How to Learn to Surf as an Adult (Without Feeling Overwhelmed or Giving Up)
- Helena Richardson
- Mar 1
- 3 min read
If you’ve recently started learning to surf, you might be wondering:
Why does this feel so hard?
Why am I not progressing faster?
Is it just me?
Let me reassure you - it’s not you.
Most adult beginners aren’t struggling because they “can’t surf.”
They’re struggling because they’re being taught in a way that wasn’t designed for how adults actually learn.
And that’s a big difference.
Why Learning to Surf as an Adult Feels So Hard
Surf schools often teach adults the same way they teach kids:
One lesson a week.
Fast demonstrations.
Minimal breakdown.
“Just keep trying.”
But Adults Learn Differently Than Kids
Adults:
Need a clear structure
Learn through understanding (not just copying)
Carry fear and self-doubt
Don’t bounce back from wipeouts the same way kids do
One lesson a week isn’t enough to build real confidence or muscle memory.
Progress in surfing comes from repetition, body awareness, and mental regulation - not just water time.
Why So Many Women Quit Surfing Too Early
I’ve seen it too many times.
You take a few lessons.
Feel confused.
Feel embarrassed.
Don’t see fast progress.
Start questioning yourself.
And you quietly walk away from the dream.
Not because you couldn’t become a surfer.
But because you didn’t have a clear progression plan.
You need structure outside of lessons.
You need intentional practice between sessions.
You need support.
My Unique Approach to Teaching Adult Women to Surf
After years of coaching women, running retreats, and watching beginners either bloom or quit, I realised something:
Technique alone isn’t enough.
That’s why my approach now blends three elements:
1. Technique (Yes, it matters)
Clear breakdowns.
Beginner-friendly variations.
Step-by-step progression.
Not one fast demo and “good luck.”
You need structure.
And confidence comes from clarity.
2. Yoga & Movement
Surfing requires:
Hip mobility
Shoulder strength
Core stability
Nervous system regulation
If your body feels tight or unstable, surfing will feel harder than it needs to.
Adding simple mobility and strength work changes everything.
It makes pop-ups smoother.
Paddling easier.
Wipeouts less overwhelming.
3. Mind Magic
This is the piece that changes the game.
Fear. Self-doubt. Overthinking.
Most beginner surfers don’t quit because of a lack of talent.
They quit because of their mindset.
Learning to regulate your nervous system in the water, celebrating small wins, and building confidence intentionally is what keeps you going long enough to actually improve.
And improvement is addictive.
The Truth About Progressing as a Beginner Surfer
If you only surf once a week and do nothing in between, progress will feel slow.
That’s not because you’re incapable.
It’s because surfing requires:
Repetition
Strength
Body awareness
Nervous system regulation
When you support your learning between lessons, everything accelerates.
That’s exactly why I created a Beginner’s Monthly Progression Plan.
Free Beginner Surf Progression Plan (Download)
I saw too many women give up too early.
Too many crushed surfer girl dreams.
So I put together a simple, structured guide that helps you:
Practice your pop up properly (with 3 beginner-friendly options)
Add short and easy-to-follow surf workouts (hips, core, shoulders)
Schedule rest days
Build confidence week by week
It’s the kind of structure I wish every adult beginner had.
And it’s completely free.
Because learning to surf should feel empowering - not defeating.
If you’d like more support, you can also explore:
The Soulful Surf Club (online community for women surfers)
But start with the guide.
Let’s build your surfing properly this time.
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