Beginner’s Guide to Surfing: Step-by-Step Instructions to Ride Your First Wave

Surfing is more than just a sport — it’s a lifestyle, a workout, and a way to connect with nature. If you're new to surfing, the idea of paddling out into the ocean might seem intimidating. But don’t worry — this beginner’s guide to surfing breaks down all the essential steps, from warm-up to riding your first wave, so you can hit the water with confidence. Whether you're taking a surf lesson or going solo, follow this guide to learn how to surf, stay safe, and have fun.

Step 1: Start With a Proper Warm-Up

Before you even touch your surfboard, warming up is essential. Surfing engages your entire body — especially your shoulders, core, and legs. A good warm-up helps prevent injury and gets your muscles ready for action.

Beginner warm-up routine:

5 minutes of light jogging or jumping jacks
Arm circles and shoulder rolls
Dynamic stretches for the hips and legs
Gentle neck rolls and twists
Wrist and ankle rotations

Spend at least 10 minutes warming up before heading into the water.

Step 2: Learn the Basic Surf Safety Rules

Safety is everything in surfing. Following these rules not only protects you but also keeps everyone else in the lineup safe.

Surf safety rules for beginners:

Never surf alone. Always have a buddy or take a lesson.
Respect local surfers and surf etiquette. The surfer closest to the peak (where the wave breaks) has the right of way.
Stay aware of your surroundings. Look out for other surfers, swimmers, and obstacles like rocks or reefs.
Know your limits. Start in small waves and work your way up.
Learn how to wipe out safely. Cover your head and fall flat to avoid injury.

Step 3: Attach Your Leash Correctly

The surfboard leash keeps your board attached to your ankle, preventing it from floating away (and potentially hitting someone else).

How to attach your leash:

Sit on the beach or board and find the leash plug at the tail of your board.
Loop the leash string through the plug, then attach the Velcro cuff to the string.
Strap the leash around your back ankle (the foot you place behind you when standing on the board).
Make sure it’s snug, but not cutting off circulation.

Never skip this step — it’s essential for safety.

Step 4: Practice Lying on the Board (the Right Way)

Before paddling out, practice laying on your board on the sand. Body positioning is crucial for balance and control.

Tips for lying on your surfboard:

Lie centered on the board with your body weight balanced.
Keep your chest slightly raised and your head looking forward.
Your feet should be together and near the tail, but not dragging in the water.
Don’t lie too far back (you’ll sink) or too far forward (you’ll nosedive).

Step 5: Paddling Technique

Paddling is how you get out to the waves and catch them.

How to paddle correctly:

Use long, smooth strokes with your cupped hands.
Keep your elbows slightly bent and use your core for strength.
Don’t splash — you want clean, deep strokes.
Keep your chest up and avoid swaying side to side.

Practice paddling in calm water or with your board on the beach.

Step 6: Learn the “Pop-Up” on Land First

The pop-up is the motion of going from lying down to standing up. Practice this on the beach before trying it in the water.

How to do the pop-up:

Start lying in your paddling position.
Place your hands flat on the board under your chest.
Push up like you’re doing a push-up.
In one fluid motion, bring your feet under you and stand up.
Your front foot should land between your hands, and your back foot should follow naturally.

Tip: Practice 10–20 pop-ups on land to build muscle memory.

Step 7: Paddle Out to the Lineup

Once you're comfortable with the board on land, it's time to paddle out.

Tips for paddling out:

Start in smaller surf or white water.
Use turtle rolls (flipping your board upside down) to get past breaking waves.
Stay calm and breathe steadily.
Don’t rush — take breaks and observe the ocean.

Step 8: Catching Your First Wave

Now comes the fun part — catching your first wave!

How to catch a wave as a beginner:

Start by catching white water (already broken waves).
Position yourself facing the shore.
Wait for a wave to approach, then start paddling.
As the wave lifts your board, paddle harder for 2–3 strokes.
When you feel the wave take you, perform your pop-up.

Don’t worry if you fall — that’s part of the learning process!

Step 9: Ride the Wave and Enjoy the Ride

Once you’re on your feet, keep your knees bent and eyes looking forward. Don’t stare at your feet! Use your arms for balance and shift your weight slightly to turn or adjust.

Beginner riding tips:

Stay low and centered.
Relax your body — tension makes balance harder.
Practice riding straight before trying to carve or turn.

Final Thoughts

Surfing can be challenging at first, but it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences you can have in the ocean. Remember that everyone starts as a beginner, and falling is just part of the journey.

Quick recap of beginner surfing steps: