Surfing is a thrilling and physically demanding water sport that can be a great hobby for those who love the ocean and adventure. Not only is it a great way to get exercise and improve balance and coordination, but it can also be a way to connect with nature and relieve stress. To get started, it’s best to take lessons from a qualified instructor who can teach you the basics of paddling, standing up, and riding waves. As you progress, you can upgrade your equipment and explore different surf spots around the world.
Already an expert?
Surfing
as a hobby
Surfing soothes me, it’s always been a kind of Zen experience for me. The ocean is so magnificent, peaceful, and awesome. The rest of the world disappears for me when I’m on a wave.
Paul Walker
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Helpful content to start surfing as a hobby
We aim to provide accurate information, but errors might be found. Always exercise judgment and discretion.
📼 Videos
Short visual inspiration.
🎙️ Podcasts
Play an episode while exploring the page.
Surfing is a way of life, not just a sport. When you learn to surf, you should know that it’s not only about you and the waves, but also about the culture, the history, the environment, and the community of surfing. Surfing can teach you many values and skills, such as respect, patience, courage, balance, and harmony.
📜 Terms
Basic lingo for orientation.
- A-frame. A type of wave that has a peak in the middle and breaks both left and right, forming a shape like the letter A. A-frame waves are ideal for surfing because they offer two options for riding.
- Barrel. The hollow part of a breaking wave that forms a tube or a tunnel over the surfer’s head. Also known as a tube, a pit, a slot, or a keg. Getting barreled is one of the most thrilling and rewarding experiences in surfing.
- Cutback. A surfing maneuver that involves turning back towards the breaking part of the wave to regain speed and position. A cutback allows the surfer to stay on the wave longer and avoid getting too far ahead of it.
- Dawn patrol. The act of surfing early in the morning, usually before sunrise, to catch the best waves and avoid the crowds. Dawn patrol surfers often enjoy cleaner conditions, cooler temperatures, and more wildlife sightings.
- Epic. A term used to describe something that is awesome, amazing, or extraordinary. Epic can refer to the waves, the weather, the surf session, or anything else that impresses or excites the surfer.
- Face. The unbroken part of the wave that offers a smooth surface for surfing. The face is where most of the surfing maneuvers are performed. The face can also be measured to indicate the size of the wave.
- Goofy. A term used to describe a surfer who stands on the surfboard with their right foot forward and their left foot back. Goofy surfers usually prefer to surf right-hand waves, where they face the wave instead of away from it. The opposite of goofy is regular or natural.
- Hang ten. A surfing maneuver that involves walking to the nose of the longboard and hanging all ten toes over the edge. Hang ten is one of the most classic and stylish moves in surfing, especially in longboarding.
- Inside. The area of the surf zone that is closer to the shore than the outside or the lineup. The inside usually has smaller and weaker waves that break more frequently. The inside can also refer to the position of a surfer who is closer to the peak or the breaking point of the wave than another surfer.
- Jaws. The name of a famous big wave surf spot located on the north shore of Maui, Hawaii. Jaws can produce waves up to 80 feet high that challenge even the most experienced and fearless surfers. Jaws is also known as Peahi.
❗ How to start surfing as a hobby
First moves for getting acquainted and breaking the ice.
- Watch some YouTube videos for inspiration and motivation.
- Catch up with the basic terms for familiarization.
- Watch free surfing lessons to get a grip.
📚 Books
Get read-y.
🪜 How-tos
Step-by-step tutorials.
📄 Articles
Further reading.
🌐 Websites
Go-tos for information.
Surfing is a dance, and you have to tune in to the partner, not lead it.
Gerry Lopez
🍿 Movies
Nothing like a film for inspiration.
❓ FAQS
Get a clue.
Do I need to take surfing lessons?
It is highly recommended that you take at least one surfing lesson from a professional instructor before you start surfing on your own. A surfing lesson can teach you the basics of surfing, such as safety, etiquette, equipment, techniques, and wave knowledge. A surfing lesson can also help you avoid bad habits, correct your mistakes, and boost your confidence. If you choose not to, or can’t, take in-person lessons, there are online courses available.
Where should I surf?
You should surf at a spot that is safe, friendly, and consistent for learning. You should avoid spots that are crowded, rocky, shallow, or have big or powerful waves. You should also check the weather and tide conditions before you go surfing.
📱 Apps
Smart assistance.
📦 Products
Essentials to have.
⛳ Courses
Get smart.
📍 Near You
Get together.
- Surfing groups | Meetup
- Google “Surf club near me”.
Surfing is an adventurous and exciting sport that allows you to explore new places and experiences. Surfing can take you to some of the most beautiful and exotic destinations in the world, where you can enjoy the natural beauty and diversity of the ocean and the land. Surfing can also challenge you to face your fears and push your limits.
💡 Tips
Additional advice for beginners.
Additional information
| Activities | |
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| Fields | |
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| Participants | |
| Skills | Agility, Attention to Detail, Balance, Concentration, Core Stability, Hand-eye Coordination, Mindfulness, Motor Coordination, Patience, Perseverance, Physical Endurance, Physical Fitness, Risk-taking, Spatial Ability |