Surfing Advice for Beginners From our Rise up Coaches
You’ve dreamt about it, right?
Paddling into the ocean. Catching a wave. Feeling that sudden rush as your board lifts and carries you across the water.
Then… reality hits.
The waves break faster than you expect. Your arms burn after two minutes of paddling. And somehow other surfers always seem to be in the perfect spot. All the while you’re left bobbing in the whitewater.
Welcome to the world of learning to surf.
Every beginning surfer feels this way at first. The lineup can look intimidating, the surf forecast seems like it’s written in another language and popping up feels like it should be an Olympic event.
But here’s the good news: you don’t need to figure it out alone.
At Rise Up Surf, our coaches have taught hundreds of surf lessons at our surf retreats in Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Like, they’ve literally helped and watched beginner surfers go from hesitant first paddles to catching green waves with confidence in the space of a week.
So, when it comes to surfing advice, we thought they’d have plenty to share.
We asked them to tell us their most memorable surfing tips. And as you can imagine from such a salty bunch, their answers are equal parts funny, practical and insightful.
Enjoy!
Can online surf advice really transform my surfing?
Honestly, yes. But there are caveats.
Having background knowledge before you start surfing can make a huge difference. Imagine showing up to your first surf session already knowing what surf etiquette means, how the line up works or why you need to angle your big board slightly when the incoming waves roll in.
That kind of preparation can be the difference between riding waves on day one or struggling through foam for days. The former is obviously better.
Take the pop up, for example.
If you’ve practiced on land and know to keep your knees bent, feet apart and eyes looking down the wave face, you’ll be surfing well-ish from the get go.
The same goes for paddling technique. Understanding that paddle power and timing matter more than raw strength means you’ll cover long distances without tiring as quickly.
But let’s be real: no amount of reading can replace being in the water with experienced surfers guiding you.
At an all-inclusive surf retreat, you don’t just read about a turtle roll. You practice it as waves break over you.
You don’t just learn the theory of point breaks versus beach breaks. You feel the difference under your feet.
Online surf advice gives you the map, but a surf retreat (like our Nicaragua and Costa Rica locations) is where the journey truly begins.
5 surfing tips from Rise Up’s coaching team
1. Attitude makes or breaks your surf session
Alek says it best: “It’s a matter of attitude. A nice attitude”.
Surfing is unpredictable. The weather forecast might promise postcard perfect point breaks. And instead you arrive to soft waves and choppy wind. You might paddle for long distances, only to miss the next wave by an inch. That’s when attitude matters.
Stay patient.
Appreciate the sun on your shoulders.
The sound of incoming waves
The scent of surf wax and that welcoming feeling of the water.
Celebrate the first time you ride a wave face, even if it’s brief. The more fun you bring to the lineup, the more the ocean seems to reward you.
2. Keep it lighthearted
Coach Vendela doesn’t overcomplicate things. Her advice? “Bark”.
She doesn’t mean it literally. It’s more of a playful mental prompt… a reminder to loosen up and bring some levity to the lineup.
Beginner spots are full of wipeouts, foam boards flying and surfers standing up for half a second before tumbling. If you can laugh at yourself and share that joy with other surfers, you’ll have more fun and (weirdly enough) learn faster.
Surfing isn’t about perfection, after all.
It’s about the thrill of catching a wave, even if it’s a smaller wave or an unbroken wave you ride for just a few meters.
3. Paddle like you mean it
Coach Alek puts it straight: “Start paddling sooner and to the peak so that people know you’re committed”.
Half-hearted paddling is a beginner surfer’s downfall. When the ocean works its magic and a green wave rolls toward you, hesitation means you’ll miss it.
Worse still… other surfers won’t know whether you’re going. You risk colliding on the same wave.
Instead, lean forward, dig deep with your arms and paddle like you truly want that wave. Commitment creates more speed, which helps you pop up smoothly and ride into the sweet spot.
Think of it as telling both the ocean and other surfers: this one’s mine.
