Common Beginner Surfing Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
The most common beginner surfing mistakes — lying in the wrong spot, popping up too early, looking down — and simple fixes for each.
Everyone makes these mistakes. Knowing them in advance helps you fix them faster.
| Mistake | What happens | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Lying too far forward | Nose dives ("pearling") | Slide back until the nose sits just above the water |
| Lying too far back | Board stalls; wave passes | Slide forward a little |
| Stopping paddling too early | Wave passes underneath | Take 2–3 extra strokes after you feel it |
| Popping up too early | Board isn't moving; you sink | Wait until the board accelerates |
| Looking down | You fall where you're looking | Eyes on the beach |
| Standing straight up | Poor balance | Stay low, knees bent |
| Kneeling first | Slow, unstable pop-up | Practise one smooth motion on land |
| Feet too close together | Wobbly | Shoulder-width stance |
| Going out too big | Scary, unsafe | Stay in the whitewater at first |
The Mindset Mistake
Expecting to be good straight away. Falling is part of learning — see How Long Does It Take to Learn to Surf?
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It's hard to see your own mistakes. An instructor watching each ride can fix them in minutes.
Related: How to Stand Up · How to Paddle
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