Back to Basics: Top tips for beginner surfers

Watch any Kelly Slater surf film, and even the world’s biggest sea scaredy cat would be inspired to give surfing a try.

There’s so much to think about when surfing, especially as a beginner - body position, surf board, paddling technique – already enough to process without adding waves, rip currents and other surfers into the equation!

The best thing you can do when first starting out is to get a lesson – whether it’s with a group or a one-to-one session - with a qualified surf instructor.

At Azrac Surf Morocco, we teach you all the skills on land before you hit the water – from basic board terminology to paddling and catching the wave – making sure you stay safe and catch beautiful Moroccan waves, whilst having the biggest amount of fun as possible !

Here are some of our top tips to remember when you first start your surfing career ;)

Carrying your board
This can feel like the hardest thing when you first start surfing – especially when you have to carry a wide 8ft softboard under your arm ! The best way to carry the board is to put it under you arm, with the fins facing out – this helps your arm get around the curve of the board, and it should fit nice and snug, ready for you to carry it to the shore line.
P.S. Your board is not a dog – never pull it along by the leash!

Leash
​The velcro strap goes around the ankle of your back foot, with the leash pointing away from your front leg (to avoid getting tangled or tripping over it)
Make sure there are no knots or tangles before heading in to surf. 

Getting out to the white water
Always keep the nose of the board facing out towards the waves – fins behind you, fin side of the board facing down/on the water.

Paddling 
​As a surfer, around 80% of your time in the water will be spent paddling! Get it wrong, and you’ll end up unable to catch the wave - and maybe even slight surf rage!
Think long, deep, powerful strokes, not slow and shallow ones - 'Long and Strong' is the key!

Reach each hand as far forward as you can, with fingers closed, making long strokes with alternate arms along the rails of your surf board.

​Position on the board when paddling
Your body should be inline with the stringer or central point of the surfboard, with your feet no further than the tail, and the nose of the board slightly out of the water.

Foot positioning 
When learning to surf, most beginners have their feet position all wrong – too far back so the nose of the board lifts out of the water, stopping you from having an awesome ride! Once you’ve popped up onto the board, your back foot should be over the fins, and your front foot should be centre on the board. Both feet should be along the stringer (central line) to keep your board balanced on the water.

And the most important thing: don’t forget to smile and enjoy!

Want to learn to surf in warm waves, with qualified instructors? Our multilingual team have experience of instructing a range of nationalities and abilities - from complete beginner to advanced - with surf sessions available in English, German and French!

Tempted?
​Check out our surf packages, or send us an email at [email protected]!