Learning to surf is a great adventure, but it requires patience, practice… and a little time.

How long does it take to learn to surf, at least long enough?

The answer depends: the time varies from person to person and depends on factors such as fitness, consistency in training and, not least, the skills of the instructor. However, we can divide the learning curve into beginner, intermediate, advanced and professional levels.

So let’s delve into this question by trying to understand how long it takes to learn the basics in the case of beginners, and the more advanced techniques in the case of more experienced surfers.

Read also: At what age can you start learning to surf?

Learning the art of surfing: how long does it take?

Let’s start with absolute beginners: first you have to learn how to stand up on the board in broken waves and movements such as the “pop up” (getting up quickly on the board). This level can take between 6 months and 1 year to master, provided you train often enough. A qualified instructor can speed up this process considerably. Trying and retrying to stand up helps develop muscle memory and improve standing skills.

Starting with a big board and small waves makes learning easier: those who know how to surf know that it is better to start with a board that offers more stability and in less demanding waves.

At the intermediate level, you learn skills such as duck diving (diving under the waves with the board), wave reading and wave descending. It takes three to six months of daily practice to learn these techniques. At this level, you usually switch to a shorter board.

Reaching the advanced level means mastering maneuvers such as the “bottom turn” (turning down the wave) and “ripping” (riding the wave with energy): another 6 months or even 1 year of constant practice is needed to succeed.

Finally, reaching the professional level, which means being able to perform complex maneuvers such as cutback, snap, floater or 360º, can take years of practice, because each technique, especially if it is complex, has different levels of difficulty and can only be performed in certain types of waves.

Remember that learning to surf is not just a matter of getting on a board. It requires dedication, practice and, above all, respect for some basic safety rules. Above all, it takes time, just like learning the technique of any other sport.

What you need to learn to surf

A good physical condition is an excellent starting point: surfing is a physically demanding sport, and being fit helps you to perform the techniques faster and not get too tired at the beginning.

Knowing how to swim is essential: for beginners, you usually start in shallow water, but as you progress, it is important to know how to swim well to venture into deeper water.

Having a good balance, or getting it, is equally important: the board is not stable, and getting the right balance is crucial. Some can do it right away, others need more time.

Understanding weather conditions is also crucial. Learn to read surf forecasts, paying special attention to elements such as swell, wind and tide. Specialized sites like Yadusurf.com or Surf Report can be of great help in this regard: surfing is much more than technique!

Finally, knowing the different types of waves is crucial. For beginners, foamy waves near the shore are the ideal starting point. And don’t start with too high expectations: it’s important to be realistic and enjoy every little bit of progress without putting too much pressure on yourself.

Why it is good to join a surf school to learn to surf

Enrolling in a surfing school is essential to learn by reducing the possibility of making mistakes and shortening the time.

Professional courses, such as those at our surf school in Fuerteventura, offer safe, structured lessons suitable for all levels of experience. Qualified instructors know exactly how to guide beginners through the basics of surfing, from theory to practice,ensuring that each student acquires the fundamental skills correctly and effectively.

In addition, surf schools provide adequate and high quality equipment, appropriate for the different stages of learning. This not only increases safety levels, but also helps to develop skills more quickly. Attending a surf school also means coming into contact with other amateurs, with whom to share experiences, challenges and successes.

Read also: Where to surf in Europe: the best places for “board” lovers.

In conclusion

Many believe that surfing is an extremely difficult sport, but the truth is that with the right approach and a little patience, anyone can learn to ride the waves. Surfing is an inclusive activity, suitable for men, women and children of all ages. Of course, being young and physically fit can make it easier to learn, but what is crucial is perseverance and the desire to have fun. To do this, you need to dedicate time and not be in a hurry. It takes 6 to 12 months to master the basics well: for advanced development, at least another year (of constant training) must pass.

Surfing is an exciting and addictive sport that can be learned at almost any age, as long as you have the right mindset: willingness to learn, confidence and patience.

Takeaways

• The duration to learn to surf depends on factors such as physical condition, perseverance and the instructor’s skills. In general, mastering the basics can take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year of consistent practice.
• For beginners, learning to stand up and perform basic movements can take up to a year. At the intermediate level, an additional 3 to 6 months are required to master more complex techniques such as duck diving and wave reading. Reaching the advanced level can take at least another 6 months.
• Having a good physical shape and balance are essential to progress faster in surfing. Being in shape helps to execute the techniques and to resist the physical effort that surfing requires.
• Enrolling in a surf school helps shorten the learning curve. Qualified instructors teach the right techniques and provide the right equipment, allowing students to develop their skills more quickly and safely.
• Mastering the basics of surfing does not happen overnight. Surfing is a sport that requires time, perseverance and a realistic approach. To move forward, it is essential to enjoy the process and celebrate every little bit of progress.

FAQ

How long does it take to learn to surf?

The time it takes to learn to surf varies depending on the individual and their consistency in practice. Beginners can take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year to master the basics, while reaching advanced levels can take at least another year of consistent practice.

What are the skills needed to learn to surf?

To learn to surf, you need to be in good physical condition, know how to swim, have balance and understand the weather conditions. It is also important to know the different types of waves and start with realistic expectations to enjoy progress without pressure.

Why is it advisable to enroll in a surf school?

Enrolling in a surf school helps to reduce mistakes and shorten learning time. Professional courses provide safe and structured lessons, with qualified instructors teaching correct techniques, as well as providing adequate equipment and opportunities to share experiences with other surfers.