4. Pay attention to wave count
Cris takes a more tactical approach. “I count people’s waves, position myself on the peak and when it’s my turn I commit”.
Wave count is underrated. In a busy surf spot, some surfers might grab all the waves while others wait patiently. By paying attention to who has caught a few waves already, you’ll know when it’s your moment. It’s smart and its incredibly practical.
Cris even likes to shout “Goingggg” as he paddles in. This makes things clear for other surfers. In the chaos of breaking waves, clear communication can save you from bumping into someone else.
5. Respect locals and experienced surfers
Manu’s advice is simple but essential: “Be mindful and nice with the local people and show commitment”.
Every local spot has its unspoken rules. Some surfers grew up on those reef breaks or beach breaks, and they know exactly how the waves break depending on tide and wind.
A smile, a friendly “hola” and waiting your turn shows respect.
In return, you’ll often find locals happy to give you tips about the best waves, the safest paddle out, or which smaller waves are perfect for beginners.
We’re big fans of being respectful surf travelers. It just makes any surf trip smoother. And your surf sessions more fun.
Bonus surfing tips for learners
Know when to wait
A beginner surfer’s instinct is to chase all the waves, but you’ll tire yourself out fast. Sometimes it’s smarter to sit back, breathe and wait for the best waves… or at least the waves you think you can handle.
Communication is key
Even among experienced surfers, collisions happen. Calling “left” or “right” when you’re catching a wave, making eye contact or simply nodding helps. It doesn’t need to be complicated.
Safety first
Beginner surfers should always protect their heads in a wipeout, never ditch their boards in crowded line ups and give plenty of space when other surfers are riding waves. Learn how to turtle roll with a big board or duck dive with a smaller one. This makes paddling through breaking waves much easier.
Beginner surf gear tips
Having the proper equipment makes surfing a lot more fun. Foam boards or other big boards are perfect for catching soft waves. Always apply surf wax for grip and wear a rash guard to avoid both sunburn and board rash.
How do we coach surfing?
At Rise Up Surf, we’ve built our coaching around the belief that learning to surf should feel inspiring, not intimidating.
At our surf retreats in Central America, beginner surfers practice everything from paddling technique to surf etiquette in safe, supportive conditions.
We take guests to beginner spots where unbroken waves are easier to catch, then gradually build toward riding green waves at mellow beach breaks or gentle point breaks. Every surf session is structured so you learn step by step, gain paddle power, and build confidence.
Want to know more about how our team teaches?
Take a look at our page on how we coach surfing.
FAQ for beginner surfers
Do I need surf lessons if I’m already athletic?
Yes. Even strong swimmers or fit athletes struggle without guidance. Knowing how the ocean works and when to pop up matters more than strength.
What if I miss a few waves?
Completely normal. Every beginning surfer misses waves at first. With practice, you’ll find the sweet spot and start catching more waves.
Should I start surfing with smaller waves?
Definitely. Soft waves and smaller waves are safer and easier to learn on before you chase steeper wave faces.
What’s the difference between turtle roll and duck dive?
Both help you get under incoming waves. A turtle roll works best with a bigger beginner surfboard, while a duck dive is better for shorter boards.
Can I learn at any surf spot?
Not really. Beginner spots like mellow beach breaks are far more forgiving than shallow reef breaks. Choose wisely. Or simply let your surf retreat coach guide you.
Book now… we’ll be your guide to surfing Central America
Surfing is a journey, not a race. For beginner surfers like yourself, it’s about more than catching all the waves.
It’s about learning surf etiquette, trusting your paddling technique and embracing every small victory. From your first pop up on foam boards to riding long distances on a green wave.
At Rise Up Surf, our coaches know exactly how it feels to start surfing from scratch.
We mix serious instruction with laughter, patience and encouragement so you catch waves, improve each surf session and walk away stoked.
So grab your rash guard, apply some surf wax and paddle out with confidence. The ocean is waiting. And with the right guidance, you’ll discover how much more fun learning to surf can be!
