Top surfing tips to take you to the next level

Jumping can work well in foam waves and on big beginner boards, but it makes it harder to progress later.

The problem is simple: for a brief moment, you are no longer connected to the board. On a big, stable softboard, that might not matter much. But on a smaller board, by the time you land, the board might not be where you expect it to be.

So why do some instructors teach this technique? Often, beginners come to surf just to have a good time. They are not necessarily trying to progress beyond foam waves and large beginner boards. The jumping takeoff is easier to explain and easier to execute, which helps beginners ride more waves and enjoy the session.

But if your goal is to improve your surfing, it is better to learn a takeoff technique that will keep working as you move to smaller boards and unbroken waves.

The biggest mistake I see when intermediate surfers start catching their own waves is this: they turn the nose of the board to the beach and paddle with all their might without ever looking back, as if there is a shark behind them.

But a wave is like a ball being passed towards you. It is a moving target. You cannot catch it properly if you do not see it coming.

Catching waves is all about being in the right place at the right time, while carrying enough speed.

Focus on looking at the wave as much as possible. Give yourself enough time to build speed, and try to understand where the wave is going to break so that you can meet the wave there.

When paddling, use long strokes. Reach as far forward as you can with your hand, then push the water behind you to move yourself forward.

The transition from intermediate to advanced surfing might be the hardest one.

One of the biggest reasons is that it often comes with another transition: getting a new board. This is the stage where many people start to struggle, and some even give up on surfing.

You want to do more turns, surf better waves, duck dive more easily, and have more control. So naturally, you start thinking about getting a smaller board.

But smaller boards come with drawbacks. Less volume means they are harder to paddle, harder to catch waves with, and less stable during the takeoff.

Always remember: the more waves you catch, the more practice you get. And practice is what makes you improve. If you are not catching waves, you are not progressing.

So when moving to smaller boards, take small steps rather than big leaps.

I understand that buying several different boards can be expensive, but do not be afraid of getting a mid-length before moving to a shortboard. Even after you improve, that mid-length will still be useful on smaller days. It might even motivate you to surf on days when a shortboard would not feel fun.

If you have reached this point in your surfing, you have probably heard a lot of advice already.

• Bend your knees.
• Look where you want to go.
• Use your rail.
• Compress and extend.

All of this is true, and all of it matters. But if there is one piece of advice that stands out for avoiding stagnation, it is this:

Take risks and do not get too comfortable.

It is very easy to keep surfing waves you already know, in a way that feels safe and controlled. You fall less, you look good, and you have a great time. But the problem is that it does not always lead to progression.

To keep improving, you need to try things you have not done before. And that means risking mistakes.

That might mean surfing new waves, trying new maneuvers, taking off deeper, pulling into closeouts, or putting your board in sections where you are not completely sure what will happen.

So go out there and keep falling.

Remember, falling into the water was probably one of the reasons you enjoyed surfing in the first place. Squeeze yourself into closeouts to learn how to get barrelled. Hit sections that feel a little too steep. Try to grab your board while throwing yourself into the air.

You will work out the rest along the way.