Surfing Levels

We have broken up the surfer’s journey into six levels. Please read below and let us know which level sounds the most relatable. This will help us group students, pick spots and boards and most importantly keep you safe and stoked in the water.

Level 1

You are a complete beginner who has never tried surfing before. You are a confident swimmer.

Next steps:

  • Learn about surf equipment, safety & etiquette

  • Different methods of standing up on a board and your surf stance

  • Basic paddle technique

  • Catch and stand up on white water waves with assistance

Level 2

You have tried surfing before in white water waves. You are still learning proper paddle technique and pop up.

Next steps:

  • Improve your paddling skills and pop up

  • Introduce the turtle roll

  • Catch white water waves without assistance and start catching green waves with assistance

  • Take off in both directions

  • Consider moving to a hard board

Level 3

You have some surf experience. You are learning to read the waves and position yourself correctly. You have started to catch green waves unassisted but can only go straight. You are comfortable on a hard board, can turtle roll confidently and take off in both directions.

Next steps:

  • Proper paddle technique for speed and economy of energy

  • Learn about wave anatomy, sets and spot specific factors to improve your reading of the wave.

  • Consistently catch green waves unassisted

  • Angle take off

  • Trim across the wave

  • Bottom turn

  • Fall over shallow reef

  • Introduce duck dive

Level 4

You are confident surfing on your own in busier spots. You can read waves well, consistently catch unbroken waves with an angled take off and confidently bottom turn. You may or may not be able to duck dive.

Next steps:

  • Consider moving onto shorter boards

  • Proper duck dive technique

  • Learn to top turn

  • Upper body mechanics during turns

  • Link manoeuvres

Level 5

You are completely independent in the line up and can compete for waves in crowded surf spots. You can ride short boards, consistently duck dive and complete bottom and top turns efficiently.

Next steps:

  • Optimal take off positioning

  • Cutbacks

  • Progression dependant: Floaters, re-entries, round house cutbacks

  • Tube riding

Level 6

You are an advanced and skilled surfer. You can confidently complete all the skills mentioned in previous levels.

Next steps:

  • Advanced tube riding

  • Aerial techniques