important, of course, but so is training: surfing is physically demanding and requires strength and endurance, especially for paddling against the current and staying upright on the board. Doing strength and endurance exercises is crucial, as is stretching, pop-ups and core strengthening, all activities that help improve fitness.

Choosing the wrong… waves

Beginners often choose waves that are too big or not consistent enough. It is better to practice with small, consistent waves, which are more useful for learning. Choosing the right spot is crucial: asking local instructors for advice can help you find the best spot for your skill level.

Incorrect board position and ineffective paddling

The correct position on the board is crucial for balance. Beginners often position themselves badly: learning the technique, perhaps at a good surf school, is crucial so as not to compromise the ability to ride the waves effectively.

A well-prepared instructor can also teach you how to paddle correctly, i.e. with your arms close to your body. To learn how to position and paddle, it is best to start practicing in calm water.

Neglecting safety precautions

Always check weather conditions, tide times and wave heights. Being aware of your surroundings and respecting safety rules is crucial to enjoy a safe surfing experience: for example, knowing and respecting the rules and etiquette of surfing is crucial to avoid conflicts and dangerous situations.

“How can I avoid the most common mistakes when learning to surf?”

Simple: you must enroll in a surf school. Professional lessons from qualified instructors will give you the opportunity to learn the correct technique, the rules of surfing, how to choose the ideal place to practice and even how to use the equipment correctly, all of which is much more difficult to learn on your own.

And don’t forget that at a surf school you will meet other like-minded surfers: you can make friends and bond with a community of surfers from all over the world.

Check out our site specialized in water sports: you will find all the information you need to learn surfing in Fuerteventura, but also windsurfing and even kitesurfing courses in Fuerteventura, in the beautiful Canary Islands.

Read also: How to choose kitesurfing equipment: the ultimate guide.

To conclude

In the world of surfing, beginners often face challenges that can seem daunting. However, with proper guidance and awareness, it is possible to overcome these obstacles and fully enjoy the surfing experience. Don’t overestimate your abilities: it is important to be realistic about your skill level and not attempt waves beyond your reach.

If you avoid these common mistakes, you will progress faster and enjoy surfing safely. Remember to choose the right place to surf, use the right board, practice paddling, respect other surfers and always carry the proper equipment. An experienced and patient instructor can help you avoid making mistakes that can hinder your learning and help you enjoy the surfing experience more consciously.

Now that you have this information, the only thing left to do is to get ready for surfing with a good surf course in Fuerteventura!

Takeaways

• Many beginners make the mistake of starting with boards that are too advanced or too small. A soft-top or foam board is the best choice for beginners, as it offers greater stability and makes it easier to learn the basics of surfing. Proper equipment is equally essential, such as rash guard, sun protection and, in cold water, a wetsuit.
• Crowded beaches with strong waves should be avoided for beginners. Opting for places with smaller waves and sandy bottoms allows for a safer and calmer learning experience. This reduces the risk of accidents and improves technical progress.
• Surfing requires a good knowledge of swimming, especially in deep water or large waves. Before venturing out, it is essential to have perfected basic and advanced swimming techniques, thus increasing safety in the sea.
• Surfing requires strength and endurance. Beginners often underestimate the importance of physical training. Strengthening muscles, training endurance and practicing specific movements such as pop-ups are crucial activities to improve fitness and optimize surfing.
• Respecting safety rules, such as checking weather conditions and tide, is vital to avoid dangerous situations. A qualified instructor can offer valuable guidance, helping you learn proper balance and paddling techniques, as well as teaching surf etiquette. Respecting the environment and shared rules is the key to safe and conscious surfing.

FAQ

What is the best type of board for beginners in surfing?

Beginners should use a soft-top or foam board, as it is more stable and buoyant, making it easier to learn the basics of surfing. This type of board offers greater stability and maneuverability.

Why is it important to choose the right beach for surfing?

Choosing the right beach is essential for beginners, as they should avoid crowded beaches with strong waves or strong currents. It is better to opt for less crowded beaches with small waves and sandy bottoms for safe and progressive learning.

How can I avoid the most common mistakes when learning to surf?

To avoid common mistakes, it is advisable to enroll in a surf school. Professional lessons from qualified instructors will help you learn the correct technique, the rules of surfing and how to choose the ideal place to practice, as well as how to use the equipment properly.