Understanding the Different Levels of Surfing: From Beginner to Expert
Jean-Pierre Vernhes
5 min de lecture
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Introduction
Surfing is an exciting, demanding sport that is deeply connected to nature. If you are new to this world or want to better understand your progress, it is essential to understand the different levels of surfing. This will not only help you choose the right spots, equipment, and surfing partners, but also allow you to progress safely and enjoyably.
In this article, we will explore in detail the main levels of surfing, classifying them in an educational manner, from the very first steps to the expert level. For each level, we will discuss technical skills, suitable conditions, recommended equipment, common mistakes, and areas for improvement.
Level 1: The Complete Beginner
Profile
You have never surfed before or have only caught a wave or two during a beginner's lesson. You are discovering the ocean, the board, and the basics of surfing.
Objectives
Becoming familiar with the marine environment
Understanding basic safety rules
Knowing how to use your equipment
Learning to paddle and stand up (take-off)
Slide straight onto the foam
Ideal conditions
Obstacle-free sandy beach
Small waves of foam
Secure area, monitored if possible
Recommended equipment
Foam board (softboard) from 7’6 to 9’0
Leash and wetsuit suitable for the water temperature
Common mistakes
Do not look ahead during takeoff
Rushing to get up
Choosing waves that are too big
Tips for progressing
Take lessons with a certified instructor
Watch other surfers
Work on your endurance and flexibility
Level 2: Independent Beginner
Profile
You know how to ride a wave in a straight line, you stand up correctly, and you start wanting to ride "green" (unbroken) waves.
Objectives
Position yourself in the right place in the lineup
Learning to read a wave
Succeeding at takeoffs on unbroken waves
Start surfing diagonally
Ideal conditions
Small waves of 0.5 m to 1 m
Uncrowded spot
Average tide
Recommended equipment
Mini-malibu or progressive board (7'0 to 8'0)
Common mistakes
Standing too far away or too close to the impact
Rowing too late or too early
Throw your board into the foam
Tips for progressing
Work on reading waves
Improve rowing technique
Learning priorities and etiquette
Level 3: Intermediate
Profile
You know how to position yourself in the line-up, catch green waves, and follow the wave to the left or right. You are starting to perform your first bottom turns and small cutbacks.
Voluminous shortboard (6'4 to 6'8) or hybrid board
Twin, fish, or midlength depending on conditions
Common mistakes
Forcing maneuvers instead of feeling them
Do not look in the desired direction
Lack of fluidity
Tips for progressing
Filming oneself or being filmed
Vary the spots and types of waves
Attend specific coaching sessions
Level 4: Advanced
Profile
You surf regularly in varied conditions, you are able to adapt to different types of waves, and you perform maneuvers smoothly and with commitment.
Objectives
Refine your style and fluidity
Improve your timing
Optimizing trajectories and speed
Introduce more technical moves (snap, layback, roller)
Ideal conditions
Powerful waves from 1.5 m to 2.5 m
Reef break, point break, tubular conditions
Recommended equipment
High-performance shortboard, often made of epoxy
Specific board for big swells or barrels
Common mistakes
Lack of consistency in commitment
Trying too hard to "stick to the professional model"
Neglecting warm-ups or recovery
Tips for progressing
Surf regularly, even in average conditions
Working on mental strength and physical preparation
Participate in specific internships or trips
Level 5: The Expert
Profile
You are comfortable in all types of conditions, you adapt your surfing to the wave, and you anticipate with finesse. You are probably a recognized local or a very experienced free surfer.
Objectives
Maximum optimization of surfing (technique, reading, equipment)
Big wave surfing
Deep tubes and risk-taking
Ideal conditions
Hollow, fast, world-class reef waves
Conditions from 2 m to 4 m and above
Recommended equipment
Varied quiver suitable for all conditions
Gun, step-up, shortboards, longboards
Common mistakes
Overestimating your physical condition or weather conditions
Lack of rest or neglecting recovery
Tips for progressing
Targeted training outside the water (mental preparation, breathing)
Video coaching, exchange with other experts
Participate in competitions or filmed sessions
Conclusion
Whether you're a beginner discovering your first waves or an expert capable of tubing at Teahupo'o, surfing is a constant progression. Understanding your level not only allows you to surf safely, but also to optimize your training and board choices.
Above all, never forget that skill level matters less than enjoyment and respect for the ocean. Every session is a lesson, every wave a new challenge.
