What's Your Surf Level? A Guide for Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced Surfers
- Randall Head
- Sep 25, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 25, 2024
Surfing, like any other activity or sport, requires a lot of dedication and practice. Whether you’re a beginner trying to catch green waves for the first time, or an advanced surfer chasing barrels, knowing your Surf Level is crucial for safety, enjoyment, and respecting other surfers in the water.
This guide breaks down surfing into four levels, from complete beginners to seasoned wave riders. Be honest with yourself when assessing your abilities – overestimating your skill can lead to frustration, injuries, and danger for yourself and others. You’ll have more fun and progress much faster if you’re surfing waves that are at or slightly above your Surf Level.
Safety First:
Before hitting the waves, it's vital to understand basic surfing etiquette and how to control your board. Check out our blog post on the subject for a quick refresher.
Additionally, knowledge of ocean currents (rips) and underwater hazards is essential. Consider seeking guidance from a surf instructor, school, or camp, especially if you're new to the sport. Always observe the waves and conditions at your chosen break, and don't be afraid to ask questions from experienced surfers.
We’ve also got a helpful post about ocean safety you can check out.
Surf Level Guide
Level 1: Beginner
Brand new to surfing? Welcome! Level 1 surfing is all about having fun and getting a feel for your board–for safety and stability, we recommend using a soft board. Find a calm, sandy beach break with waist-deep water, and practice popping up and riding whitewater waves toward the shore. Remember to control your board at all times and prioritize safety by covering your head if you fall.
This is also a great time to enroll in surf lessons. At Level 1, working with an ISA-certified instructor can help you grasp the basics of surfing much quicker than if you try to figure everything out on your own.
Level 2: Intermediate
You've mastered whitewater and can now ride and maybe even turn on your board. As Level 2 surfers begin to tackle unbroken waves, paddling strength and surf safety become crucial. Learn the "turtle roll" maneuver to navigate whitewater sections while maintaining control of your board, and start training your mind and body to commit to dropping in on waves of increasing size and power.
At this level, it is your responsibility to begin learning surf etiquette. While reading about the rules of surfing is essential, the most important thing now is experience. Respect and be aware of other surfers in the lineup, taking care not to drop in on others. Give priority to locals and more advanced surfers. Also, as you begin to venture away from the relative safety of gentle beach breaks, take time to understand the conditions and reef/beach layout of a spot before paddling out, and don't hesitate to ask a local for advice.
Level 3: Advanced
As a confident Advanced surfer, you can comfortably ride both left and right-hand waves, performing basic maneuvers such as bottom and top turns. You have a solid understanding of surf etiquette, and you’re no longer a liability in the lineup. Level 3 surfers will be focused on reading and choosing waves, generating speed, and more finely-tuning their pop-up and footwork while chasing more exciting rides.
At this stage, you might also feel more confident to begin exploring different board shapes/sizes and fin configurations in order to find the setup that feels most natural to you. As you progress, remember to encourage others and share the waves–that's the surfing spirit!
Level 4: Expert
You're a "solid surfer," likely surfing regularly at home or traveling to chase waves. You can handle challenging waves, including steep and hollow ones on shallow reefs or sand. Respect for other surfers, especially locals, is paramount. As an Expert surfer, you're a role model in the water, so avoid snaking waves and be mindful that others might not be at your level. By setting a positive example, you contribute to a great surfing experience for everyone.
Have Fun, Be Respectful!
Surfing is a lifelong journey of learning and progression. No matter your current level, there's always a new wave to conquer, a new maneuver to master, and a deeper connection with the ocean to cultivate.
By honestly assessing your skills and choosing waves that match your ability, you'll ensure your safety, maximize your enjoyment, and earn the respect of your fellow surfers. Remember, surfing is a community activity–encourage others, share the waves, and embrace the positive spirit of the sport. We’ll see you in the water!
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