How to Start Surfing: A Complete Beginner’s Guide

Thinking about how to start surfing? Good choice. You don’t need to be super fit, own a surfboard or have spent your childhood growing up next to the ocean. You just need to be comfortable in the water, ready to learn and prepared to fall. A lot.

Surfing looks easy when you watch someone who knows what they’re doing. Then you get on a board and suddenly standing up becomes a surprisingly complicated task. Don’t worry, that’s completely normal. Every surfer started somewhere.

Beginner surfer standing on her first wave during a surf lesson at Sandycamps

What Do You Need to Start Surfing?

The good news is that you don’t need much. So how to start surfing? For your first surf lesson, you’ll need swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and some energy. Your surfboard and wetsuit can be provided, so there’s no need to spend a fortune on equipment before you even know if surfing is for you.

As a beginner, you’ll usually use a bigger, more stable surfboard. Forget the tiny performance board you see professional surfers riding. Your first board has one important job: helping you catch waves and stay on it long enough to have fun.

And yes, you’ll need a wetsuit. The Atlantic Ocean is beautiful, but it isn’t exactly a warm swimming pool.

Should You Take Surf Lessons?

You can try to figure everything out yourself, but learning with an instructor is much easier and safer. A good surf instructor will teach you how to position yourself on the board, paddle, catch waves and stand up, while also helping you understand the ocean and the conditions.

At Sandycamps, beginners are welcome even if they have never surfed before. The lessons are adapted to your level and to the conditions of the day, so you can focus on learning instead of trying to work out which wave is about to destroy you.

What Happens During Your First Surf Lesson?

Your first lesson starts on the beach. You’ll learn how to use the board, practise your pop up and go through the basic safety rules before heading into the water.

Then comes the fun part.

You paddle, wait for a small wave, paddle a little harder and try to stand up. You’ll probably fall. Then you’ll try again. And again.

Eventually, you’ll catch one.

It might only last a few seconds, but that first feeling of the board moving underneath you is something you won’t forget. And there’s a good chance you’ll immediately want to paddle back out and do it again.

That’s how surfing gets you.

Where Should You Learn to Surf?

At Sandycamps, you can learn to surf in two very different destinations, Peniche and Baleal in Portugal, or Imsouane in Morocco.

Peniche and Baleal are known for their variety of surf spots and conditions, making the area a great place to learn and progress. If the waves are not suitable at one beach, instructors can look for better conditions somewhere else nearby.

Imsouane offers a completely different atmosphere. This small Moroccan fishing village is famous for its long, mellow waves, especially around Magic Bay. The slower pace, beautiful coastline and long rides make it a favourite destination for surfers looking for a more relaxed surf experience.

So, Portugal or Morocco?

That depends on what kind of surf trip you’re looking for.

Portugal gives you a lively surf town atmosphere, plenty of different beaches and easy access to a huge variety of waves. Imsouane gives you a laid back Moroccan experience, incredible sunsets, local food and long sessions in the water.

Either way, expect salty hair and tired arms.

Is Surfing Safe for Beginners?

Surfing is fun, but the ocean should always be respected. Conditions can change quickly, so it’s important to understand the waves, currents, tides and your own limits.

This is another reason why learning with an instructor is useful. Your instructor knows the local beach and can help you choose the right conditions for your level.

The biggest mistake a beginner can make is trying to surf waves that are too powerful. There’s no prize for catching the biggest wave on your first day. Start small, learn the basics and progress from there.

What If I’m Terrible at Surfing?

You probably will be.

At first.

And that’s fine.

Learning to surf means falling, missing waves, losing your balance and occasionally wondering why your arms suddenly stopped working. Some days you’ll feel like a surfing legend. Other days you’ll spend most of your session falling off the board.

Both are part of the process.

Don’t compare yourself to experienced surfers. Your goal isn’t to surf like them on your first week. Your goal is simply to improve a little every time you get in the water.

5 Tips for Your First Surf Session

Start with a lesson

An instructor will help you learn faster and, more importantly, understand how to stay safe in the ocean.

Use a stable board

A bigger board will make learning much easier.

Start small

Small waves are perfect for learning. You don’t need giant waves to have fun.

Expect to fall

Falling is part of surfing. Everyone does it, including the people who look very cool from the beach.

Have fun

Don’t turn your first surf trip into an exam. You’re here to enjoy the ocean, learn something new and hopefully meet some great people along the way.

Ready to Catch Your First Wave?

You don’t need to be an experienced surfer to start. You just need to be able to swim, be willing to learn and accept that your first few attempts probably won’t look like a surf movie.

At Sandycamps, you can learn to surf in Peniche and Baleal, Portugal, or discover the waves and laid back atmosphere of Imsouane, Morocco. With beginner friendly surf lessons, equipment and a surf camp atmosphere, everything is set up to help you enjoy your first steps in the water.

Come for the waves.

Stay for the good times.

Leave with salty hair and a new addiction to checking the surf forecast every morning.

Welcome to surfing.