We’ve broken up surfing performance into simple categories so that you can check where your surfing is at.
It’s sometimes a good idea to verify your level with a friend who’s seen you surf.
(We all have a touch of Kelly Slater mind surf syndrome!)
Once you’ve established your surfing level you can book a lesson relevant to your skill and experience.
Level 1
Level 1
This is the early days of surfing. If you’re on an 8ft or longer board and are generally catching whitewater waves, Level 1 Lessons are for you.
The main areas of focus is these lessons are as follows:
Basic Ocean Safety
- Prone Position
- Catching waves
- Trim and Carve exercise
- Popping up to Standing
- Correct stance on the board
- Control of surfboard in and out of the water
Level 2
Level 2
Once you’re consistently catching waves and popping up to your feet a level 2 session is for you.
The main areas of focus is these lessons are as follows:
- Paddling past the broken waves in appropriate condions
- Popping up on the unbroken wave
- Turning the board left and right
- Angling take off
- Correct Trim position
- Basic Surf Fitness
Level 3
Level 3
If you’re in this category you’ve certainly got your own equipment or are very close to getting there. You’ll feel confident surfing left and right in head high surf.
The level three techniques to develop are below:
- Peak Positioning
- Improving wave selection
- Correct body positioning for generating speed
- Trim turn and Carve turn technique
- Introduction to essential surfing manoeuvres: Bottom turn, Cutback & Re-entry
- Awareness of rips
- Tide Knowlege
- Understanding equipment
- Surf Forecasting
Level 4
Level 4
By this stage in your surfing you’ve probably settled on a board or two you feel are good for you, whether longboard, shortboard or mini-mal and their variations. You’ll feel confident in paddling through over head surf and have the fundamental surf manoeuvres well practiced. Level 4 surf lessons will be focused in small group or 1:1 scenarios. All of the drills and techniques will be aimed at improving speed, power and flow.
The main areas of focus in these lessons are:
- Advanced wave selection
- Positioning to maximise potential of wave
- Choice of manoeuvre
- Linking turns to improve flow
- Matching skills to conditions
- Progressive surf technique and manoeuvres
- Competitive Surfing
