How to Improve Your Surf Skills After a Learn to Surf Vacation?

After the thrill of catching your first waves during a learn to surf vacation, many surfers return home eager to keep the momentum going. The warm sand, salty air, and confidence built during those surf lessons in Malibu, California, stay with you long after your vacation ends. But what comes next? How do you take those beginner lessons and turn them into consistent, skillful sessions on your local break?

Improving your surf skills is a mix of technique, fitness, mental focus, and time in the water. It’s not about chasing perfection but embracing the process of becoming a better, more confident surfer. Whether you have easy access to the coast or you’re limited to weekend getaways, there’s always room to grow in this sport.

Build on the Basics You’ve Learned

Your vacation likely covered essential surf skills: paddling technique, pop-up timing, stance, reading waves, and basic ocean awareness. The key after your trip is to reinforce those fundamentals rather than rushing into advanced maneuvers.

Why does it matter?

Strong basics are the foundation for every stage of surfing. Without them, progress stalls, and frustration builds.

What to focus on?

• Paddle efficiently with long, smooth strokes.

• Practice clean, consistent pop-ups on land daily

• Keep a low, balanced stance with knees bent and arms relaxed

• Always watch the horizon for approaching sets

• Respect surf etiquette and line-up priority

By committing to small, daily practices—even away from the ocean—you keep muscle memory sharp and mental awareness tuned.

Invest Time in Land-Based Surf Training

Not everyone can surf daily, but you can always train for it. Dryland exercises improve strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination, all essential for surfing.

Key exercises to include:

• Pop-up drills: Perform 3 sets of 10 pop-ups each morning. Focus on quick, fluid motion from prone to standing.

• Core work: Planks, leg raises, and Russian twists strengthen the muscles you rely on for balance and control.

• Balance training: Use a balance board or yoga poses like Warrior III to enhance stability.

• Paddle endurance: Resistance bands and swimming build shoulder strength and stamina.

• Flexibility: Daily stretches prevent injuries and improve movement range. Prioritize shoulders, hips, hamstrings, and lower back.

These practices don’t replace water time but amplify the benefits when you do paddle out.

Watch and Analyze Surf Footage

One of the fastest ways to improve is by watching yourself surf. Seeing what you’re actually doing compared to what you think you’re doing reveals habits you might not notice in the moment.

Ways to do this

• Have a friend film your sessions with a phone or GoPro

• Use slow-motion playback to assess pop-ups, stance, and turns

• Note common mistakes: weight too far back, stiff arms, or slow paddling

• Set one goal to correct per session

Even if you don’t live near a surf spot, analyzing vacation footage can offer insights into what you should work on next time.

Study Surf Technique Videos

Beyond your footage, watching professional surfers and technique breakdowns can sharpen your instincts. Focus on videos that break down body positioning, wave selection, and maneuvers rather than highlight reels of giant waves.

What to observe?

• How surfers position themselves on the board during paddling

• The angle of their feet and stance on takeoff

• How they shift weight during bottom turns

• Timing of maneuvers relative to the wave’s energy

Use these visual cues to shape your mental model of good surfing, then apply it during your next session.

Practice Reading Waves

Wave selection separates average surfers from good ones. The better you get at identifying which waves to catch, the more opportunities you’ll have to practice turns, speed control, and positioning.

To sharpen this skill:

• Spend time sitting on the beach and watching sets roll in

• Notice where waves break, which directions they peel, and how quickly

• Identify where other surfers sit to catch the best waves

• Observe how different tides, winds, and swells affect your local spot

This habit helps build confidence in choosing the right wave and improves your session quality.

Set Simple, Specific Goals

Instead of vague aspirations like “get better at surfing,” set clear, achievable targets each time you head out or train on land.

Examples of smart surf goals:

• Complete 10 clean pop-ups without hesitation on land

• Catch 3 unbroken waves during your next session

• Hold a balanced stance for the entire ride on at least 2 waves

• Paddle into position earlier, avoiding late drops

Small, consistent wins add up over time, keeping you motivated and progressing.

