How to Improve Your Surfing in 2024
If you're like us, you probably find yourself thinking regularly about the next level you want to hit as a surfer, perhaps even daydreaming at work about the next technique you want to master. As the veterans in the lineup often say, surfing is a process of progression and it can take anywhere from a few years to a decade or more to reach an advanced level.
To help you build your personal plan of attack, we share below some recommended resources to help you achieve your goals. Every link below is to a service or product that we've tried ourselves and continue to incorporate into our regular training.
Surf Schools
It goes without saying, but a good surf school is an essential building block for becoming a confident surfer. But what should you be looking for? In our opinion, the best schools have experienced, down-to-earth instructors who put the needs of their students first, adjusting their teaching as needed to adapt to different ability levels and personalities. Another important factor is to have a low student-to-teacher ratio, so that each surfer gets enough attention. Lastly, if you live outside of the areas listed below, we recommend to find schools that are accredited by one of the organizations we've listed at the bottom of this section. If there aren't any accredited schools in your area, then we recommend to ask your local surf shop for recommendations and/or check Google reviews for schools with at least 25+ ratings.
Southern California
Banzai Surf School- Huntington Beach
This friendly, family-run surf school has been operating in HB for decades and is located next to an ideal break for learners.
Central Coast, California
Sandbar Surf School- Pismo Beach
Jonny Ziegler and his crew have been offering personalized, expert instruction and a relaxed vibe since 1994. Pismo Beach is a great spot for learners, with a variety of waves for all ability levels.
Hawaii
Titus Kinimaka's Hawaiian School of Surfing- Kauai (Hanalei)
Located in the Quicksilver Surf Store in the town of Hanalei, Titus Kinimaka's offers solid instruction from friendly local staff. This school boasts access to an ideal beginner surf break, with consistent, gently rolling waves most of the year.
Accredited Surf Schools in the U.S.
National Surf Schools & Instructors Association (NSSIA)- Accredited Schools
USA Surfing Accredited Schools
Summer Youth Surf Camps
If you live in the Orange County area, we highly recommend this summer camp for kids:
Aqualand Summer Surf Camp- Seal Beach, CA
Run by Matty and Lesley Mitchell and their awesome staff, Aqualand Surf Camp is all about FUN. They've mastered the art of helping kids have a blast as they learn to surf.
Online/Digital Surf Lessons
Let's face it, with our increasingly hectic lives, it can be tough to find the time to attend an in-person surf lesson. And for advanced surfers, the majority of surf schools are not geared towards expert-level instruction. The following services offer digital lessons and some even offer video feedback as part of their paid membership plans.
Barefoot Surf- Engaging and effective lessons with clear visuals to break surfing concepts down into simple terms. Both free starter plan and paid premium plans available.
Inspire Courses by The Inertia- Master classes curated by renowned surf publication, The Inertia. Courses can be purchased individually or get unlimited access to all courses for a monthly fee.
OMBE Surf- We're big fans of the humble, knowledgeable team at OMBE Their annual plan offers video feedback and a 30-day, money-back guarantee.
Training Equipment
If you're like most people, you may be so busy that you only have time to hit the waves once a week (or even less). The good news is that with some creativity and an open mind, you can also train effectively on land for the next time you hit the water! The following tools have become essential parts of our training regimens:
Bosu Balls- these half-circle domes with solid bases, commonly seen in hotel gyms and physical therapy practices, are great tools for training the muscles that help you balance on a surfboard. Simply turn it upside down and try some of these exercises recommended by OMBE Surf. Note: you don't have to buy the Bosu brand, but they are the gold standard. We recommend either the 50cm or 65cm sizes as these offer the right width for balancing in a surfing stance.
Carver Surfskates- quite possibly the most fun you can have on four wheels, Surfskates differ from traditional skateboards in that they come with specialized trucks which can pivot/twist to an extremely wide radius, enabling the rider to mimic the "pumping" and carving maneuvers of surfing on land. These boards are a blast and help develop the muscles needed to perform higher-level surfing moves.
Conclusion
There has probably never been a better time in history to learn how to surf. From well-established surf schools to online courses to innovative equipment, it's possible to make progress even from the comfort of your home. We've outlined some resources to help you get started on the path forward. The key now is to make a plan (any plan really) and commit to it. Let's go get it!