Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate surfer, there is always room for improvement. So with that in mind, let’s take a look at five ways you can improve your surfing skills this year.
1) Surf regularly
This sounds ridiculously obvious, and it is, but the only way you’re going to improve your surfing is by actually surfing regularly. If you’re fortunate enough to live relatively close to the water, try to get out in the waves at least once a week, if not more. You don’t have to surf every single day to improve but regular sessions out in the water will help make you a stronger and better surfer.
If you struggle with motivation, buddy up with someone else who enjoys surfing. Ideally, try and buddy up with someone who is better than you so that you can learn from them and improve your technique and stamina by surfing with them regularly.
2) Do some homework out of the water
Great surfers make the whole thing look absolutely effortless but in reality, surfing take a lot of strengths and coordination. So if you want to improve your surfing, and particularly if you can’t get out in the water as much as you’d like, you may need to put in a little bit of work at the gym or at home.
Working on gaining mobility across your thoracic spine and shoulders will assist with paddling whereas hip mobility work will help keep the strain off your lower back and knee joints. And of course, core strength work with a focus on fundamental core stability will help improve your rotation as well as provide the endurance required through your back muscles when in paddling position.
3) Go to a surf camp
Regular surfing is a fabulous way to improve, but sometimes you simply need to work intensely in order to see real skill development. Attending a surf camp will enable you to work with a qualified instructor to improve your skills and iron out any technical issues that are holding you back.
It’s important however to find a surf camp that suits your skill level and other requirements. If you’re a beginner, make sure your surf camp is designed for beginner level, otherwise you’ll find yourself getting frustrated and overwhelmed. But fear not because whether it’s women’s surf camps in Australia, beginner surf camps in Costa Rica or intermediate surf camps in Hawaii, there is something out there to suit every level.
4) Join a club
Joining a surf club is a fantastic way to pick up handy tips, improve your skills & technique and meet likeminded surfers. By joining a club, you’ll build a network of other surfers in your area who can help you to adopt a regular surfing practice that allows you to improve gradually.
5) Be patient
Unfortunately, surfing comes easier to some people than to others. So if you’re watching your friends perform tricks whilst you’re still struggling to get the basics, don’t beat yourself up. The key is to be patient and give yourself plenty of time to practice. As we’ve already established, surfing requires core strength, upper body strength and good mobility and the more you practice, the better you will get. You just have to be patient and keep trying.
Conclusion
Surfing is a wonderful hobby that can be enjoyed on many different levels. The key to improving your surf skills is being patient and getting help from the right people. If you have time and money to invest, try and head to a surf camp where you can get intensive, hands-on coaching. Of course, if that’s not an option, try and buddy up with other surfers in your area and ask for tips and assistance whenever possible. Above all however, getting regular practice is key to seeing any real improvement, so grab your board, hop in to your wetsuit and jump in the water ASAP!