Join a Local Surf Community

Surfing can feel isolating if you’re far from the beach or surfing solo. Being part of a community provides accountability, advice, and encouragement.

Ways to connect:

• Join local surf meet-ups or social media groups

• Attend community surf events or beach clean-ups

• Buddy up with other surfers for carpool sessions

• Participate in surf fitness classes or online coaching programs

These connections keep you inspired and offer valuable local knowledge you can’t get from videos or articles.

Prioritize Fitness and Recovery

Surfing demands a blend of cardio fitness, strength, and mobility. Maintaining your physical condition between surf trips ensures you’re ready to paddle out when conditions allow.

Fitness essentials for surfers:

• Swimming laps to build endurance

• Resistance training for shoulders, back, core, and legs

• Yoga or stretching to improve flexibility

• HIIT workouts for explosive pop-up power

• Rest and recovery to avoid burnout

A consistent fitness routine makes each surf session more enjoyable and reduces injury risk.

Learn About Your Local Surf Break

Every surf spot has unique characteristics: bottom contour, wave direction, swell window, wind patterns, tides, and crowd behavior.

To get better at your home break:

• Arrive early to observe the line-up

• Speak with local surfers about conditions and hazards

• Understand tide charts and swell forecasts

• Experiment with different board types to suit the waves

Familiarity with your local spot boosts your confidence, wave count, and safety awareness.

Adjust Board Choice as You Progress

After a learn to surf vacation, you might feel attached to the soft-top or wide funboard you learned on. While these boards are forgiving, transitioning to a board suited to your ability and local conditions helps advance your skills.

When to consider switching boards:

• If you consistently catch and ride waves cleanly

• If your turns feel sluggish or limited

• If you struggle to duck dive through waves

Consult with local board shops or experienced surfers for recommendations based on your height, weight, skill level, and break type.

Practice Visualization Techniques

Top athletes in every sport use visualization to rehearse movements, strategies, and outcomes. Surfing is no different.

How to practice it:

• Close your eyes and picture paddling smoothly into a wave

• Visualize popping up with perfect timing and balance

• See yourself trimming along the face and performing a clean turn

• Replay mental footage of your best rides

This mental rehearsal conditions your brain to anticipate success and react calmly in the line-up.

Take Surf Trips to New Destinations

Surf progression accelerates when you experience different waves, climates, and surf cultures. Whether it’s a weekend road trip or a longer surf travel experience, new breaks challenge your skills and build versatility.

Benefits of surfing new spots:

• Learn to adapt to various wave shapes and sizes

• Improve timing and wave judgment in unfamiliar conditions

• Build mental resilience in new line-ups

• Discover new maneuvers or styles by observing other surfers

Each trip adds new layers to your skill set and keeps your passion for surfing alive.

Track Your Progress

Without keeping track of your improvements and challenges, it’s easy to feel like you’re not advancing. A simple surf journal helps you stay focused and motivated.

What to record:

• Date, location, tide, swell, and wind

• Number and type of waves caught

• Specific challenges faced

• Wins and moments you’re proud of

• Goals for your next session

Reviewing past entries highlights how far you’ve come and what patterns emerge in your progress.

Avoid Common Beginner Mistakes

Improving your surf skills means identifying and eliminating bad habits that can hinder your progress.

Mistakes to avoid:

• Looking down at your board while popping up

• Rushing maneuvers without reading the wave

• Leaning too far back, causing the board to stall

• Ignoring proper paddle technique and getting tired too quickly

• Forgetting to stretch and warm up before sessions

Focus on one habit at a time, and don’t be afraid to ask for feedback from more experienced surfers.

Why Choose Always Summer?

At Always Summer, the passion for surfing extends far beyond vacation lessons. It’s about helping you build a lifelong connection to the sport, whether you’re catching your first wave or fine-tuning your cutbacks.

Our commitment doesn’t end when your learn to surf vacation is over. We’re here to support your surf journey through resources, tips, and inspiration tailored for surfers at every stage. The ocean’s always calling — and we’re always ready to help you answer.