Learning to surf is a great adventure, but it requires patience, practice–and a little time on your hands

How long does it take to learn to surf at least sufficiently?

The answer is it depends: in fact, the time varies from person to person, and depends on factors such as physical fitness, consistency in training, and, no small detail, the skills of the instructor. However, we can divide the learning curve into various levels beginner, intermediate, advanced and professional.

Let us therefore delve into this question by trying to understand how long it takes to learn the fundamentals in the case of beginners, and more advanced techniques in the case of more experienced surfers.

Read also: At what age can you start learning surfing?

Learning the art of surfing: how long it takes

Let’s start with absolute beginners: first you have to learn how to stand on the board in broken waves and movements such as “pop up” (stand up quickly on the board). This level can take from 6 months to 1 year to master as long as you train fairly frequently. A qualified instructor can greatly accelerate this process. Trying and retrying standing up helps build muscle memory and improve skills in standing up on the board.

Starting with a big board and small waves makes learning easier: those who know surfing know that it is best to start with a board that offers more stability and on less challenging waves.

At the intermediate level, you learn skills such as “duck dive” (diving under waves with a board), wave reading, and riding down the wave. It takes about 3-6 months of daily practice to learn these techniques. At this skill level you usually upgrade to a shorter board.

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

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

Let’s 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 it takes to learn to surf

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

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

Understanding weather conditions is also critical. Learn how to read surf forecasts, paying particular attention to elements such as swell, wind, and tide. Specialized sites such as Yadusurf.com or Surf Report can be very helpful in this: not of technique alone does the surfer live!

Finally, knowing the different types of waves is crucial. For beginners, foamy waves near the shore are the ideal starting point. Next, one should not start with too high expectations: it is important to be realistic and enjoy every little bit of progress without putting too much pressure on oneself.

Why it’s good to enroll in a surf school to learn

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

Professional courses, such as those that distinguish our surf school in Fuerteventura, offer safe and 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 suitable for different stages of learning. This not only increases safety levels, but also helps develop skills more quickly. Attending a surf school also means connecting with other enthusiasts, with whom you can share experiences, challenges and successes.

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

In conclusion

Many people 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 in good physical shape can make learning easier, but the crucial aspect is perseverance and a desire to have fun. For this, one must give time to time and not rush. It takes 6-12 months to master the basics well: for advanced evolutions, at least another year (of consistent training) must pass.

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

Takeaways

• The duration of learning to surf varies from person to person and depends on many factors such as physical fitness, consistency in training, and the quality of the instructor.
• For absolute beginners, learning to stand on a board can take 6 months to 1 year of regular practice, but a qualified instructor can speed up the process. The intermediate level requires about 3 to 6 months of daily practice to learn techniques such as duck diving and wave reading. Reaching the advanced level may require another 6 months or more of consistent practice to master maneuvers such as the “bottom turn” and “ripping.”
• Good physical condition, knowing how to swim and having good balance are essential to start surfing.
• Enrolling in a surf school can reduce mistakes and accelerate learning with qualified instructors and proper equipment.
• In general, it takes 6 months to 1 year to master the basics of surfing and at least another year for advanced evolutions with constant training.

Questions & Answers

How long does it take to learn to surf?

The time it takes to learn to surf varies from person to person and depends on several factors such as physical fitness, consistency in training, and the instructor’s skills. However, we can divide the learning curve into various levels, from beginners to professionals.

What does it take to learn to surf?

To learn to surf, it is important to be in good physical condition, know how to swim, have good balance, and understand weather conditions and different types of waves. Enrolling in a surf school can speed up the learning process and reduce mistakes.

Is it better to learn to surf self-taught or to enroll in a surf school?

The choice between learning self-taught or enrolling in a surf school depends on your personal preferences and time availability. While some people can learn independently, enrolling in a surf school offers structured lessons, high-quality equipment and the opportunity to learn from qualified instructors, which can speed up the learning process and improve confidence.