Your First Surf Lesson: What to Expect

How exciting! Congrats on taking the first step, whether you’re checking surfing off your bucket list or beginning a whole new journey of learning a sport.

It’s completely normal for surfing to feel intimidating at first, but we’re here to make sure you feel comfortable, safe, and focused on having fun in the water! 

What to Expect

You will wear a wetsuit:
You’ll be given a 5/4 wetsuit to keep you warm and comfortable in the water.

You will surf a 9'0 soft-top surfboard:
Beginner boards are big, soft, and stable.

Safe, beginner-friendly waves:
We stay in waist-deep water, practicing in whitewater waves. These waves are consistent and powerful enough to push you forward so you can focus on your pop-up.

Hands-on instruction:
You won’t see our instructors using boards during beginner lessons. We keep our hands free so we can guide you into waves, help move your board, and cheer you on every step of the way.

Falling (and laughing):
Falling is guaranteed but it’s part of the fun, and every attempt gets you closer to standing up.

A full-body workout:
Surfing uses muscles you didn’t even know you had. You’ll likely leave feeling happily tired in the best way.

Your biggest fans:
Expect cheering, clapping, and lots of stoke.

Common Worries:

“Will I Stand Up?”
This is by far our most common question and the honest answer is: everyone’s experience is different! 

Standing up depends on a mix of factors like balance, flexibility, timing, and comfort in the water. Some people pop up in their first lesson, while others take a little more time and both are completely normal.

The most important thing to know is that you don’t have to stand up to experience the feeling of surfing. Riding a wave on your stomach or even on your knees still gives you that same rush. 

“Is it going to be cold?”
Wetsuits are designed to keep you warm and comfortable, even in cooler water. Once you start moving, you’ll warm up quickly.

“What if I fall?”
You will! Falling is just part of learning (and often part of the fun). We will teach you how to fall safely and how to protect your head from your board. 

“Will I feel out of place?”
Not at all. Most people in the lesson are first-timers, and everyone is focused on their own experience and having fun. 

We can't wait to surf with you!