First, answering the question “how long does it take to learn to surf?” or “how long does it take to get good at surfing?” involves determining what “learn to surf” means to you. There are different skill levels in surfing. For example, one person might consider themselves as having “learned to surf” if they are able to catch a wave in the white water and stand up for a few seconds. Alternatively, another person might consider themselves a surfer once they are able to ride the open face of a wave. Finally, another person might not accept that they know how to surf until they are riding a shortboard and performing maneuvers.
At the Independent Surfer, we would say you have “learned to surf” once you:
1) have control over yourself and your surfboard in the water;
2) can catch unbroken waves on your own;
3) are able to stand up on the surfboard; and
4) have the ability to turn the board in the direction you want to go.
Ultimately, if you are able to do the four key points above, we would consider you a competent surfer who has learned to surf, or an “Independent Surfer.” In fact, this is where our name comes from as it is our goal to teach our students to become independent surfers and not need to rely on in-person instructors.
Responses