One of the best aspects of learning to surf is how quickly the intermediate skills can be learned once a surfer gains the ability to catch and ride unbroken waves on their own. If you have the basics in the bag, this article is aimed at you as it covers what will be learned and practiced in an intermediate surf lesson.
Board Size
Once proficient with the fundamentals, a surfer can begin to consider changing their board size as well. Learning to make turns on the waves face is challenging with a large foam board. I always recommend to students, looking to advance, to try a board no more than 12″ shorter than the board they are used to. Progress from each board at your own pace as you improve. It may not be easy to tell which next board is right for you at first, so try a few different shapes and see how they feel and what you enjoy most.
What Coaching You Will Receive
You are now to a point in your surfing progression where you can paddle into waves, so no more pushing from an instructor. Instead, we will be challenging your ability more and more. We will be in the line-up helping you decide which waves are appropriate to drop into. Observing and pointing out patterns in the waves and the breaks to better your understanding is one of our most important responsibilities.
What to Expect
An intermediate surf lesson is much more tiring than a typical surf lesson. Similar to most sports, advancing to a higher level of surfing is much more strenuous on your body. Paddling yourself around for ninety minutes will tire your arms, back, and shoulders quickly for the first several paddle-outs. Now out of the whitewater, the waves will be large and strong. Have confidence and commit to the wave you choose to pop-up.
