Surfing Levels

Everyone’s surf journey has its own rhythm. We all show up with different skills, different comfort levels and different goals, and that’s completely normal. Having a simple guide just helps us meet you where you are, support you properly and make sure everyone has a fun, safe and uplifting session.

A woman practicing surfing on a yellow surfboard on the beach, with another woman squatting beside her and providing guidance.

Complete Beginner

You’ve never surfed before, or you’ve only tried it once or twice.
You are learning:

  • How to pop up

  • How to balance on the board

  • How to catch small whitewash waves

  • Basic ocean awareness and safety

  • How to position yourself on the board

Your sessions are focused on confidence, fundamentals, and having fun.

Beginner

You’ve had a few sessions and can catch whitewash waves on your own.
You are learning:

  • How to stand more consistently

  • Improving balance and posture

  • Turning your board gently

  • Paddling technique

  • Reading the ocean a little better

You’re gaining confidence but still prefer smaller, gentler waves.

Advanced Beginner

You’re comfortable catching whitewash and starting to paddle for small “green” (unbroken) waves.
You are learning:

  • Timing and positioning for catching green waves

  • Angling your take-off

  • Basic trimming (riding along the wave, not just straight)

  • Wave selection

  • More advanced paddling habits

This is the stage where many women 35+ want support to progress safely.

Low Intermediate

You can catch small green waves on your own and ride along the face.
You are working on:

  • Improving your take-off direction

  • Generating speed on the wave

  • Navigating small crowds

  • Controlling your turns

  • Stalling and accelerating

You’re building consistency but still benefit from coaching to refine technique.

Intermediate

You’re confident catching waves in a range of conditions and can link basic manoeuvres.
You are developing:

  • More powerful bottom and top turns

  • Better line selection

  • Reading and positioning in the lineup

  • Handling more size and power

  • Board choice and performance

This level is usually riding hard boards and looking for longer, cleaner waves.

A woman surfing on a yellow surfboard in the ocean, with waves and rocky coastline in the background.
A woman surfing on a wave in the ocean, wearing a blue T-shirt and black leggings.
A woman in a black wetsuit riding a wave on a surfboard under cloudy skies.
A person surfing on a wave in the ocean on a cloudy day.