Dreaming of Riding Your First Wave?
Surfing from the outside all the way to the shore might seem challenging, but how difficult is it really? In this guide, we’ll break down what it takes to catch your first wave.
Surfing is fascinating – the idea of effortlessly gliding over the waves on a board captivates many. But how difficult is it really to surf a wave from the outside all the way to the shore? What requirements do you need and is surfing more challenging than other sports?
What Makes Surfing Challenging?
There are a few important factors to consider:
A certain knowledge of the ocean is essential for safe surfing: Currents and wave conditions must be correctly assessed to avoid dangerous situations.
The Right Equipment: A suitable board is the key to early success. The length and volume of the board determine how easy it is to get started and how much fun you will have in the water.
Technique and Timing: Surfing requires coordination and body control. Without professional guidance to refine your technique, mastering the necessary movements can be challenging.
An experienced surf coach will help you to avoid mistakes and gain confidence in the water more quickly.
Can Anyone Learn to Surf?
Yes!
Whether you're athletic or not – with the right technique and guidance, anyone can make progress. Being athletic or having experience in board sports is helpful, but not necessary.
Important: Many movements can already be practiced on land. If you train the "pop-up" (getting up on the board) beforehand, you'll feel more confident in the water and stand on the board faster.
The right equipment is crucial!
Your height and weight influence your choice of surfboard. Just like with cycling – if you are taller, you need a bigger bike to be able to ride stably. In the same way, a taller person needs a larger and more stable surfboard. And just as you wouldn't start biking on a steep hill, you shouldn't begin surfing on big and steep waves. It's better to start with small, gentle waves that give you enough time to practice the new movements and make progress.
Assessing these factors correctly can feel overwhelming at first. That's why starting with professional support is worth it. At Yume Surfcamps, we have a large selection of boards and can therefore guarantee that every surf student can surf the right board suited to their body and level of experience.
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So, How Long Does It Take to Surf a Wave?
When you go surfing for the first time, you'll be surprised at how quickly you make progress – especially with experienced coaches by your side. Even if you're starting in your 20s or 30s, it's never too late!
During a one-week surf course, you can expect:
Day 1: You learn to move safely in the water, paddle for waves and keep the balance on your board. The first attempts to stand up come quickly – some even manage it within the first lesson.
Day 1 to 3: Most people stand on the board and surf their first whitewater waves after a few days. During this time, you improve your timing and paddling technique to catch more and more waves. The first attempts at standing up are an exciting moment that feel like stepping into a new world!
Day 3 to 5: The first "longer" whitewater waves are mastered. You'll work on your balance and learn to read the wave – when to accelerate, when to slow down. At this stage, you'll start practicing turns and feel for the first time what it means to flow with the wave.
After one week: You are ready to surf your first "green" (unbroken) wave. With courage, timing and the right technique, you master this next step and begin to feel confident riding steeper waves. And then it happens – suddenly it clicks. You paddle, stand up and surf the unbroken wave face from the outside all the way to the beach.
This moment is unforgettable – and from then on, there's no turning back!
Every Learning Success Is Individual
Surfing is a sport that brings joy at every level. Every new step – whether it's the first attempts at standing up or a perfect turn – is fun and motivates you to keep going. Moments when you don't feel like getting back in the water are rare and that's exactly what makes surfing such a unique sport that everyone should try!
Surfing is for everyone – and it's never too late to give it a go!