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

If you’re keen to take your surfing skills to the next level, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re learning how to surf for the first time or working on your technique as an intermediate rider, focusing on a few key skills can transform your time in the water. At Big Blue Surf, we’ve helped hundreds of students gain confidence and improve quickly.

In this guide, you’ll find three essential tips to help you progress and enjoy every 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 work is one of the most valuable parts of learning how to surf. Reading the waves well helps you pick the best ones to ride and positions you in the right spot to catch them.

Tips for reading waves:

• Watch the water before you paddle out. Take a few minutes to see where waves are breaking and look for patterns.
• Position yourself at the peak. This is the part of the wave with the most power and speed.
• Time your paddle and pop-up carefully. Start paddling before the wave reaches you, then pop up just as it begins to lift your board.

The more time you spend watching and practising, the easier it will be to predict how each wave will break. The better you become at predicting how waves will break, allowing you to surf with greater control and confidence.

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.