A Beginners Guide To Catching The Perfect Wave

Get in the Zone

Before you head into the water try and scope out the best spot to catch waves. Pay attention to the pattern of the waves and where the waves start to break. Every beach has its own unique structure that influences how and where the waves break. Try to familiarize yourself with the beach from the shore before you head into the water.

Infographic: @barefootsurftravel

Paddle Out

The next step is to get out into the water and paddle out past the breaking waves. You want to bide your time here and pick your moment. If there are other surfers waiting then be polite and wait your turn. When it is your turn, face the beach and paddle as hard as you can.

Infographic: NSW Sport and Recreation

Just Keep Paddling

As you furiously paddle to get out in front of the wave ensure that you don’t put to much weight forward. If you do you may end up being thrown off the front of the wave. Likewise, don’t put too much of your weight back as this may prevent you from actually catching the wave.

Get on Your Feet and Ride

The hardest part for all surfers but also the most rewarding is getting on your feet and riding a green wave. There are two schools of thought here, either pop up onto your feet in one motion or get on to your knees and gradually get to your feet from there. Either method works and both have their benefits.

The best teacher is always practice! So if you really want to learn how to catch the perfect wave you need to get out there and hit the surf. Check out our top 12 surf camps and surf resorts for learning to catch the perfect wave.