7 Common Beginner Mistakes (And Fixes)

Surfing is one of those sports that looks effortless from the shore, but once you’re paddling out, reality hits fast. For beginners, it’s easy to fall into habits that make learning harder, not smoother. The good news? These mistakes are totally fixable — and avoiding them early can make the difference between frustration and flow.

This article breaks down seven common beginner surfing mistakes and how to correct them, so you can spend more time riding waves and less time wiping out.

Beginner Surfing Mistakes You Can Fix Today

Every surfer has been there — shaky pop-ups, missed waves, sore shoulders. The early days of surfing are all about learning through trial and error. Here are seven common pitfalls and practical ways to move past them.

1. Skipping the Warm-Up

Surfing might seem like a casual paddle-and-pop-up activity, but it’s a full-body workout. Jumping straight into the water without warming up can lead to muscle cramps, slower reaction time, and higher risk of injury.

To get your body wave-ready, take 5–10 minutes on the beach to stretch and activate your muscles. Try:

Dynamic stretches like arm circles and lunges
Gentle jogging or high knees for 2–3 minutes
Wrist and shoulder mobility exercises
Breathing drills to sync breath with movement

2. Bad Board Positioning

Many beginners struggle with where to lie on the board. Too far forward and you’ll nose-dive; too far back and you’ll miss the wave.

Find the board’s balance point and mark it mentally. When paddling out, make sure:

Your chest is centered over the midpoint
Feet aren’t dragging in the water
You’re lying flat, not arching or slouching
Chin is slightly up to keep eyes on the horizon

3. Looking Down While Popping Up

It’s tempting to look at your feet during the pop-up, but doing so throws off your balance and center of gravity.

Instead, train yourself to keep your head and eyes up. Key habits:

Focus on a stable point ahead, not your board
Engage your core as you rise
Keep shoulders square with the board’s direction
Practice pop-ups on land with eyes up

4. Using Arms Instead of Core

Beginners often rely on their arms for paddling and balance, leading to fatigue and poor technique.

Shift the effort to your torso and legs for stability and power. Try:

Engaging your core during pop-up and turns
Using hip movement to guide board direction
Minimizing frantic arm paddling
Cross-training with planks and core drills

5. Choosing the Wrong Waves

Wave selection is everything. Beginners often go for the biggest or closest wave, which may not be right for their skill level.

Instead, scan the sets and look for these signs of a better beginner wave:

A clean, unbroken shoulder with room to ride
Slower rolling waves, not dumpers
Smaller size under waist-high
Minimal crowd around it

6. Rushing the Pop-Up

Trying to jump to your feet in one panicked motion usually leads to falling.

Break down your pop-up into smooth, controlled steps. Focus on:

Strong push-up from the chest, not knees
Bringing the back foot forward first
Landing in a low, stable stance
Practicing slowly and repeating on dry land

7. Ignoring Surf Etiquette

Being unaware of right-of-way rules or snaking someone’s wave can create tension and even danger in the lineup.

Respect in the water is huge. Always:

Yield to the surfer closest to the peak
Don’t drop in on someone else’s wave
Communicate clearly with others
Observe quietly before paddling out

Why This Matters

Surfing is more than just fun — it’s a powerful way to connect with nature, build confidence, and improve physical and mental health. Starting out with good habits sets the tone for your whole surf journey.

By avoiding these common pitfalls, beginners can reduce their learning curve and enjoy the process more fully. Plus, it makes sharing the lineup safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

Beginner Mindset: Turning Mistakes Into Progress

Every surfer — even the pros — started by wiping out, hesitating on waves, or choosing the wrong board. What separates the ones who progress quickly is mindset. Embracing the learning curve with patience, curiosity, and self-compassion can transform every mistake into a stepping stone toward improvement.

Here are some mindset tips to help you grow through the ups and downs of learning to surf:

Expect to fall — a lot: Wipeouts are part of the deal. Laugh them off and know each one teaches your body something new.
Stay curious, not critical: Ask “what did I learn?” instead of “what did I do wrong?” after every session.
Celebrate small wins: Whether it’s a stronger paddle or a better pop-up, acknowledging progress keeps your motivation high.
Surf with people who uplift you: A supportive lineup or surf buddy makes all the difference when you’re finding your footing.
Don’t compare your journey: Everyone learns at their own pace. Focus on your own wave, not someone else’s highlight reel.
Ask questions and stay teachable: Be open to advice from more experienced surfers — most are happy to share a tip or two.
Keep it fun: The more joy you bring to the process, the more naturally progress will come. Stoke is your superpower.

Takeaway

Every surfer makes mistakes early on — it’s part of the ride. The key is learning from them, staying stoked, and showing up again. If you focus on form, stay patient, and respect the ocean and your fellow surfers, progress will come naturally. Keep practicing, keep smiling, and keep paddling out.