The answer to this question is YES. You can learn to surf at any age. Just as there is no age limit as to when you should stop surfing, there is no age limit for learning to surf. As long as you have a can-do attitude and a basic fitness level, surfing is a great sport to keep you active, healthy and fit.
For those thinking of getting into surfing later in life, the key to success is to be realistic, to set yourself achievable goals and, more importantly, to have fun in the process.
To help you start your surfing journey more smoothly, follow the below tips:
Work on your fitness and flexibility: The older we get, the more we need to get our bodies moving to avoid physical issues or injuries. Focus on strengthening exercises to level up your cardio and stretch frequently. Warming up the body by stretching before and after surfing is essential to keep any injuries away.
Get confident in the water: If you are not a strong swimmer, we suggest you start swimming regularly in the ocean, pool or lake. Developing swimming skills, resistance and confidence in the water will help you stay safe and feel more secure when surfing. The ocean is unpredictable, and conditions can change in the blink of an eye, so it is always better to be prepared for any situation.
Expand your ocean knowledge to surf within your ability: a common mistake among new surfers is the lack of ocean knowledge. Not knowing the dangers, suitable conditions and limits to one's abilities make surfing much more challenging and dangerous than it is. If you’re familiar with currents, rips, size of the waves and tides, you will be much more likely to have fun and stay safe.
Book surf lessons: Having an experienced surfer/surf coach to teach you as you begin will help to shorten the learning curve, avoid mistakes and keep you safe. A skilled coach will know all the techniques, tips and tricks to get you up and riding as effortlessly and as smoothly as possible. Whether it’s a one-on-one session, a group lesson or a full immersion on a surf retreat it’s always good to get the help of the professionals on your side.
Use appropriate equipment: Making sure you are using the right surfboard for your skills is fundamental. As a beginner, you’re looking to start with a long, high-volume soft top board that will provide stability and buoyancy. As you progress, the size of the board will decrease and the techniques required and complexity will increase. So don’t make the common mistake of starting with a smaller board just because it looks cool or is easier to carry around. Your surfing experience will vary enormously depending on the equipment used.
If you have any doubts about where to start, if you feel ready to get into surfing or simply have a question make sure you get in touch with our team. We are here to help you on your surfing journey and to get you started the right way. Join a monthly Surf Clinic, get fitness ready with our Surf Fit program, or live a life-changing experience with our Surf Tours.
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