There’s more than one way to learn to surf — the easy way, and the hard way.

Surfing has one of the most challenging learning curves in modern sports. It’s not as easy as it looks, and the risk is high if you don’t know where to start, so…

Start at the Beginning

The best way to learn is to find a reputable surf school or surf retreat and get some quality instruction. Most schools offer a basic beginner class, which is a great way to get a taste of surfing and see if you want to pursue it further. These classes, however, are very introductory and offer more of a surf experience than an in-depth lesson. You can repeat the class a few times but the lesson will be the same rudimentary basics. After that, you’ll probably have to bump up to private coaching if you want to learn more. A rare few offer clinics and classes on specific topics, or levels beyond beginner.

In Santa Cruz, California, Surf Squad partnered with Katy Collins, then owner of Capitola Surf and Paddle, to create a 4 part series of women’s surf clinics that focused on specific topics — Pop Up Like a Pro, the Takeoffs, Riding Down the Line, and Carving and Cutbacks. Since then, the list of clinic topics has expanded to over a dozen, and this year a 5 day retreat was added to the lineup, along with two additional female instructors.

Meanwhile, I moved across the country to Cocoa Beach, FL, and connected with Central Florida Women Surfing. The club hosts classes, clinics and mini-camps, and I’ve since become an instructor. I love working with women of all ages at the beginning of their surf journey. There’s nothing better than coaching a newbie into popping up and catching a wave for the first time.

But What If Surf Lessons Aren’t In My Budget

Occasionally I meet ladies who very much want to start surfing, but are on a student’s budget. While the ocean is free, getting the gear and knowledge you need to get started isn’t. $125 for a 2-hour lesson in Santa Cruz can feel out of reach. I implore you not to skip this. Just one lesson will set you up for much greater success than just paddling out and hoping for the best, or getting a friend to teach you. Or worse, getting your partner to teach you. Many a relationship has ended over surf lessons.

The best thing about a beginner surf lesson is they typically include use of a wetsuit and board. You’ll be able to get solid advice about what size board you’ll want to start with, and how a wetsuit should properly fit to keep you warm.

No, Seriously, I Can’t Even Afford One Lesson

If you can’t afford even one lesson, and you don’t happen to have a friend who’s a surf instructor willing to take you out, here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• A surfboard. I generally recommend a 9 ft. soft top board to get started. You can read more about what to consider with Surf Squad’s Comprehensive Guide to Buying Your First Surfboard.
• A wetsuit. If you’re surfing in cold water (pretty much anything below 75 degrees) you’re going to want a wetsuit. Style and thickness will depend on your local water temps. In Santa Cruz, you’ll probably want a full 4/3 wetsuit. (4/3 designates the thickness of the suit — 4 mm in the chest and 3 mm in the arms and legs.)
• Some basic knowledge — how to pop up on a surfboard, where are the good beginner surf breaks in my area, etc. I’m working on adding posts on these very topics here, so check back regularly!

Happy Surfing!