The Essential Guide for New Surfers
The secret of truly great surfers is that they have an ability to make everything they do look incredibly easy. They seem to glide into waves with barely a paddle, shoot to their feet, and surf the wave like they are controlling it with their mind.
This is not what it feels like to paddle into a crowded lineup as a beginner surfer. It can feel like every wave is breaking at just the wrong spot, you're in the way, and struggling to control the board upon which you lay. Sound familiar?
You’re not alone. At Almond Surfboards, we've seen this all before. After 16 years of helping surfers from every walk of life, I can tell you: The early days are tough for everyone. Whether you’ve been to a few surf lessons or you’re going solo, those first few steps can feel like a giant leap.
If you’re just starting out (or even if you’ve been surfing a little while), you’ve probably come up against a few of these struggles.
I still see people struggling with the basics every time I paddle out. And that’s why I’m passionate about passing knowledge along to the next generation. If you understand the core principles of surfing, you’ll have a solid foundation for the rest of your journey. Whether you’re 100% self-taught or had a friend give you a few pointers along the way, getting these basics down will make everything else easier.
Building a Strong Foundation in Surfing
When you’re just starting out, there’s a lot to take in, and it can be easy to feel like you're in over your head. But focusing on the basics is crucial for long-term success. The good news is, once you get a few key skills under your belt, everything else will start to click. Trust me—building a strong foundation in your first year of surfing is the best thing you can do to set yourself up for a lifetime of fun.
I’ve seen it all over the years, but what I still see most often are surfers—both new and experienced—who struggle with paddling, catching waves, and just building confidence in the water. That’s why I put together Almond’s Guide to Your First Year of Surfing.
Your Guide to Becoming a Competent, Confident Surfer
This guide is all the stuff I wish I knew when I first started out. It’s packed with everything I’ve learned over the years, from paddling tips to reading waves, and choosing the right surfboard. It’s designed to help you build your skills, feel more confident in the water, and make steady progress without getting frustrated.
In Almond’s Guide to Your First Year of Surfing, you’ll learn:
- How to paddle effectively and conserve energy
- Simple techniques for reading waves like a pro
- The best surfboards for beginners (so you don’t waste time on the wrong gear)
- How to catch more waves and build your confidence
- The key to making the most of your limited surf time
We’re offering Almond’s Guide to Your First Year of Surfing as a free PDF download so you can dive in and start learning today. Or, if you prefer to hold a book in your hands (and take a break from screens), you can grab a printed copy for just $9.99.
Even if you’ve been surfing for a while, I still think you’ll find something in this guide that’ll help you move past the obstacles that have been holding you back. Surfing’s a lifelong journey, and it’s never too late to build a stronger foundation.
What's Next?
