Starting to surf is one of the most incredible experiences you can have — but it can also be frustrating when you feel like you're not progressing as fast as you'd like.
The good news?
Most beginner surfers make exactly the same mistakes.
In this article, we show you the most common surfing mistakes — and, more importantly, how to avoid them so you can progress faster and with more confidence.
1. Choosing the wrong board
Many people want to start with small boards because they look more “professional.”
Classic mistake.
Smaller boards are much more unstable, harder to control, require more technique, and take much longer to learn.
How to avoid it:
Start with a large board (softboard), which provides more stability.
More volume = more stability.
You’ll catch more waves and progress faster.
Poor positioning on the board
If you are too far forward, the board sinks.
If you are too far back, you won’t catch the wave.
How to avoid it:
Adjust your position (on a large board) with your toes feeling the tail (toes slightly off the board).
Keep your body centered.
Small adjustments make a big difference.
3. Wrong take-off technique
The take-off is one of the most important moments in surfing — and also where many mistakes happen.
Standing up too quickly without control or proper technique makes you lose balance and fall before even riding the wave.
How to avoid it:
Break the movement into phases. First perform the first steps in a controlled way, then after practice, speed it up smoothly.
Practice take-offs on land to build muscle memory.
Adapt your technique if needed — there are variations that help beginners.
4. Not paddling enough
Many beginners underestimate paddling.
Without good paddling, you won’t catch waves.
How to avoid it:
Paddle with intention and strength.
Use full arm strokes (not just forearms).
Train endurance outside the water.
5. Standing up too early (or too late)
Timing is everything in surfing.
Too early → the wave has no power.
Too late → you lose the push and fall quickly.
How to avoid it:
Feel the wave before standing up (around 3 paddles after feeling the push).
Look back to read the wave and its position.
Listen to instructors’ feedback.
6. Looking at your feet instead of forward
One of the most common mistakes.
Looking down throws off your balance.
How to avoid it:
Always look where you want to go.
Your body will follow your gaze.
Trust your foot placement (it comes with practice).
7. Body stiffness
Being tense is normal at first.
But stiffness reduces balance and control.
How to avoid it:
Relax your body.
Keep knees bent and arms forward.
Take a deep breath before catching a wave.
8. Poor positioning in the lineup
Even with good technique, if you're in the wrong place, you won’t catch waves.
How to avoid it:
Observe the ocean before entering.
Watch where waves break.
Follow other surfers (if without instructor).
Get help from instructors.
9. Trying to progress too fast
This is more mental than physical.
Comparing yourself or rushing tricks slows progress.
How to avoid it:
Respect your pace.
Focus on fundamentals.
Celebrate small wins.
10. Ignoring ocean conditions
Entering the water without understanding conditions can be difficult or dangerous.
How to avoid it:
Learn the basics about tides and wind.
Choose beaches suited to your level.
Always ask for local advice.
11. Trying to learn alone
Many beginners believe they can learn surfing on their own — but this often slows progress.
Without guidance, it’s easy to repeat the same mistakes without understanding what’s going wrong.
How to avoid it:
Look for a surf school or instructor.
Receive immediate feedback and technical corrections.
Learn with guidance tailored to your level — you’ll progress faster, with more safety and confidence.
12. Giving up too early
Surfing isn’t easy — and that’s part of its beauty.
How to avoid it:
Be consistent.
Enjoy the process.
Remember: every fall is part of progress.
Conclusion
All these mistakes are part of the process — no one starts perfect.
The most important thing is to learn from them and keep going.
With the right guidance, consistent practice, and a good dose of patience, your progress will happen much faster than you imagine.
Want to progress faster?
At our school, we have physical education teachers who are also certified surf coaches (levels 1 and 2), with over 20 years of experience in teaching and training surfing. From day one, we help you avoid these mistakes with personalized guidance focused on your progression.
Join us and start surfing with confidence.
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