How to Surf Like a Pro - 3 Tips to Improve Your Surfing

If you’re looking to improve your skills and better understand how to surf, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re completely new or already gaining confidence on your board, focusing on a few key techniques can make a real difference in the water. At Big Blue Surf, we’ve helped hundreds of students develop their ability and progress quickly.

In this guide, we’ll share three essential tips to help you build confidence, improve your technique, and get more out of every surf session.

1. Perfect Your Paddling

When you’re learning how to surf, efficient paddling is one of the most important skills to master. Good paddling technique helps you get out to the waves faster and saves energy so you can focus on catching rides.

How to improve your paddling:

• Use long, steady strokes. Reach forward fully and pull through the water with purpose, rather than taking short, frantic strokes.
• Keep your body balanced. Raise your chest slightly and distribute your weight evenly to keep the board steady.
• Engage your core muscles. This helps you stay stable and reduces unnecessary movement.

Practice paddling in calm water to build strength and get comfortable before heading into bigger surf..

2. Master a Smooth Pop-Up

If you want to feel confident on your board, a quick and controlled pop-up is essential. This is the move that gets you from lying down to standing in one fluid motion.

Steps to improve your pop-up:

• Start in a push-up position. Place your hands under your chest, ready to push yourself up in one movement.
• Bring your front foot forward. As you push up, slide your foot between your hands.
• Find a stable stance. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, and weight centred over the board.

Avoid getting up on your knees first—this slows you down and makes balancing harder. Practising on the sand will help you build muscle memory and confidence.

3. Learn to Read the Waves

Understanding how waves behave is a key part of learning how to surf. When you can read the ocean well, it becomes much easier to choose the right waves and position yourself correctly to catch them.

Tips for reading waves:

• Watch before you paddle out
  Spend a few minutes on the beach observing the surf. Notice where waves are breaking and look for consistent patterns.
• Sit at the peak
  The peak is the most powerful part of the wave. Positioning yourself here gives you the best chance of catching it cleanly.
• Time your paddle and pop-up
  Start paddling just before the wave reaches you, then pop up as the wave begins to lift your board.

The more time you spend observing and practising, the more natural this will feel. As you improve your understanding of the waves, you’ll surf with greater control, confidence, and consistency.

Ready to Improve Your Surfing?

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, these three tips will help you become a better surfer. At Big Blue Surf, we offer expert coaching to help you progress quickly and safely.

Want to learn how to surf with professional instructors? Book a session with us today and start riding the waves like a pro! Don't forget our sister company OA Surf Club if you want to refine your skills at Widemouth Bay.