The Biggest Mistakes Novice Surfers Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Photo by Jess Loiterton on Pexels

Everyone starts somewhere. Falling, missing waves, and feeling awkward on a board are all part of learning to surf. But many beginners make the same mistakes over and over—slowing progress, increasing frustration, creating bad habits and sometimes leading to injury.

At Swell Retreats, we work with surfers at every level. Here are the most common mistakes we see from novice beginners—and how to course-correct early for a safer, more enjoyable surf journey.

1. Skipping the Basics

It’s tempting to rush straight into the water, but skipping fundamentals unquestionably leads to bad habits that are harder to unlearn later. Surfing isn’t really something you just figure out in the water – it’s incredibly technical and land training is mandatory before paddling out.

Common issue:

• Poor paddling technique
• Poor body placement on the board
• Inefficient pop-ups
• Incorrect stance and foot placement

Fix:

Spend time practicing basics on land with a professional coach. A strong foundation accelerates everything else.

2. Using the Wrong Board

Too small, too short, too unstable—this is one of the biggest beginner mistakes. We often see people eyeing the sexy shortboards, but unless you can efficiently paddle and catch waves on your board, you won’t be doing a lot of surfing.

Why it matters:

A board with insufficient volume makes paddling harder, reduces wave count, and kills confidence.

Fix:

Start with a larger, wider, more stable board. Become an efficient paddler and catch more waves on a bigger board. More waves = faster learning and more fun.

3. Not Practicing Ocean Awareness

Surfing is as much about reading the ocean as riding waves.

Common mistakes:

• Sitting in the wrong spot
• Not watching sets
• Ignoring currents and tides

Fix:

Spend time observing before paddling out. Learn where waves break, how they move, and where to safely paddle out.

Photo by Sebastien Vincon on Pexels

4. Over-Paddling & Poor Body Position

Many beginners lay too far back on their board and paddle too hard but inefficiently.

Signs:

• Paddling on the back of the board with the nose flared
• Not arching your chest as you paddle for waves (and subsequently catching the nose of the board)
• Shallow, fast arm strokes rather than calm, digging strokes

Fix:

Find the board’s balance point where it perfectly planes through the water and use long, controlled strokes. Relaxation beats brute force.

5. Popping Up Too Late

Timing is everything.

Mistake:

Waiting until the wave is already breaking before standing up. This means you pop up at the bottom of the wave (i.e. the end of the ride) and it feels 100% harder than popping up when the wave lifts you.

Fix:

Commit early. Start your pop-up as soon as the wave lifts you and you feel descent—confidence creates momentum.

6. Forgetting to Breathe & Relax

Tension is the enemy of progress.

What happens:

• Rigid movements
• Faster fatigue
• Increased fear

Fix:

Slow your breathing, especially while paddling and waiting for waves. You would be shocked how often surfers how their breath when they paddle for waves and it sets an intension of tension and fear. As technical as surfing is, calming your mind and remembering to breathe is some of the best advice we can give. Breathe and Believe!

7. Surfing Conditions Beyond Their Level

Big waves and heavy conditions might look exciting, but they can overwhelm beginners.

Risk:

• Injuries (for you and the surfers around you)
• Fear-based learning
• Loss of confidence

Fix:

Choose smaller, mellow waves that match your ability. Master the basics before leveling up.

8. Ignoring Recovery & Self-Care

Surfing uses muscles you may not even know you have.

Common mistake:

Surfing multiple days in a row without stretching, hydrating, or resting.

Fix:

Stretch after sessions, hydrate well, eat protein and listen to your body. Recovery is part of progression.

9. Comparing Yourself to Others

Comparison steals joy—especially in the lineup.

Reality:

Everyone learns at a different pace.

Fix:

Focus on your own progress. Celebrate small wins: one good wave, one clean pop-up, one moment of flow.

Learn Smarter, Surf Longer

Mistakes are part of the process—but the right guidance makes all the difference.

At Swell Retreats, we work with professional and nurturing coaches to create a supportive environment where beginners can learn correctly, safely, and with confidence—both in and out of the water.

Because surfing isn’t about perfection.

It’s about connection—to the ocean, your body, and the joy of learning.

Ready to start your surf journey the right way? Join us at an upcoming Swell Retreat and build a strong foundation that lasts a lifetime.