5 Tips to Improve Your Surfing Faster
Progressing in surfing takes more than just time in the water. It’s a mix of technique, consistency, ocean reading, and even mindset. If you want to accelerate your progress and break out of the plateau, these 5 tips will help you turn regular sessions into focused, purposeful training — with real, visible results.
1. Review Your Videos: Surf With Your Eyes Too
One of the fastest ways to improve is by watching yourself surf. Video reveals posture mistakes, poor timing, and missed opportunities you might not notice during your session.
What to look for:
Back foot placement and weight distribution
Wave entry timing (drop timing)
Use of the wave face — are you riding the pocket or running from the whitewater?
Unnecessary movements that throw off your balance
Helpful tools: Apps like Coach’s Eye, Slowmo Video, or even TikTok with slow playback help with frame-by-frame analysis.
"You never surf the way you imagine. Video reveals the truth — and that truth is your best ally."
2. Train Out of the Water: Surfskate, Functional Training & Mobility
Progress happens outside the water too. Dryland training helps develop balance, explosiveness, strength, and muscle memory — especially important if you don’t surf daily.
Activities that speed up progress:
Surfskate: Simulates turns, compression, and release just like real surfing
Functional training: TRX, balance boards, and bodyweight exercises improve strength and control
Mobility & flexibility: Yoga, Pilates, and dynamic stretching enhance movement flow
"The more your body understands the movement on land, the more naturally it performs it in the water."
3. Learn to Read the Ocean: Smart Surfers Catch More Waves
Surfing well isn’t just about stylish maneuvers — it’s about being in the right place at the right time. Ocean reading helps you maximize every session and avoid unnecessary paddling or drifting.
Learn to identify:
Fixed vs. shifting peaks
The rip current (for easier paddling out)
How the bottom (sandbanks or reef) shapes the wave
Ideal swell direction, wind, and tide for your local spot
Platforms like Windguru, MagicSeaWeed, Surf Forecast, and Tides4Fishing are game-changers.
"Reading the ocean is like learning an invisible language. Once you understand it, you start anticipating waves instead of reacting to them."
4. Use the Right Board for the Right Moment
Many surfers stall their progress by sticking to the wrong board. The right board should help you paddle easily, stay stable on the drop, and allow smooth progression.
Practical tips:
Beginners: Go for bigger boards (funboards or softboards) with float and a wide nose
Intermediates: Step down to a fish or hybrid for control and speed
Advanced: High-performance models tailored to daily conditions
When in doubt, ask a local shaper or experienced instructor for advice.
"You wouldn’t use a scalpel to cut bread. The right tool makes all the difference."
5. Surf With People One Level Above You
One of the best-kept secrets of progression is to challenge yourself by surfing with better surfers. It pushes you through inspiration and real-time learning.
Benefits:
Watch refined techniques up close
Receive tips from those who’ve been where you are
Adapt to faster paddling and wave selection rhythms
Develop humility and overcome ego
Join surf trips, group lessons, amateur comps, or surf camps to broaden your skillset and mindset.
"You are the average of the 5 surfers you paddle out with most often."
Conclusion: Progress Comes From Consistency & Awareness
Getting better at surfing isn’t just about surfing more — it’s about surfing better. By bringing in video analysis, dryland training, ocean reading, the right gear, and the right people, you accelerate your progress and turn every session into a learning experience.
And if you want to live that evolution with expert support, technique, and good vibes, come surf with Ohana Surf Experience.
With personalized lessons, technical coaching, and a community that lives and breathes the ocean, you’ll go far beyond the board — you’ll live the true aloha spirit.
Join us. Learn, evolve, and celebrate every wave.
Prices & Bookings
To learn more about prices, available dates, or to book your lesson, get in touch with our team.
You can:
📩 Fill out the contact form right here on our website
💬 Or send us a direct message via WhatsApp
We’re ready to respond quickly and help you live the best surf experience of your life!
contato.ohanasurf@gmail.com