For the Love of Surf
Start your surfing journey or refine your skills. This category covers fundamentals — from paddling and popping up to wave selection and positioning — in clear, practical lessons.
Wipeouts are part of every surfer’s journey. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced wave rider, sooner or later, the ocean will remind you who’s in charge. But not all wipeouts are created equal. Some happen because of timing, positioning, or technique—others because the wave itself decides to humble you. Learning what causes them (and how to avoid the worst ones) will help you surf with more confidence and control.
Continue reading “What Causes Wipeouts and How to Avoid Them”
One of the most important steps in progressing as a surfer is learning how to angle your takeoff. Instead of going straight down the face of the wave and losing speed—or worse, nosediving—angling your takeoff helps you flow along the wave’s natural direction. It’s the difference between getting stuck in whitewater and gliding down the line with control and style.
Continue reading “How to Angle Your Takeoff”
Getting to your feet quickly can make or break your wave. The pop-up—the smooth motion from paddling to standing—is one of the most essential moves in surfing, yet many beginners underestimate how much timing and body control it requires. With the right practice and awareness, anyone can speed up their pop-up and unlock faster, cleaner takeoffs.
Continue reading “Improving Your Pop-Up Speed”
Catching your first wave is one of the most unforgettable moments in surfing. It’s the instant when the ocean lifts you, momentum takes over, and you glide toward shore — a pure rush that every surfer remembers. But before that magic happens, it’s all about preparation, patience, and learning to work with the wave, not against it.
Whether you’re surfing whitewater at a beach break or catching your first green wave, understanding the fundamentals will help you progress faster and have more fun in the lineup.
Continue reading “How to Catch Your First Wave”
Ask any seasoned surfer what separates an average session from a great one, and they’ll likely mention lineup positioning. Knowing where to sit in the water — and how to move with the waves — can make the difference between catching set after set or missing every opportunity. Mastering lineup awareness is about reading the ocean, respecting others, and putting yourself in the right place at the right time.
Continue reading “Understanding the Surf Lineup: Positioning Tips”
The turtle roll (also called the eskimo roll) is a technique used by longboarders or those on larger boards to get under an approaching wave without being pushed back toward shore.
Instead of diving under like shortboarders do with a duck dive, you flip your board upside down, hold on tight, and let the wave pass over you — much like a turtle rolling under a wave.
It’s a vital move for paddling out safely and confidently.
Continue reading “How to Turtle Roll Safely”
Every great surf session starts with one challenge: getting past the waves.
For beginners, paddling out can be the most exhausting and confusing part of surfing. But with the right technique and mindset, it becomes second nature — your gateway to the lineup.
Mastering how to paddle efficiently saves energy, improves control, and sets you up for every ride that follows.
Continue reading “The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Paddling Out”
Every surfer knows the thrill of catching the perfect wave — but that moment starts with how well you read the ocean. Knowing what the water is doing, where a wave will break, and when to paddle is what separates beginners from confident, consistent surfers.
Learning to “read waves” isn’t luck — it’s observation, timing, and experience. Once you understand how the sea moves, you’ll waste less energy and score more rides.
Continue reading “How to Read Waves Like a Pro”
The bottom turn is the cornerstone of surfing technique. It’s the move that transforms downward momentum into forward drive — setting you up for carves, snaps, and barrels. Every powerful top turn or smooth cutback starts with a solid bottom turn.
When you master this maneuver, you unlock control, speed, and style. It’s the key to linking your rides with flow rather than reaction.
Continue reading “Mastering the Bottom Turn”
A duck dive is the move surfers use to push their board under an oncoming wave instead of getting pushed back by it. It’s a foundational technique for shortboarders and intermediates—it helps you reach the lineup smoothly and save energy on crowded or choppy days.
Continue reading “How to Duck Dive: Step-by-Step for Beginners”© 2025 Surfolio.com – All Rights Reserved.